"MedicalWebPage", "FAQPage"

Get more insightful and

helpful tips to

treat Diabetes for FREE

Want an ad free reading experience?

Download PharmEasy App

Banner Image

Register to Avail the Offer

Send OTP

By continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Success Banner Image
Advertisement
Advertisement

Can You Eat Mango Skin? Unraveling the Truth with Scientific Evidence

By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more

Key Highlights: N

  • Mango skin contains numerous nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
  • Some possible benefits of eating mango skin may include weight management and antioxidant effects. 
  • Potential drawbacks include the risk of allergic reactions, pesticide residue, and an unpleasant taste and texture. 
  • Depending on individual factors such as allergies and preferences, one may choose to consume the skin or avoid it. 
  • Washing and preparing mango skin properly, as well as incorporating it into recipes, are essential steps for safe consumption. 

Introduction 

Mango is a tropical fruit loved worldwide for its sweet, juicy flesh. But is its skin edible? Is it beneficial for health? In this article, we will delve into the possible good and bad effects of eating mango skin.  

We will explore what is in the mango skin and its impact on your health. We will also discuss if you should eat it and how to do so safely. Lastly, we will answer commonly asked questions regarding this topic.  

can you eat mango skin

Did you know?

Can You Eat Mango Skin? 

The consumption of mango peel or skin hinges on personal likes and health worries.  Below we have discussed the nutritional value, and potential health benefits.

Nutrients and Plant Compounds in Mango Skin 

Before studying the possible benefits of eating mango skin, below we have discussed its nutritional value which is as follows.  

  • Vitamins A, C, E, and B6 
  • Elements like potassium and copper 
  • Antioxidants from polyphenol and carotenoid compounds 
  • Dietary fiber that boosts a healthy gut 

These benefits add to the overall positive role that mango skin may play in one’s health. 

Potential Benefits of Eating Mango Skin 

There may be many possible benefits that may occur due to the consumption of mango skin due to its rich nutrient content. They are as follows.  

Weight Management 

Dietary fiber in mango skin is significant for weight control. Studies have found that: 

  • Fiber may make you feel full,  reduce calorie intake and help shed weight. 
  • Enough fiber may help maintain a healthy weight. 

Antioxidant Effects 

Antioxidants in mango skin battle free radicals, which harm body cells by causing oxidative stress. Lower oxidative stress has been tied to the following.  

  • Reduced heart disease chance 
  • Guard against some cancers 
  • Better brain function 
  • Superior overall health  

Potential Drawbacks of Eating Mango Skin 

 The possible downsides tied to eating mango skin are as follows.  

Possible Allergic Reactions 

Mango skin has a chemical named urushiol, also found in poison ivy and oak. Urushiol can trigger allergies in some people. Signs include the following.  

  • Itchy skin 
  • Swelling in local areas 
  • Redness 

To deal with these allergies, over-the-counter allergy medications, and anti-itch creams may be used. But, best to avoid mango skin if you know you’re sensitive to urushiol. 

Pesticide Residues on Mango Skin 

Fruits and vegetables can be sprayed with pesticides to guard against bugs and sickness. Eating mango skin increases the odds of taking in pesticide traces. These traces are tied to health issues such as the follows.  

  • Hormonal system trouble 
  • Reproduction issues 
  • Raised cancer risk 

Washing mangoes well before eating the skin is crucial to reduce pesticide-related risks. 

Unpleasant Taste and Texture 

Some might not like the taste and feel of mango skin due to the following.  

  • Bitter taste 
  • Rough, fibrous texture 

Whether to consume mango skin or not depends on the above mentioned factors, one should see if it favours your health needs, if you are allergic or not, if it is pesticide free, and also personal likes and dislikes. 

How to Prepare and Eat Mango Skin? 

If you choose to eat the skin, make sure it’s prepared and eaten safely.  

  • Washing the fruit well with water or a cleaner made for fruits and vegetables. This step helps get rid of pesticide traces. 
  • Adding the skin to recipes, like smoothies or salads. This step masks the bitter taste and feel. 

With proper preparation, eating mango skin may be a fun and healthy addition to many dishes. 

Conclusion 

So, eating mango skin brings a range of good and bad effects. Mango skin is packed with health-aiding elements such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These may aid weight control and overall well-being. But, possible risks include allergies and exposure to pesticide traces. 

The choice to eat mango skin hangs on personal factors such as allergies and taste. If you choose to consume it, prepare the skin the right way. This includes washing it well and adding it to recipes to hide its taste and feel. In the end, it’s key to make a choice that’s best for your unique health issues and personal likes. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is it healthy to eat mango skin? 

Mango skin is filled with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that boost overall health. However, it can trigger allergies or contain pesticide traces. If you wish to consume it, prepare it safely by washing it well. 

Should you peel a mango before eating it? 

Peeling a mango reduces the chance of allergies and coming into contact with pesticide traces. However, if you’re not allergic and clean the skin well, you may choose to eat it for its nutrient content. 

Is it OK to eat a whole mango, including the skin? 

Being able to munch a whole mango along with the skin is generally safe. However, the skin could trigger allergies in some and could also carry pesticide traces. Make sure to wash the mango well before eating the skin. 

Can eating mango skin have benefits for your skin? 

Mango skin is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that may aid overall wellness, including skin health. Yet, the direct role of eating mango skin on skin health isn’t well  document. 

What are the best ways to reduce pesticide traces on mango skin? 

To bring down the pesticide traces on mango skin, wash your mangoes well with water or use a cleaner made for fruits and  vegetable. Good washing helps get rid of any traces and makes for safe eating of the mango skin. 

References: 

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Exploring the mango-poison ivy connection: the riddle of discriminative plant dermatitis [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15701120 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Mango (Mangifera indica L.) by-products and their valuable components: a review [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25863626 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Exogenous antioxidants—Double-edged swords in cellular redox state – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952083 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Polyphenols, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Disease – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3651847 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Potential Role of Carotenoids as Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942711 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Relationship between Serum and Brain Carotenoids, α-Tocopherol, and Retinol Concentrations and Cognitive Performance in the Oldest Old from the Georgia Centenarian Study – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3690640 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Vitamin C Intake is Inversely Associated with Cardiovascular Mortality in a Cohort of Spanish Graduates: The SUN Project – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622714 
  1. ScienceDirect. Your Browser is out of date. [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814609014800 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Triterpenoids for cancer prevention and treatment: current status and future prospects [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21466427 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The role of triterpenes in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513225 
  1. ScienceDirect. Your Browser is out of date. [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606005243 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Multifaceted Health Benefits of Mangifera indica L. (Mango): The Inestimable Value of Orchards Recently Planted in Sicilian Rural Areas – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452255 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A comparative study of allowable pesticide residue levels on produce in the United States – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3297498 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Commonly Used Fruits and Vegetables in Kuwait – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580537 
  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4947579 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

You may also like

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments