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The summer season is here, which essentially means mango season is here. The king of fruits in India, mangoes are loved by everyone, irrespective of what region of the country you belong to. There is a huge variety of mangoes available in different states of India, and each has its own unique taste and texture. While you might wait for the entire year to taste this absolutely delicious fruit, it is well known that everything is better when consumed in proper moderation.
Ideally, 2 servings of mango a day is enough, since it is high in calories and lower in fibre than many of the other fruits that we consume. 330-350 grams a day should be the upper limit, but a lot depends on the individual’s metabolism. So, making your choice wisely is important while indulging in the deliciousness of the fruit.
Similarly, mango might be your favourite fruit, and each slice might taste like a piece of heaven, but there are many side effects of eating them that you need to know about. Here are some of the downsides of eating too much of this summer fruit:
Allergic reactions
Some people may experience an allergic reaction to mangoes, especially if they have a history of food allergies. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. And it is very important to note that these allergies need not be something that you experience from childhood and can develop later in your life as well.
So, if you have a long list of food items that you are allergic to and you experience even mild symptoms after eating mangoes, it is best to consult a doctor before continuing to have that mango milkshake or the mango barfi that you really enjoy.
Digestive issues
Mangoes are high in fibre and sugar, which can be difficult for some people to digest. While fibre is a very important nutrient for us, excess of anything has never done anyone any good. People who already suffer from stomach-related issues might have difficulty digesting the fruit. Eating too many mangoes can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or constipation.
Skin irritation
You must have heard from your mothers and grandmothers to carefully wash mangoes before consuming them in any shape or form. This is because the skin, stem, and leaves of the mango fruit contain sap that's released when the fruit is plucked or harvested, which can cause skin irritation or infection when it comes in contact with your skin. This is known as mango dermatitis and can cause itching, redness, and swelling. So, it is important to carefully clean the fruit before consuming mango this season.
Mango can cause skin irritation | Unsplash
While there is no food that is the only villain in your happy journey to weight loss, it is important to know that mangoes are high in natural sugars and calories, so eating too many of them can lead to weight gain. It is a common myth that eating any and every sort of fruit is great for health, and moderation is not required while consuming them because they only have natural sugars. So, it's important to eat mangoes in moderation and balance them with other healthy foods.
Increased risk of kidney stones
Some people may be at increased risk of developing kidney stones when consuming mangoes due to their high oxalate content. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many foods, including mangoes. When consumed in large amounts, oxalates can bind with calcium in the body, forming crystals that can lead to kidney stones. To reduce your risk of kidney stones while still enjoying the health benefits of mangoes, you can try peeling and de-seeding the mango before eating it.
Pesticide residues
Most fruits and vegetables that are available on the market are infested with chemical pesticides and insecticides. Mangoes are often treated with pesticides to prevent insect damage. These chemicals can be harmful to your health, so it's best to choose organic mangoes whenever possible. Also, avoid consuming the peel while indulging in your mango cravings. Having too much of these chemicals can mess with your entire body, including your gut and skin health.
