Summer is the warmest period of the year but ‘mango lovers’ await it impatiently, as summer marks the arrival of the ‘Mangoes’ popularly known as ‘the king of the fruits’ in India. For many mango ain’t just another fruit, it is a nostalgic trip down the memory lane, reminding them of the childhood memories of summer vacations and endless binging on the succulent aromatic fruit.
Every time we pick up a mango and are about to devour it, most of us are reminded of how we were asked by our grandmothers or mothers to soak the mango in water for about 30 minutes before eating. Ever wondered why they asked so? Read further to know the benefits of soaking mango in water before eating.
Soaking helps eliminate the anti-nutrient content from mango
Mango is not just delicious but also packed with vital nutrients such as vitamins (A, B, C, E, and K), minerals (iron, zinc and calcium), and traces of dietary fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, and sugar. In addition it also contains an anti-nutrient called ‘Phytic acid or phytate’. Phytate is known to interfere with the body's metabolism and negatively affect the absorption of vital nutrients.
Soaking helps get rid of toxins from pesticides and fertilizers
There are high chances that the soil in which mangoes were grown was chemically treated or adulterated with chemical fertilizers, or the mangoes were sprayed with pesticides/insecticides. These chemicals may lead to eye or skin irritation, rashes, and respiratory tract infection if not cleaned properly. Thus soaking mangoes in water facilitates leaching out of these harmful chemicals and makes them absolutely safe for consumption.
Soaking mangoes in water help you determine if they are naturally ripened or artificially
Mangoes may sometimes be treated with calcium carbide pouches in their crates, to help them ripen fast. The chemically ripened mangoes float in the water when you drop them in a bucket of water, while the naturally ripened ones sink to the bottom.
Soaking mangoes in water reduces their thermogenic effects
Mangoes are naturally thermogenic, meaning eating mangoes warms or heats up the body. The body heat might give rise to a feeling of heaviness and nausea, or give rise to skin related issues such as irritation, rashes, and acne breakouts. The thermogenic properties of mangoes can be reduced or eliminated by soaking them in water for at least half an hour to keep the body heat stable even after consuming mangoes.
Take home message - A simple practice of soaking mangoes in water, makes the delicious fruit more healthier and safer for consumption.
Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.