Mango Nutrition: Is Good for You?
Not only are mangoes a fun, tropical treat, but they also fall into the esteemed “superfruit” category because they’re loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. And while fresh mangoes are delectable in every way, they aren’t always attainable depending on where you live. That’s where our favorite “super snack” comes into play: dried mango!
Dried mango is a viable option – especially when you don’t have fresh fruit on hand – but the tasty snack begs the question: is dried mango good for you? Is it comparable to candy and junk food? Or is it a healthier alternative? We have the answers. Let’s dive in and fully explore dried mango nutrition!
Dried Mango Nutritional Benefits
When it comes down to it, the satisfying snack offers several health benefits – some that are comparable to that of a normal mango, and some that are different due to the dehydration process. So, here’s what you need to know:
Rich in Vitamins A and C
Vitamin A is necessary for healthy vision, strong immunity, and as a bonus, healthy-looking skin. Because dried mangoes contain Vitamin A (just like their predecessors), the snack can actually improve eyesight and help treat harsh skin conditions. Additionally, the vitamin is further enhanced by the same component that gives mangoes their vibrant color. Once eaten, our bodies convert the food into this vital nutrient.
Vitamin C is also essential for our bodies, and it works to repair tissues and boost the immune system (cue your mother nagging you to practically shower in Vitamin C when you have a common cold). While drying mangoes causes the fruit to lose some of its Vitamin C, rest assured knowing you’re still getting a decent amount in each sweet bite!
High in Fiber
Since the snack is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, dried mango helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, increase absorption, and may help reduce cholesterol. These are just a few dried mango benefits as it can also aid in healthy digestion and weight loss.
In fact, a four-week study in adults with digestive problems found that eating a source of mango every day was far more effective at relieving symptoms than a single supplement with a similar amount of soluble fiber.
Contains Antioxidants
The word “antioxidant” has become a buzzword in the health/diet industry, but it may be worth taking a closer look. Like other superfruits, mangoes contain certain compounds that act as antioxidants. And just like a regular mango, dried mango is also loaded with antioxidants. Studies have shown that these antioxidants work to fight and protect our bodies against free radical damage often tied to diabetes, cancer, or the natural effects of aging.
Eating antioxidant-rich foods like dried mango is a sure – and tasty – way to back up a healthy lifestyle.
Boosts Mood, Naturally
Looking at dried mango nutrition facts, you’ll see the snack is chock-full of mood-boosting B-vitamins: B-1 (thiamin), B-3 (niacin) B-6 (pyridoxine) and B-9 (folate), to name a few. If you read the back label of your multivitamin supplements bottle, you’ll find these exact same vitamins. Working together, B-vitamins are important for promoting alertness and energy, helping to get rid of stress and maintaining stamina. In turn, low levels of B-6 and B-9, for example, can lead to feelings of depression, according to research.
So, why not skip the expensive, untouched bottles at the back of your medicine cabinet and opt for a beneficial, yet tasty source of B-vitamins? If you wonder why eating dried mango makes you feel happy, there’s actual evidence to back it up. Case closed.
Beware of Sugar Content
While we’ve explored several dried mango benefits, not all dried mango products are created equal. We stand by the dried mango facts we’ve provided, but according to USDA FoodData Central, some brands sweeten their dried mango, making it high in calories and sugar compared to that of the unsweetened variety. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “is dried mango good for you?”, you’re not alone. Be sure to factor this in when carefully choosing your dried mango!
Unsweetened Dried Mango with Jali Fruit Co.
Thankfully, there are delicious, unsweetened options out there! Here at Jali Fruit Co., it’s our mission to preserve the natural sweetness of mango. Made with no added sugar or preservatives, our sun-dried fruit is bold in flavor and PACKED with vitamins – no need for the additional sugar!
What else makes our dried mango unique? It’s 100% handcrafted by rural women farmers all over the world. It’s the perfect grab-n-go snack with an inspiring backstory.