Mango is the national fruit of India and is the toast of the summer season. They are good for the body too. Now, a study by a group of scientists at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) says that it also protects animals from a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Mangoes contain several key nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, which may help in boosting the body’s natural immune system. They have a combination of polyphenols and fibre to improve gut health and relieve constipation. Many studies have also shown mango consumption to be positively associated with lowering the risk of heart problems through a reduction in lipid levels and inflammation.
Mangiferin, a xanthone C-glucoside found in several plant species including mango, is well known for its pharmacological properties. UoH scientists including Gangadhar, Suresh Kalangi and Anil Kotha from the lab of Prof. Reddanna have demonstrated that ‘mangiferin’ in mangoes protects animals from experimentally induced colitis.
