Understanding Mango Cravings and Why You Might Have Them
Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that many people cannot seem to get enough of. If you have recently been struck with an intense craving for mangoes, you may be wondering why. Mango cravings can arise for several reasons related to the unique nutritional makeup of the fruit, as well as its associations with pleasure and positive memories.
Mangoes are Packed with Nutrients Your Body Needs
Mangoes supply an array of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support good health. Your urges for this fruit may simply signify nutrient deficiencies that consuming more mangoes can help correct.
Mangoes are exceptionally high in vitamin C, providing over 100% of the reference daily intake in just one cup. Vitamin C plays a vital role in immune function, collagen production, iron absorption and more. If you havent been getting enough of this prized antioxidant, intense mango cravings could be your bodys way of signaling its need for more vitamin C.
These tropical fruits also deliver decent amounts of B vitamins like folate, vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol, eye-protecting vitamin A, bone-building vitamin K, and trace minerals like copper and manganese.
They Help Satisfy Carb Cravings in a Nutritious Way
Another reason why you may be craving mangoes relates to the fruits carbohydrate content. A medium mango packs around 30 grams of carbs, making it a high-carb fruit.
If youve recently cut down on refined grains and sugars, you could be experiencing carb withdrawal, driving urges to binge on sweets. Mangoes allow you to healthfully satisfy the need for carbohydrates and natural sugars in a very nutritious whole food form.
Associations with Happy Experiences and traditions
Sometimes food cravings have less to do with nutrients and more to do with emotions and memories. If you fondly associate mangoes with family traditions, travel adventures or other happy life experiences, feelings of nostalgia could be fueling your desire for the fruit.
Maybe mango chutney reminds you of meals with your grandmother. Or you long for sweet mango sticky rice that you enjoyed on a life-changing trip to Thailand. When you crave a food you tie to joy and connection, it can resemble wanting to return to those treasured moments and recapture positive feelings.
Signaling a Need for Digestive Support
For some people, sudden mango cravings manifest not necessarily out of nutritional need or emotional attachment, but due to the fruits beneficial digestive properties. Mangoes contain enzymes and fiber that support healthy digestion and elimination.
If your body is struggling with digestion and irregularity issues, intense urges for mango could reflect your system calling out for the fruits digestive benefits to get your system back on track. The vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes in mango aid digestion and removal of toxins and waste for improved regularity.
Health Benefits That Drive Mango Cravings
Beyond the reasons above, fixation on mangoes could stem from instinctual attraction to the many health benefits this brightly colored fruit provides.
Excellent Source of Antioxidants
Delicious mangoes rank high on the ORAC scale, which measures antioxidant content. Antioxidants neutralize unstable free radical molecules linked with chronic disease, inflammation and accelerated aging.
Mangos rich mix of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium and beneficial plant compounds like quercetin, astragalin and methylgallat offer broad-spectrum antioxidant protection to cells throughout the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic low-grade inflammation drives numerous diseases when left unchecked. Mangoes have been shown in research to lower inflammatory biomarkers, thanks to antioxidants like quercetin as well as abundant enzymes like magneferin.
Reducing inflammation helps stabilize blood sugar, improve joint health, support cognitive function, reduce cancer risk factors and more.
Helps Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Oxidation and inflammation play notable roles in the development of dyslipidemia, or imbalanced cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Compounds found in mangoes can beneficially impact these heart disease risk factors.
In fact, an animal study published in the Journal of Food Science showed mango extract administered over four weeks resulted in significantly lowered LDL bad cholesterol and elevated HDL good cholesterol.
Bolsters Immune Function
Mangoes provide abundant immune-enhancing vitamins C, A and zinc. Research indicates components naturally occurring in mangoes can stimulate, strengthen and modulate immune response especially vitamin C, quercetin and other bioflavonoids.
This immune-boosting capacity is another key reason why your body may drive you to crave mangoes when feeling under the weather or during illness seasons.
Ways to Healthy Indulge Mango Cravings
Given all the benefits offered, indulging mango cravings is generally quite healthy. Here are some nutritious ways to satisfy your urges for this tropical fruit:
Enjoy Fresh Mangoes as Nature Intended
One of the best ways to reap the full benefits of mangoes is to eat them fresh. Slice up ripe, juicy mangoes to eat out-of-hand and enjoy that sweet, refreshing flavor and creamy texture.
Blend into Smoothies
Add fresh or even frozen mango chunks to your morning smoothie or shake. Mangoes pair deliciously with yogurt, milk, ice cream and plant-based milks like almond milk. Combining with leafy greens like spinach or kale amps the nutrient content even more.
Mix into Salsas
The sweet-tart taste and pretty orange color makes mango a fantastic addition to fresh salsas enjoyed with tortilla chips, fish, chicken, pork or atop salads. Mix diced mango with tomatoes, onion, chilies, cilantro and lime juice.
Craft Tropical Desserts
From ice cream to sorbet and tarts to layer cakes, mangoes shine in sweet dessert recipes. Or simply drizzle fresh cubes with melted dark chocolate for an easy yet decadent treat. Coconut, ginger, pineapple and lime beautifully complement mangoes in various dishes.
So next time mango cravings kick in, recognize it as your body reaching out for this fruits unique combination of vital nutrients, digestive enzymes and antioxidant compounds. Happily indulge in moderation and craft more meals and snacks starring this nutritious, delicious tropical favorite.FAQs
Why am I suddenly craving mangoes?
Sudden intense cravings for mangoes often stem from nutrient deficiencies, the need for digestive support, positive memories tied to the fruit, or instinctual attraction to the many health benefits mangoes provide. Their high antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory effects, cholesterol-lowering properties and immune-boosting nutrients drive cravings.
Are mango cravings healthy to satisfy?
Yes, mangoes are very nutritious, so indulging mango cravings is typically healthy in moderation. They supply key vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support the immune system, digestion, heart health and more.
How can I indulge mango cravings healthfully?
Enjoy fresh mangoes on their own, blended into smoothies, mixed into salsas, or used in sweet treats like ice cream, tarts and cakes. Pair them with complementary flavors like lime, ginger and coconut. Avoid dousing in heavy syrups or sugars that reduce nutritional value.
Could mango cravings indicate pregnancy?
Possibly! Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can trigger very strong, specific cravings like mango. Mangoes supply key nutrients for maternal and fetal health like vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Craving them may be the body signaling greater needs for these as baby develops.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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