What happens to your body if you have a mango for breakfast every day?

Sinking your teeth into a juicy mango is a summertime treat for many. But beyond the burst of sweet flavour, does the king of fruits pack enough of a nutritional punch? Especially if you make them a daily habit.

Dr Sri Karan Uddesh Tanugula, Consultant General Physician at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, dives into the science behind what happens to your body when you incorporate mangoes into your daily routine, particularly for breakfast.

Is it a recipe for optimal health, or are there things to consider? Let’s explore the potential benefits and keep an eye on potential downsides to make informed choices about enjoying this delightful tropical fruit.

A treasure trove of nutrients

Mangoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They’re a fantastic source of Vitamin C, a key player in immune function, healthy skin, and collagen production.

According to Dr Tanugula, they’re also rich in Vitamin A, crucial for good vision and promoting healthy skin and immunity. Additionally, mangoes provide folate (vitamin B9), important for cell growth and especially vital during pregnancy.

Potassium powerhouse

Mangoes are champions of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Dr Tanugula said they also boast strong antioxidant properties thanks to polyphenols like mangiferin, which protect your cells from damage.

While mangoes are a nutritional powerhouse, it’s important to be mindful of their sugar content. (Source: Pixabay)

Fibre for a healthy gut

Don’t forget the fibre! Mangoes are a good source of dietary fibre, said Tanugula, aiding digestion, preventing constipation, and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

How often should you have it?

While mangoes are a nutritional powerhouse, it’s important to be mindful of their sugar content. With roughly 14 grams of natural sugar per 100 grams, Dr Tanugula pointed out that they can be higher in sugar compared to other fruits. This is a consideration for those managing their sugar intake, such as diabetics.

A balanced approach

A 100-gram serving of mango is relatively low in calories (around 60). This makes them a suitable addition to a balanced diet. They also contain various beneficial phytochemicals with potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart-protective effects.

The verdict: Enjoy mangoes, But be mindful

“The best time to have a mango is something that is debatable, but it mostly is for breakfast as we can burn the excess sugar from it,” explained Dr Tanugula.

Including mangoes in your daily diet, especially as breakfast, can be a delicious and nutritious way to boost your health. However, Dr Tanugula advised moderation is key, particularly for those needing to manage their sugar intake. So, savour this delightful fruit, but keep an eye on portion sizes to maximise the benefits and avoid any potential drawbacks.

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