Description, Origin and The Efficacy of Mango (Mangifera indica)

Naming Identity

Mango or Mangga in Indonesian is a drupe or stone fruit from the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) which is known as Mangifera indica in Latin.

The word manga comes from the Portuguese manga, in Malay it is called mangga and it also derived from the Tamil language as man (mango tree) and kay (fruit). While the scientific name Mangifera indica refers to the plant that bears mangoes in India ("Origin and Meaning of Mango").

Mango is closely related to folklore and religious ceremonies in India. Buddha himself was gifted with a small mango tree which he probably found resting in its grateful shade. Other sources state that the name mango most likely comes from the Malayam word manna which the Portuguese adopted as manga when they came to Kerala in 1498 to trade spices (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica).

Origin

Mango is known to be a fruit that comes from the northwestern region of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and northeastern India. Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, while the mango tree is the national tree of Bangladesh.

Mangoes were taken by Captain Bligh on his second voyage from Timor to the British gardens of Jamaica and St. Vincent in 1670 ("The Origin and Meaning of the Mango").

Growth and Shape Description

The tree is evergreen with a height that can reach up to 15–18 meters and reaches very old age. The simple leaves are lanceolate (scalpel shape) and can reach up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are small pink, and fragrant. Some of the flowers have stamens and pistils, while others have only stamens. The fruit varies greatly in size, color, and character.

It is oval, round, heart or kidney shaped which is long and slender. The smallest mangoes are no larger than plums, while others may weigh 1.8 to 2.3 kg (4 to 5 pounds). Some varieties are brightly colored with shades of red and yellow, while others are dull green. A single large, flat seed, and the flesh surrounding it is yellow to orange, juicy, and has a distinctive sweet-spicy taste  (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). 

Uses and Efficacy of Mango

Mango has been known for centuries to have many health benefits. One raw mango weighing 100 grams contains 0.82 grams of protein, 14.98 grams of carbohydrates, 11 milligrams of calcium, 1.6 grams of fiber, and 36.4 grams of vitamin C (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE) good for other health.

Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, the pigment responsible for the yellow-orange color of the fruit. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant compound that is only one of many found in mangoes. The antioxidants in mangoes have been shown to fight free radicals that can cause cell damage and potentially lead to cancer (WebMD Editorial Contributors).

Another benefit that you need to know is that mangoes contain a group of digestive enzymes called amylase. So this fruit is very good for digestive health.