The English word “MANGO ” originated from the Portuguese word “manga. Mango trees have been cultivated in South Asia for thousands of years and reached East Asia 
between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. By the 10th century AD, cultivation had begun in East Africa. About 4000 BC ago, the wild mango originated in the foothills of the Himalayas of India and Burma, and about 40 to 60% of these trees still grow in India and Southeast Asia. Also known as Mangifera Indica, this exotic fruit belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae. Though native to Southern and Southeast Asia, the fruit is now also grown in Central and South America, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula also. Today there are over 1,000 different varieties of mangos throughout the world.
INTRODUCTION OF MANGO TREE:
Mango trees grow up to 30–45 mts. tall; with a radius of about 10 mts. Generally mango tree live for many years and some specimens of mango still fruit after 300 years. The leaves is about 15–35 cm long and 6–16 cm broad; when the leaves are young they are orange-pink and rapidly changing to a dark glossy red then dark green as they mature. The mango fruit takes about three to six months to ripen. More than 25% of world’s mangoes are cultivated in India alone second comes China.
TOP 10 HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF EATING MANGOES:
1. Mangoes help in Weight gain: eating mangoes is very useful for people who want to gain weight. Starch-contain in raw mangoes are converted into sugar as the mango fruit ripens ripe. Each 100 grams of mango contains about 75 calories. Sweet mangoes when consumed with milk can be very useful in weight gain.
2.Mangoes cure Diabetes: mango leaves is the best insulin to reduce sugar levels in the blood. The glycemic index in mango is low between 41-60. Therefore do not affect more on increasing levels of sugar in the blood. Mango leaves can be used by Boiling a few mango leaves in water keep it to saturate at night, filter water and consumed in the morning best home remedy for diabetes.
3.Mangoes Beneficial for anemia: Mangoes consist of vitamin C and good amount of iron contain which is very beneficial for pregnant women and people suffering from anemia due to iron content. Women usually become weak after menopause; they should take the mangoes and other fruits rich in iron.
4.Mangoes for Health Eye vision: Eating mangoes regularly prevents night blindness remove refractive errors eyes, softening of the cornea, itching and burning eyes. Only one cup of sliced Mango is enough as it consist 25 percent of the required value of vitamin A which is best for healthy eye vision.
5.Mangoes Increase memory power: mangoes contains acid glutamine, which is good for improving memory it keeps memory cells active. Mangoes are useful for children, who lack in concentration in studies.
6.Mangoes reduce Cancer: a mango contains properties, such as astragalin, Gallic acid, isoquercitrin, quercetin, fisetin, methylgallat and good quantity of enzymes which have the ability to prevent cancer. Mango consist high soluble dietary fiber called pectin which prevents cancer. A cup of mango slices which is about 165 grams contain 76 percent of vitamin C, lots of fiber which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from free radical damage and reduces cancer.
7. Mango Benefits for skin: mangoes is also useful for people who suffer from acne. Mangoes are very effective as it relieving clogged pores of the skin. It can be used by removing mango pulp, apply on the skin for about 10-15 minutes before washing. Eat mangoes regularly may make skin fair of complexion shiny and soft.
8. Mango For better sex: mangoes contain Vitamin E in abundant that help to regulate the sex hormones and increases sex drive.
9. Mangoes for digestion: Mango contain large amount of fiber useful to combat acidity and poor digestion due to an enzyme found in mangoes help to break down proteins and increase digestion power. Eating mangoes regularly can be useful for preventing constipation.
10. Mangoes can avoid heat stroke: green mangoes have a rich source of steam and pectin. Its juice can be taken with cumin called (jeera) sugar, rock salt; it is an excellent remedy for heat exhaustion in summer and heat stroke.
5 TRADITIONAL USE OF MANGOES:
1.In Hinduism, the perfectly ripe mango is often held by Lord Ganesha as a symbol of attainment, regarding the devotees’ potential perfection.
2. Mango leaves are used to decorate archways and doors in Indian houses and during weddings and celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi.
3. Mango blossoms are also used in the worship of the goddess Saraswati.
4.In Tamilnadu, Mango Banana and jack fruit, is considered as the Three royal fruits (Mukkani)
5.In Australia, where mangoes are considered to be a symbol of summer, the first tray of mangoes of the season is traditionally sold at an auction for charity.
