Whether you’re a fan of mangoes or not, there are a number of reasons to include them in your diet. For starters, they’re packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. They also contain urushiol, a substance that’s known to protect your skin from infections.
urushiol
Mango skin contains urushiol, a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Fortunately, it is not a life-threatening allergy. However, if you are allergic to urushiol, you should avoid eating mangoes.
You can get a rash after eating a mango, and the symptoms can be mild to severe. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention. Fortunately, the rash from eating a mango is not contagious. In fact, you can still eat the fruit if it is peeled.
Mango allergies can be caused by a number of factors. People who have been exposed to poison ivy or oak before may develop contact dermatitis from mango. Other individuals who have never been exposed to urushiol-containing plants may also have a sensitivity to the substance.
Symptoms of a urushiol allergy include itchiness, itching, and swelling of the mouth, throat, and lips. They can also affect the neck and chin. The itching can lead to blisters, as well.
Urushiol-containing plants can also cause tracheitis, pulmonary edema, and pruritus. These symptoms are usually accompanied by an itchy rash.
People with a urushiol allergy are advised to wash the affected areas before handling or consuming mangos. Alternatively, they can try applying a scrubbing agent to the affected area. Using a cortisone cream or lotion may reduce the itching. Cortaid 10 is a cortisone 1% cream that is over-the-counter.
To avoid a urushiol allergy, choose only organic mangoes. This will ensure that you do not consume pesticides. Another source of urushiol is the outer shell of cashews. Unlike the skin of other fruits, cashews are never sold in their shell.
Mangoes are a part of the Anacardiaceae family, the same family as poison ivy and poison oak. However, they do not contain the same toxin as these plants.
pesticides
In the United States, most people remove the skin of mangoes before eating them. It’s a good idea to do so for a number of reasons. For one, removing the peel reduces pesticide exposure.
Mangoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. They’re also cholesterol and sodium free. However, there are some downsides to eating mangoes with the skin on.
Aside from being difficult to chew, mango skin can contain chemicals and ingredients that cause allergies. To avoid these, you should choose organic mangoes. You can also wash the fruit thoroughly to get rid of pesticide residues.
Many fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides. Several studies have linked exposure to pesticides to negative health effects. These include reproductive troubles and an increase in the risk of certain cancers.
Fortunately, mangoes are usually harvested without the use of pesticides. Nevertheless, the skins of some varieties may still be sprayed with pesticides. If you’re unsure whether the peel is organic, you should ask your doctor.
In general, though, the skin of a fruit is packed with antioxidants and other powerful plant compounds. While it’s not essential to eat the skin of a fruit, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Besides containing a number of nutrients, the peel of a mango can be used as a nutritional supplement. If you’re eating mangoes that have been treated with pesticides, you should wash them thoroughly before eating them.
Some people say that the peel of a mango contains urushiol, a chemical found in poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac. Urushiol can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Fortunately, these allergic reactions are rare.
Unlike other types of fruit, the skin of mangoes can be eaten. Although the peel can carry pesticides, it’s generally not harmful to humans.
antioxidants
Aside from being tasty, mangoes also offer an array of health benefits. They have high antioxidant levels, and are loaded with nutrients, such as Vitamin C, which helps in healing and repairing damaged skin.
In addition, it contains phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds are known to prevent chronic disease. It also has cleansing properties.
The peel of the mango is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene protect the body from free radical damage. Also, it helps in forming collagen in the bones. Besides, it is a good moisturizer.
However, it may not be for everyone. Unless it is organic, it’s not a good choice. If you’re considering eating mango skin, consider the risks. You might get exposed to pesticides and other toxins, which might cause digestive problems. Alternatively, you might experience a bitter taste.
Some people argue that eating mango peel is not the best way to benefit from its antioxidants. To get the same benefits, you could try other fruits. For instance, banana has a high antioxidant ability.
The peel of a mango can be dried outside for a couple of days. After that, you can use a mortar and pestle to crush it into a fine powder. Once the powder is rubbed into your skin, you can wash it off in a few minutes.
While there are no concrete scientific proofs, eating mangoes might be a good idea if you’re prone to acne. Antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene can help in preventing inflammation caused by acne. Plus, the alpha hydroxy acids found in mangoes are known to break down the bonds between dry skin cells.
polyphenols
Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that are present in fruits and vegetables. They are known to offer antioxidant protection, anticancer activity, and other health benefits. Moreover, they are commonly associated with dietary fiber and may have prebiotic properties.
The mango peel contains a wide variety of polyphenols, many of which have been shown to improve the gastrointestinal tract. Among the phenolics studied, gallic acid is the most abundant. Gallic acid inhibits inflammation and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). It also exhibits anticancer activities. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce the level of IL-6, COX-2, and TNF-a.
Mango peel is a byproduct of the processing of fruit. It contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and dietary fibre. In addition, it is a source of xylan-type and arabinoxylan-type polysaccharides.
Several studies have been conducted on the polyphenols of the mango peel. One of them is the discovery of the antioxidant power of a mango peel extract. A subsequent study tested the efficacy of mango peel extracts on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil.
An in vitro test evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of polyphenols. In this test, a mixture of gelatin and gallotannins inhibited ICAM-1, interleukin-8, and zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) mRNA expression. This compound is a good candidate for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Another study investigated the role of polyphenols in improving the intestinal microbiota. These polyphenols are produced by the intestinal epithelial cells, which play important roles in the mucosal inflammatory response. The results showed that a 4-week intake of mango fruits significantly improved stool shape, consistency, and gastrin levels. Similarly, a four-week intake of mango juice reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-a production.
While it is possible that mango polyphenols may interact with hepatic enzyme systems, they do not likely do so.
health benefits
Mango skin is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. These vitamins help to maintain the immune system, protect the body against free radicals, and reduce inflammation. They also act as antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from UV rays and environmental pollution.
As well as the essential vitamins, mangoes are rich in phosphorus and iron. This helps to reduce the risk of anaemia and ensure strong bone health. It is also a good source of fibre.
Some of the vitamins in mango skin are believed to control cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These vitamins are also helpful to people who suffer from acne.
Besides the nutrients in mango skin, the peel contains triterpenes and phytochemicals that are known to have anticancer properties. These compounds have been found to be effective in treating a number of different cancers.
One compound in mango is called urushiol. Urushiol is normally present in poison ivy, but is harmful to humans if eaten. Ingestion of urushiol can lead to an itchy rash, breathing issues, and allergies.
Another component of mango is beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant. Beta-carotene prevents the formation of free radicals that can damage the skin and cause wrinkles.
Vitamins A and C are important for the production of collagen, a protein that aids in elasticity and reducing fine lines. Vitamin K is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against coronary heart disease.
Mango skin also contains fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Although some studies have shown that consuming mango peel can help to fight certain types of cancer, more research is needed.
