Mango Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Siddharth Gupta

Introduction

Summer is the season when all hail the king of fruits the delicious mango. Loved by nearly all is can also be said to be irresistible. Grown mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, the mango tree is actually the national tree of Bangladesh and the fruit is the national fruit of both India and Philippines. Now you know why everyone desperately awaits summers and cant wait to sink in their teeth into the juicy yellow mangoes! 

The scientific name of the species native to India and Southeast Asia is Mangifera indica L. and it belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. Given the huge demand, mango is also now being grown in Central America, Australia, Europe and Africa. It has been grown in India and Southeast Asia for around 4000 years and there are over one thousand varieties of mangoes, out of which only a few are being produced on a commercial scale¹.

Mango has an exotic flavour, sweet taste and might even have numerous health benefits. It is consumed in both the ripe and unripe forms. Used for making pickles, chutneys, vinegar, desserts and beverages² mango is one of the popular foods. Mango juice is also a popular refreshing beverage. The various nutrients present in it and the potential uses of mango juice for its health benefits are manifold. Read on to know more. 

Nutritional Value of Mango Juice

Mango juice contains a total energy of 52 Kcal. The nutritional value of mango juice is as follows: 

The following nutrients are also present in mango juice: 

Mango juice also contains alpha and beta carotene in it¹.

Mango juice contains a ton of polyphenols in it like ellagic acid, isoquercetin, beta glucogallin, quercetin, gallotannins, mangiferin and gallic acid, which might be the reason for its potential health benefits we will elaborate on ahead.  

Properties of Mango Juice

Mango juice might have the following properties: 

• It might have an anti-cancer potential    
• It might be an antioxidant    
• It might help protect the stomach    
• It might have an effect against bacteria (anti-bacterial)  
• It might help lower the blood sugar levels (anti-diabetic)²
• It might help reduce allergic reactions (anti-allergic)  
• It might help combat inflammation  
• It might play a role in immunity of the body (immunomodulation)  
• It may have a lipolytic (fat breakdown) action  
• It might be effective against parasites (tiny creatures living in our body and causing harm to us)  
• It might help against bone resorption (dissolution of bone)  
• It might help our cells against the harmful effects of radiation (radioprotective)⁴  

Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Overall Health

The various parts of mango might have a potential use for human health. Likewise, mango juice also might have the following potential uses. 

1. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Diabetes

Mango contains a compound called mangiferin which might have potential effects against diabetes. It was noted in animal experiments that mangiferin might have the potential to lower blood sugar level and the lipid levels (fats). Both of these might be helpful for people with diabetes. An increased number of cells which produce insulin was also observed. Mangiferin might play a role in the metabolism of glucose and insulin resistance. Therefore, mango juice might have the potential to help with diabetes. However, conditions like diabetes need to be properly treated by a doctor, thus, ensure that you consult a doctor².

2. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Kidney

In an experimental model, it was observed that in diabetic rats having kidney issues, mangiferin was helpful. It was observed that mangiferin reduced the blood urea nitrogen levels and thus, it may help deal with kidney damage in humans. Thereby, mango juice might have a potential to help with kidney problems. These effects, however, need to be proved by further research².

3. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for the Stomach

Several studies have shown that mango juice might have the potential to help deal with stomach related health conditions. As mango juice passes through the body, it was studied that one of its active components, mangiferin, was transformed into various phenolic compounds. These phenolic compounds might be beneficial against certain inflammatory diseases of the stomach. It might help the stomach against diseases like inflammatory bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, etc. Therefore, mango juice might exhibit gastroprotective property².

In my experience, I have observed that mangoes are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in the digestion process by aiding in the catabolism, or breakdown, of protein. By consuming mangoes, which are rich in fiber, you can support the efficient digestion and utilization of protein in your body. This can contribute to overall digestive health and nutrient absorption⁵.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

4. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for the Liver

The potential anti-inflammatory activity of mango was observed in relation to liver as well. It was seen in a variety of studies that the bioactive components of mango juice might help against liver inflammation, probably by interfering with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and galactosamine activity. In another experiment it was seen that mango juice might also interfere with the inflammatory pathways. It might also help the liver against injury from carbon tetrachloride (a toxic chemical), as seen in a study conducted by Pokorski et al².

5. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Cancer

Several studies were conducted on different extracts of mango against a variety of cancer cells. It was found that mango juice might have components that have a potential activity against pancreatic cancer, colonic cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. However, there is a need for more studies to prove these effects. Moreover, you should consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of cancer. So, ensure that you consult a doctor and do not self medicate².

6. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Bones

In an animal study, it was seen that the components of mango juice might potentially inhibit the dissolution (resorption) of bone. This activity was seen under a condition where the bone dissolution (resorption) was caused by imbalance of a hormone  called the parathyroid hormone. Therefore, much more extensive research is required to fully understand the effects of mango juice on bones⁴.

7. Potential Uses of Mango Juice for Oxidative Stress

The active components of mango juice might have the potential to neutralise the oxygen free radicals which cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and possibly chronic diseases. As it might have the potential to counterbalance the oxidative stress, it might possibly help against various diseases caused due to oxidative stress, like osteoporosis and liver diseases².

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of mango juice in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of mango juice on human health.   

By including mango in your diet, you can potentially benefit from these protective effects and support the well-being of your eyes and related tissues. I have learned that mango, which is rich in vitamin A, plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision and protecting against muscular degeneration. Vitamin A promotes the efficient circulation of blood in the skin and mucus membranes, which can enhance their overall health and function⁵.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Mango Juice?

You can use mangoes to make fresh mango juice or consume pre-made mango juices available on the market. They are available in bottles, cans, or other packaged forms. To make fresh mango juice 

• Take a few fresh ripe mangoes and wash them thoroughly. 
• Then peel the mango and cut it into smaller pieces 
• Remove the seed and use only the pulp 
• You can use a mixer grinder or juicer to juice the mangoes 
• You do not need to add sweetener to it, but you may add it according to your preference 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Side Effects of Mango Juice

There is a need for more research to explore the possible side effects of mango juice. It might cause allergies as different foods produce different reactions in individuals. Therefore, it is always better to consult a doctor before use. 

Based on my experience, I have observed that both unripe and ripe mangoes contain a significant amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C has been found to help decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol⁵.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take with Mango Juice

It is considered to be safe when taken in regular food quantities. However, it is better to consult a doctor if you are suffering from any condition, pregnant, breastfeeding or giving it to children in larger than usual quantities. 

Interactions with Other Drugs

More studies are required to state the interaction of mango juice with any drug. It is advised that you consult a doctor before taking mango juice if you are under any medication.

Also Read: Apple Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Lauricella M, Emanuele S, Calvaruso G, Giuliano M, D’Anneo A. Multifaceted Health Benefits of Mangifera indica L. (Mango): The Inestimable Value of Orchards Recently Planted in Sicilian Rural Areas. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017 May 20;9(5). Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28531110 
2. Mubarik F, Noreen S, Farooq F, Siddiqa A. A Review on Pharmacological and Nutritional Benefits of Mango (Mangifera indica Linn): A Remedy for Cancer, Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Infections. Abasyn J Life Sci [Internet]. 2020 Dec 31;(January 2021):82–92. Available from: http://ajlifesciences.com/article.php?paperID=38 
3. Central F. MANGO JUICE NECTAR , [Internet]. U.S. Department of Agriculture. [cited 2022 Jul 28]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/849144/nutrients 
4. Shah K, Patel M, Patel R, Parmar P. Mangifera Indica (Mango). Pharmacogn Rev [Internet]. 2010;4(7):42–8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249901/
5. Mubarik F, Noreen S, Farooq F, Siddiqa A, Khan M. A review on pharmacological and nutritional benefits of Mango (Mangifera indica Linn): a remedy for cancer, diabetes and gastrointestinal infections. Abasyn Journal of Life Sciences. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348818167_A_Review_on_Pharmacological_and_Nutritional_Benefits_of_Mango_Mangifera_indica_Linn_A_Remedy_for_Cancer_Diabetes_and_Gastrointestinal_Infections

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