Disadvantages Of Mango: Should You Avoid It?
Mango is one of the most delicious and anticipated summer fruits. Mangifera indica is the national fruit of India and the emperor of fruit, according to popular belief. This plant’s flowering species is called Mangifera. Mango has many types with distinct tastes, colors, and flavors. In this article, you will learn the disadvantages of Mango.
What Is A Mango?
Mango is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It has a tall and dense crown that grows up to 30 feet in height. This plant bears long leaves with leathery membranes, which have been used for making traditional Indian shoes called ‘magan’. The flowers of this tree are yellowish-white and grow in large clusters. The fruit of this plant is the mango which has a large amount of pulp and yellowish-white color.
Disadvantages Of Mango
1. Migraines
Mango is rich in histamines which cause migraine headaches. If you have a history of migraine then avoid mango as it may trigger one or more migraines. It contains chemicals that release serotonin, an organic compound triggering multiple responses in the human body including headache upon consumption. This compound is also responsible for delayed menstruation, which results in severe migraine.
2. Allergies
People with allergies to mango must avoid this fruit as it may cause hives and other symptoms of allergy upon consumption. If you are prone to allergies then never ever eat unripe mangoes as they contain undigested proteins that can induce an allergic reaction. However, you can eat the ripe mangoes as they contain digested proteins that do not cause allergies in most people.
3. Diarrhea
For people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, mango is not safe as it can cause diarrhea. The pulp of raw mango contains chemicals that are difficult to digest and induce loose stools if your intestinal lining is injured or sensitive due to other reasons. To avoid diarrhea, never eat the seeds of this fruit as they are hard on the stomach and can exert adverse effects.
4. Stomach Ulcers
Mango seeds contain chemicals that can cause stomach ulcers if you consume them raw. These chemicals are difficult to digest and damage the lining of your stomach, which results in pain and burning sensation during digestion. The same consequences can be found if you eat too many mango seeds regularly as they are hard on the stomach and can produce acid that can result in ulcers.
5. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
If you are struggling with diabetes then it is best to avoid mango for now. If you suffer from chronic pancreatitis or gallstones, then this fruit may worsen your condition as it contains chemicals that can induce diarrhea and increase the production of intestinal gas which further aggravates digestion along with increasing blood sugar levels if consumed in large quantities by people suffering from diabetes.
6. Can Gain You Weight
If you want to lose weight then avoid this fruit as it contains numerous calories which can induce weight gain. It also contains sugars that are responsible for gaining belly fat if consumed in excess. It is better to go for low glycemic index fruits like berries, cherries, grapes, pomegranate, kiwi, etc. that are low in calories and rich in nutrients that can help you lose weight.
7. Can Induce Asthma
People who suffer from asthma should avoid this fruit as mango contains chemicals that can induce asthma attacks. According to studies, mango contains chemicals called ‘urushiols’ which are responsible for inducing breathing problems in people suffering from asthma. If you want to eat this fruit then go for the ripe mangoes only as these do not contain urushiols. However, researchers have advised to completely avoid raw mangoes as even the ripe fruits contain a high amount of urushiols.
8. Increases Body Heat
Mango is a fruit that can increase your body heat, especially when consumed raw and during the summer season. Consuming this fruit in large amounts may cause stomach problems like diarrhea and intestinal gas retention due to high fiber content which adds volume to the food and creates an intestinal disturbance by exerting pressure on the abdominal region.
Should You Avoid Mango?
Mango contains numerous beneficial nutrients that can keep you fit and healthy. If you are not allergic to this fruit then it is safe for consumption as long as you go for the ripe mangoes only. However, if your digestive system is weak due to any reason, avoid eating too much of this fruit as it may induce various gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, bloating, flatulence and others. As mangoes contain high calories and sugars, you should never rely on this fruit as your main source of nutrition. You can simply eat it as a supplement to your meal occasionally instead of eating the same every day.
If you are not sure whether you can eat this fruit or not then consult your doctor before consuming it. Consider the reasons mentioned above and determine if mango is good for your health or can induce side effects. In case of allergies, avoid eating this fruit as it may make your symptoms worse.
Mango Alternatives
If you are allergic to mango then it is best to avoid this fruit for now. You can simply replace it with other fruits that do not contain urushiols and other harmful chemicals which are responsible for inducing various health problems when consumed in excess.
Fruits like apple, apricot, berries, cherries, grapes, orange, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberry, etc. are good alternatives to mango as they contain low calories, vitamins, and nutrients that can keep you fit and healthy. However, it is best to switch to these fruits gradually rather than giving up mangoes altogether. Consuming one fruit in the morning and another at night will not make much difference as both are healthy fruits.
Conclusion
Mango is a nutritious and healthy fruit when consumed in moderation and in addition to your regular diet. It can induce various health problems including asthma, weight gain if consumed in excess, and digestive issues like diarrhea, etc. If you are allergic to this fruit or have any other health condition then it is best to avoid it completely for now until your symptoms get better.
If you want to eat this fruit then avoid the harmful chemicals by only eating ripe mangoes that have a sweet flavor. Make sure you never rely on mango as your main source of nutrition and stick to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins for your daily dose of minerals and nutrients. Consuming one fruit in the morning and another in the evening will not give your body all the required nutrients. You need to keep in mind that fruits are just supplements to your daily diet, not the main dish.
