Posted Aug 27, 2013
Mangoes for Health and Beauty
By Tahseen, Ismat
You have more than one reason to reach for a mango this summer. The sweet, juicy fruit lends itself well to shakes, curries, salads and desserts.
It also complements meats very well and lends a tangy flavor to grilled fish or chicken. Its flavor apart, the mango offers a host of benefits to your skin as well, and is used in a variety of therapies in spas and other wellness spots.
Beauty and health benefits
How mangoes also help keep the doctor away
– Mangoes contain vitamins A and C along with beta-carotene and amino acids.
– A single cup of mangoes provides 25% of the required daily value of vitamin A, which supports eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.
– The high levels of fiber and pectin help to lower serum cholesterol levels.
– Fresh mango is a good source of potassium – 100 grams of the fruit provide 156 mg of potassium.
– It contains digestive enzymes that help break down proteins and aid digestion.
– Mango also contains phenols, which have a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.
– The skin from it is said to help clear pores and add a glow to your face.
Clears the skin too!
Mangoes are not just good to eat – they also work wonders for the skin. Mangoes help get rid of pimples and spots, and unclog pores. The fruit contains Vitamins A and C, which can help repair the skin. Mangoes are being used in a range of masks, scrubs, facials and therapies.
Make your own: mango mud mask
Take half a mango, one tablespoon of oatmeal and three almonds. Blend the almonds and oatmeal, then add the mango (chopped) to it. Blend again. Use as a smooth mask over the skin. Leave it to dry and rinse with warm water. It can be stored in the fridge.
Make your own: mango scrub
Mango can also leave the skin feeling scrubbed and smooth. To make the scrub, you need a mango, one teaspoon of honey, less than half a cup of sugar and one tablespoon of milk. Blend this. Use the scrub all over the body. Rinse.
Kitchen tip
Mangoes are used as an effective tenderizing agent.
Calorie count
One medium-size (230gm) mango has approximately 135 calories!
Dessert ideas
Make sweet corn and mango puree
It’s easy, you need:
Mangoes – 2, peeled, chopped
Sweet corn, drained – 325gm canned (about 1 1/2 cups)
Method
Place the mango and sweet corn in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, and chill until it is ready to serve.
Thai Mango and Sticky Rice: (Khao Niaow Ma Muang)
Ingredients:
Thai sticky rice – 1 cup
Ripe mangoes, cut into slices – 1 or 2
Palm sugar – 4 to 5 tbsp
Salt – 1/4 tsp
Coconut milk – 1 can
Water – for cooking rice
Method
– Soak the rice in 1 cup water for 20-30 minutes. Do not drain water from the rice. Add 4 cups of water and 1/4 can coconut milk. Add 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp brown sugar to the boiling rice. Mix it well into the rice.
– Bring the water to a gentle boil, then partially cover the pan and allow a little steam to release. Reduce heat and let it simmer.
– Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the coconut-water has been absorbed. Turn off the heat, allowing the pan to remain on the burner with the lid on tight. Allow the pan to sit for 5-10 minutes.
– To make the sauce, simmer the remaining coconut milk over medium-low heat. Add 3 tbsp (as per the required sweetness) sugar, stirring to dissolve.
– To assemble, place a scoop of sticky rice in each serving bowl, pour the coconut sauce over it and garnish with slices of mango.
Times of India
© 2013 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited
