The mango is often savored for its sweetness and succulence. However, do you know about the fruit’s incredible health benefits? The fruit’s popularity has jumped ten-fold from when it was first introduced, and consumers are quickly learning just how versatile it can be, whether to add sweetness in cooking dishes, or as a healthy part of their weight loss plans. The US is expected to import 31 percent more mangoes than last year, while local production in states such as Florida and California continues to be ramped up to meet the growing demand. So what is driving the renewed interest in this stone fruit?
This is just one of the advantages the king of fruits can have. The digestive enzymes found in mangoes help your digestive system break down proteins. The fruit is also high in water and fiber levels, which helps you stay hydrated and promotes regularity. A study by A.M Pluschke in 2018, found that mango pulp and pectin positively affected the digestive activity of its participants, highlighting the response to additional fiber in your diet.
Mangoes are high in vitamins and minerals, including iron. Inclusion in a healthy diet can help your body increase its red blood cells, which may help counteract a tendency you may have for anemia (discuss any supplementation, dietary or otherwise, with your doctor, first). Anemia is often caused by a deficiency in either iron or folic acid, both of which can be found in mangoes. Rich in vitamin C, it can also help anemic patients increase the efficiency of iron absorption. For pregnant women, mangoes can give that extra boost of iron and folic acid needed throughout pregnancy.
The high levels of antioxidants and beta carotene contained in mangoes can help in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer. A study done by Texas AgriLife Research showed mangoes having an effect on all cancers tested, particularly breast and colon. In addition, a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition showed that a diet rich in beta carotene had a protective impact on prostate cancer.
Mangoes have very high levels of both vitamin A and C, which are involved in collagen production in the body. Collagen provides the skin’s firmness and elasticity, both of which are affected as we age. Overall, our skin is made up of approximately 80 percent of collagen. One cup of mangoes can provide you with 100 percent of your vitamin C, which can support collagen synthesis and can minimize the appearance of your skin’s aging process. A study by N Boyera in 1998 supported vitamin C’s role in collagen reproduction. Keep in mind that these benefits are based on moderate consumption of mangoes and alongside a healthy, varied diet. Mangoes are not just a lovely addition to your diet but can be a great health tool as well.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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