This is the season when mangoes are abundant in the market. You might have some at home, but remember to eat them early as they spoil easily. In fact, there are taboos associated with eating mangoes. Do you know what not to eat with mangoes? What are the health benefits and effects of mangoes? Let's find out together.
Does eating mangoes cause "heatiness" (上火)?
This depends on the nature of mangoes and an individual's constitution. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food properties are categorized into four main types: hot, damp, cold, and dry, with most being a combination, such as hot-damp, damp-cold, or dry-cold. The intensity of these properties also varies. In TCM, mangoes are considered sweet and sour in flavor, cool in nature, and non-toxic. They are believed to clear heat, promote the production of body fluids, quench thirst, promote urination, benefit the stomach, and prevent nausea. For most people, consuming mangoes in moderation will not cause "heatiness." However, excessive consumption can lead to yellowing of the skin and damage to the kidneys. When eating mangoes, one should avoid spicy foods like garlic to prevent skin yellowing.
Additionally, mangoes have a damp-toxic nature. People with a "damp-heat" constitution may experience "heatiness" after eating them. Those with skin diseases or tumors should avoid consuming them. Furthermore, people with allergies should be cautious and wash off any mango juice and pulp residue from the skin around their lips after eating to prevent allergic reactions.
Health Benefits and Effects of Mangoes
1. Benefits the Stomach, Stops Nausea and Dizziness: Mangoes are effective for dizziness, Meniere's disease, dizziness caused by high blood pressure, and nausea and vomiting. Eating the flesh or drinking water simmered with mangoes can also be very effective for morning sickness in pregnant women.
2. Lowers Cholesterol: Regular consumption of mangoes replenishes the body's Vitamin C, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. The carotene in mangoes is beneficial for the eyes and moisturizes the skin, making it a great beauty fruit for women.
3. Relieves Phlegm and Coughs: The mangiferin in mangoes has the effect of reducing phlegm and stopping coughs, providing a supplementary therapeutic role for coughs, excessive phlegm, and asthma.
4. Anti-Cancer: Mangoes contain mangiferone, isomangiferol, and other triterpenoids and polyphenolic compounds with anti-cancer pharmacological effects. Mango juice can also increase gastrointestinal motility, reducing the time feces stays in the colon. Therefore, eating mangoes is very beneficial for preventing colon cancer.
5. Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory: The unripe fruit, bark, and stems of mangoes can inhibit pyogenic cocci and E. coli. The extract of mango leaves also has the same effect and can be used to treat skin and digestive tract infections.
6. Improves Eyesight: Mangoes are very rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, especially carotene (pro-vitamin A), which ranks first among fruits. It has the effect of improving eyesight.
While mangoes are good, eating too many can lead to the following 4 problems:
1. Causes Dermatitis. Eating too many mangoes can trigger dermatitis. The leaves or juice of mangoes can cause dermatitis in people with allergies, so caution is advised.
2. Causes Digestive Issues. TCM suggests that people with "Qi deficiency" or "spleen deficiency" should not eat too many mangoes because they are a cooling food that can reduce gastrointestinal motility. Overconsumption can lead to indigestion and bloating, so those with poor digestive function should also limit their intake.
3. Causes Throat Problems. This usually occurs when eating unripe mangoes, as they secrete a substance that can irritate the throat, possibly causing hoarseness.
4. Causes Satiety. Mangoes are rich in protein, making them one of the few fruits high in protein. Therefore, eating too many can make you feel full very quickly.
The Best Time to Eat Mangoes
Do not eat fruits on an empty stomach, as the fruit acids in mangoes can stimulate the stomach to produce excessive gastric acid. It is recommended to eat mangoes 1-2 hours after a meal. It's also best not to eat fruit right before a meal. Eating mangoes immediately after a meal can easily cause symptoms like diarrhea and stomach pain. Additionally, the season for eating mangoes should be controlled. You can eat some during the relatively dry spring, but avoid excessive consumption in the summer, as it can easily lead to internal heat.
Who Should Avoid Eating Mangoes:
1. Mangoes have a damp-toxic nature. People with skin diseases or tumors should avoid eating them.
2. People with allergies should be cautious, as mango leaves and juice can cause dermatitis in them.
3. People with "Qi deficiency" or "spleen deficiency" should be cautious and preferably avoid eating them.