Introduction
Often overlooked, the humble mango leaves of the king of fruits (from the Mangifera indica tree) are packed with health benefits. These vibrant leaves not only beautify your garden but also serve as a traditional remedy in Ayurveda. Easily accessible, they can be incorporated into your daily routine, providing a natural way to enhance well-being. Discover the remarkable benefits of mango leaves!
Are Mango Leaves Edible?
While we often enjoy the sweet taste of mangoes, mango leaves are also edible and packed with nutritional benefits. Harvested when young and tender, these vibrant green leaves have a fresh, vegetal flavour.
In many Asian cuisines, they are used in salads, spreads, chutneys, and curries. Mango leaves can also be dried and brewed into a refreshing herbal tea rich in medicinal properties. Next time you encounter mango leaves, consider their potential health benefits and culinary uses. Stay tuned as we explore more about mango leaves.
Nutritional Value of Mango Leaves
When we think of mango, the image of juicy, sweet fruit comes to mind. However, it’s not just the fruit that holds nutritional and health benefits. The leaves of the mango tree are also a powerhouse of nutrients.
| Nutrient | Nutritional Value per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 22.60 mg |
| Vitamin C | 13.20 to 53 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.04 to 0.48 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.06 to 0.21 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.38 and 2.20 mg |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.003 – 2.60%) |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.007 – 0.48%) |
| Potassium (K) | 0.008 – 0.95%) |
| Calcium (Ca) | (0.003 – 4.41% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | (0.009 – 1.58%) |
| Iron (Fe) | (0.0062 – 0.034%) |
| Zinc (Zn) | (0.0024 – 0.014%) |
| Sodium (Na) | (0.003 – 0.23%) |
| Copper (Cu) | (0.0021 – 0.0029%) |
| Manganese (Mn) | (0.0028 – 0.003%) |
| Crude Protein | (18.59%) |
| Crude Fat | 0.76 – 3.42% |
| Crude Fiber | 0.69 – 19.98% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66.35 – 74.14% |
Health Benefits of Mango Leaves
Mango leaves, often overlooked in favor of the fruit, are a powerhouse of health benefits. Here are some key advantages of incorporating mango leaves into your diet.
1) Support for Skin Health
Mango leaves, rich in antioxidants, can be a boon for your skin. Antioxidants are known to slow down the signs of ageing, making your skin look younger and healthier. But there’s more- mango leaves also exhibit antibacterial properties particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause staph infections. One more feather in the cap of mango leaves is mangiferin, a polyphenol found in these leaves that promotes wound healing. So, the next time you’re looking for a skin health booster, remember the humble mango leaf.
2) Benefits for Hair Problems
The leaves of the mango tree aren’t just beneficial for your skin, but they also have qualities that can help your hair. These leaves are rich in antioxidants which may protect your hair follicles from damage and aid hair growth. Additionally, flavonoids present in these leaves can delay the onset of grey hair, keeping your locks vibrant and healthy.
3) Control Blood Sugar Level
For those grappling with blood sugar issues, mango leaves might offer some much-needed relief. Compounds like mangiferin in these leaves may help regulate blood sugar levels. A simple infusion made from mango leaves could potentially be an aid in managing diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels, making it a worthwhile addition to your daily routine.
4) Control High Blood Pressure
If you’re looking for natural ways to manage high blood pressure, then turning to mango leaves might be beneficial. These leaves possess hypotensive properties which help lower blood pressure. Moreover, they are effective in strengthening your blood vessels promoting overall cardiovascular health.
5) Treat Gall and Kidney Stones
The benefits of mango leaves extend to treating gall bladder and kidney stones as well. Consuming mango leaf powder daily can help break down these stones, offering a natural alternative or supplement to conventional treatments.
6) Treat Stomach Ulcers and Hiccups
Mango leaves have been traditionally used to aid stomach ulcers and other digestive conditions. Recent animal studies found mango leaf extract decreased stomach lesions and improved digestive damage. So, for those suffering from these problems, a daily dose of mango leaf may provide some relief.
7) Manage Weight Loss
Along with their other benefits, mango leaves can also assist in weight management. They contain the enzyme papain and hormone leptin, known to boost digestion and regulate fat accumulation. This could be a natural way to help control your weight, alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
8) Help for Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Lastly, mango leaves are rich in polyphenols and terpenoids with anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effects may even protect brain health from conditions like Alzheimer’s. Therefore, incorporating mango leaves into your lifestyle could provide a layered defence against multiple health issues.
Conclusion
Mango leaves are a remarkable natural resource, rich in essential nutrients and medicinal properties. Derived from the Mangifera indica tree, these leaves are not only edible but also offer numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, skin health, and digestive support.
Their high antioxidant content enhances their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In Indian medicine, mango leaves are traditionally used to manage diabetes and improve overall wellness. As interest in natural remedies grows, exploring the potential of mango leaves in modern healthcare could unlock even more benefits for health and well-being. Mango leaf use organically offers many health benefits. However, always consult your family doctor before introducing new elements into your diet or healthcare routine.
FAQs
Mango leaves are rich in vitamins and powerful antioxidants, promoting a healthy immune system, aiding digestion, and potentially improving heart health.
In Indian culture, mango leaves symbolise life and fertility, often used in rituals and ceremonies to bring about prosperity and ward off negative energy.
Mango trees provide delicious fruit, shade, timber for furniture, leaves for rituals and medicinal purposes, and habitats for wildlife.
Yes, mango leaves contain beneficial compounds that can help detoxify the liver and manage liver diseases effectively.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7920260/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33669341/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349254386_Mango_Mangifera_indica_L_Leaves_Nutritional_Composition_Phytochemical_Profile_and_Health-Promoting_Bioactivities
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344391072_Nutritional_Health_Benefits_and_Bioactive_Compounds_of_Mangifera_indica_L_Mango_Leaves_Methanolic_Extracts