For most people, mangoes are akin to poetry. Indian fables are replete with the taste of the mighty mango. Summers are synonymous with mango and its varieties, in terms of dishes as well. Commercials revolve around providing people with the essence of mango even when it’s not mango season. Train journeys in summer are about complete strangers bonding over shared slices of mangoes. Summer vacations are about mangoes.

No matter how much we love mangoes, the mango season lasts only a few weeks. So how to deal with this constant craving? By adding mangoes in everything obviously. Mango pickle, mango chutney, mango squash, and even mango chocolates, you name it and you have it. A few mango varieties like the Alphonso, Kesari and Badami enjoy more prominence than the rest.

What makes mangoes so popular is the fact that they have unique qualities like being non-fibrous, very sweet and pulpy. In fact, biting into the flavours of Alphonso feels like a luxury in itself.

Fossil evidence suggests that mangoes were first found in North East India from where it made its way into Myanmar, Bangladesh and then finally the South of India.

Called as the King of Fruits, mangoes have benefits which other fruits rarely seem to possess.

Mangoes are more than its colourful exterior and wholesome taste. It actually plays an important role in promoting healthy digestion. Mangoes contain enzymes that aid the breakdown of protein and fibre and thereby keep the digestive tract working smoothly.

Mangoes contain dietary fibres which help lower the risk of heart diseases and Type-2 diabetes.

Mango flesh contains prebiotic dietary fibre, which helps feed good bacteria in the gut. (Neal’s Yard Remedies)

An average sized mango also contains up to two-thirds recommended intake of Vitamin C. This is an antioxidant which helps boost the immune system and prevents flu.

Including mangoes in the diet also promotes one’s eye health. Because mangoes are rich in beta- carotene, it helps in the production of Vitamin A which then prevents age-related loss of vision.

Eating this premium quality organic mangoes helps lower the cholesterol levels too. The high level of fibre pectin helps bring down the low-quality bad cholesterol which is usually the major cause of blocked blood flow.

For those who are really conscious about their skin, mangoes just climbed up another step in the favourite food ladder. Filled with skin-friendly Vitamin C and Vitamin A, mangoes ensure healthy skin and skin repair. When consumed in moderation, mangoes are also believed to help exfoliate the skin and eliminate dead pores.

While the overall benefits of mangoes cannot be contested or doubted, the excessive use of chemicals does put a bummer on it. To keep up the continuous demand of mangoes in the summer season, most farmers end up using chemicals and synthetic aids to fasten the ripening process. This, in turn, ends up making the mangoes full of chemicals and less of health benefits.