
Mango
Score
Mango is a tropical stone fruit rich in vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenolic antioxidants, offering anti-inflammatory and metabolic support benefits.
Why Mango scores 63
Nutrition
per_100g
Health benefits
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
moderate evidenceMangiferin and other polyphenols neutralize free radicals and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production, reducing cellular aging and chronic disease risk.
Cardiovascular health support
moderate evidencePotassium (165mg/100g) regulates blood pressure through vasodilation and sodium balance; polyphenols reduce arterial stiffness and improve endothelial function.
Digestive health and gut microbiota support
moderate evidenceFiber (1.75g/100g) and polyphenols serve as prebiotics, promoting beneficial bacterial growth and short-chain fatty acid production linked to metabolic health.
Immune and skin health
strong evidenceVitamin C (25.5mg/100g) enhances collagen cross-linking, immune cell function, and acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzyme systems.
Eye health maintenance
moderate evidenceCarotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin) accumulate in retinal tissue and protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Pairs well with
- ·Pair with Greek yogurt or kefir because the probiotics synergize with mango's prebiotic fiber to enhance gut microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acid production.
- ·Combine with healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado) because lipids enhance absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids and polyphenols, increasing bioavailability.
- ·Pair with fresh mint or ginger because these spices have complementary anti-inflammatory compounds and may enhance overall antioxidant status.
- ·Combine with citrus (lime, lemon) because additional vitamin C amplifies polyphenol stability and iron absorption if paired with iron-rich foods.
- ·Mix into oatmeal or chia seed pudding because soluble fiber and plant compounds together moderate glucose response and extend satiety.
Practical tips
- ·Best timing: midday
- ·Select mangoes with slight give when gently squeezed; ripen at room temperature away from direct sunlight, then refrigerate to halt ripening and preserve polyphenol content.
- ·Consume mango with skin when possible (if organically grown and thoroughly washed), as the peel concentrates mangiferin and other bioactive polyphenols.
- ·Freeze ripe mango chunks for smoothies; freezing does not significantly degrade polyphenol content and extends shelf life while concentrating nutrients per serving.
- ·Pair with protein or fat source at meals to moderate glucose response and enhance satiety, especially important for metabolic health optimization.
- ·Consume fresh mango within 2-3 days of ripening for maximum polyphenol retention; oxidation gradually reduces bioactive compound concentration over time.





