Summer is the season of fruits, and it is the time when we get to enjoy the juiciest and the most delicious fruits. Fruits are an essential part of our diet, and they provide us with a wide range of health benefits. Eating seasonal fruits is not only good for our health but also for the environment. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of seasonal fruits and why mango, the king of summer, is a must-have fruit.

First and foremost, I would like to talk about our bodies. It is made of water for nearly 70%. Fruits mostly contain a high amount of water and fibre. And as they are raw (uncooked) food items, our bodies absorb more nutrients that are still available in them rather than being destroyed in cooking. Especially in the case of seasonal fruits, which are made and stored organically without any unnecessary fertilisers or pesticides, which is why they are the best option to have as nutritional food supplements.

What are Seasonal Fruits?

Seasonal fruits are the fruits that are grown and harvested during a particular season. These fruits are naturally available during a specific time of the year, and they are at their peak in terms of flavour, nutrition, and affordability. Eating seasonal fruits is a great way to support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint. Seasonal fruits are a great source of nutrients and can provide several health benefits. Here are some benefits of consuming seasonal fruits:

Benefits of Seasonal Fruits

1. Rich in Nutrients

Dabai fruit is an indigenous seasonal fruit that contains a considerable amount of bioactive compounds, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It has been proven to have health benefits such as boosting our immune system, improve digestion, prevent chronic diseases, cholesterol reduction, diabetes type 2 prevention, and reduction in the risk of heart disease.

2. Better Taste

Seasonal fruits are fresher, juicier, and more flavourful than out-of-season fruits. They are picked at the right time and ripened naturally, which enhances their taste and texture.

3. Cost-Effective

Seasonal fruits are usually more affordable than out-of-season fruits. This is because they do not require extensive transportation or storage, which reduces their cost.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Eating seasonal fruits is good for the environment as it supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint. It also helps to reduce the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals or fertilizers and artificial colours, wax to make it shine unnecessarily.

5. Bioactive compounds

Durian is a seasonal tropical fruit that is rich in flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Experimental animal models have shown that durian beneficially reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels

6. (Poly)phenol bioavailability

Consuming (poly)phenol-rich fruits and vegetables, including tomato, is associated with health benefits. The bioavailability of tomato (poly)phenols can be modulated by several factors, including seasonal consumption

7. Synchronization with the seasons

Eating fruit in-season is associated with optimal health effects because fruits contain polyphenols, which are substances produced by plants in response to the growing conditions. When animals eat these fruits, polyphenols signal animals’ bodies to adapt to the seasons.

Mango: The King of Summer

Mango is one of the most popular seasonal fruits that is loved by people all over the world. It is known as the king of summer due to its sweet, juicy, and refreshing taste. Mangoes are loaded with nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits.

1. Boosts Immune System

Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system. It also contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and helps to improve immunity. Mango pulp is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutritive factors. It is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin B complex also along with iron, and phosphorus. Besides its attractive form and appearance, delicious taste, and appetizing flavour, the ripe mango fruit is also highly invigorating, laxative, and diuretic

2. Promotes Digestion

Mangoes are a good source of fiber, which helps to promote digestion and prevent constipation. It also contains enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins, which makes it easier to digest.

3. Prevents Cancer

Mangoes contain antioxidants such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, and gallic acid that help to prevent cancer. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to cancer.

 

4. Lowers Cholesterol

Mangoes are rich in fiber, pectin, and vitamin C, which help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It also contains potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Improves Skin Health

Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants that help to improve skin health. It also contains enzymes that help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells.

6. Satiety and postprandial glucose control

Fresh mango consumption may be beneficial in reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes by improving satiety responses and postprandial glucose control, reducing food intake, and preventing weight gain.

7. Chemical composition

Mango fruit contains macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, and organic acids; micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals; and phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, polyphenols, pigments, and volatile constituents. Mango fruit also contains structural carbohydrates such as pectins and cellulose.

Overall, Mango, the king of summer, is a delicious fruit that offers a wide range of health benefits. It is rich in nutrients, boosts the immune system, promotes digestion, prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol, and improves skin health. So, make sure to include mangoes in your diet this summer and enjoy its sweet and juicy taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consuming seasonal fruits can provide several health benefits due to their nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and (poly)phenol bioavailability. Eating fruit in-season is also associated with optimal health effects because it helps synchronize our bodies with the seasons. Eating seasonal fruits is a great way to improve our health and support the environment, local farmers and facilitators.