Thursday, August 23, 2007

Medicinal and nutritional properties of Mango


The mango is in the same family as poison sumac and contains urushiol, though much less than poison sumac. Some people get dermatitis from touching mango peel or sap. Persons showing an allergic reaction after handling a mango can usually enjoy the fruit if someone else first removes the skin. It is very rare to develop a rash on your hands however. While the peel is typically considered inedible, recent study has shown that it yields considerable extracts that can be used in antioxidant food supplements.Consuming the peel itself is generally not advised as a painful rash or swelling may appear on the lips and face. However if your are not allergic to the Urushiol within Ivy, Oak, and Sumac enjoy the benefits of the peel. However continued exposure to Urushiol can lead to a reaction. The amount of time it takes depends on genetic structure of the individual person.The mango is an excellent nutritional source, containing many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as enzymes such as magneferin and lactase which aid in digestion and intestinal health. It is also used in southeast Asia and the Muslim world as a supplement for sexual potency.