Hailed as the “King of fruits”-Mango is the flavour of the season. In Sanskrit, it is “Amra,” “Aam” in Hindi, “Manga” in Tamil, etc. Its botanical name is Mangifera Indica. The mango tree is a native of India (grown for more than 4000 years). India is one of the largest producers of mangoes in the world. Mango trees can grow tall, some as much as 100 feet. And remarkably, mango trees can bear fruit for up to 300 years. There are more than 400 varieties of mangoes in the world today. So beat the summer heat with Mangoes –delicious fruit of the season.

Ancient Indian scriptures also mention the Mango tree

In Bhagavata Purana, the mango tree is present on Mount Mandara. Also, it suggests that Lord Shiva sat under the mango tree to meditate during his separation from Goddess Shakti.

The mango tree is sacred to both the Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus consider the mango tree as a manifestation of the God Prajapati, “the Brahma.” Hence on all festivals, religious occasions and marriages sacred mango leaves are used in decorating the entrance.

Once Lord Buddha ate a mango fruit, and he gave the seed to Ananda (his disciple) Ananda planted the seed and Buddha washed his hands over it and all of a sudden a mango plant sprang from it bearing flowers and fruits.

The Ayurveda texts mention that mango fruits can cure all the three doshas i.e.-Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. The ripened mango fruit produces heat and boosts the energy levels. The unripe mango fruit tastes sour-it has astringent and cooling properties.

Beat the summer heat with Mangoes ideas from our yogic kitchen- Ripe mangoes can be juiced (Aam ras) with pulp and eaten fresh. Mango milkshakes are a big hit with children. Mango shrikand (ripe mango blended with hung curd) etc.

Sharing – Delicious “Khass – Aam ka Panna” Recipe (Cooling and refreshing mango drink recipe for instance energy.) This is a power packed cool Mango drink packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation Time: 10mins   Cooking Time: 10mins  

Ingredients

• 1 large sized raw mangoes
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
• Black salt to taste
• A pinch of asafoetida (hinge)
• 1/8 cup Jaggery finely cut
• Garnish with lemon wedges and mint leaves.

Method

1. Wash and boil mangoes. Let them cool to room temperature.
2. Peel, mash and strain the pulp.
3. Add cumin powder, crushed peppercorns, black salt, asafoetida and jaggery.
4. Mix well till jaggery pieces are fully dissolved.
5. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and mint leaves. Serve fresh.

Children will especially enjoy this refreshing drink after playing in the hot summer sun. I remember my grandmother used to make this a lot during hot summer months of March, April, and May.

Benefits of Mango fruit are limitless –

1. Mangoes are a dynamo of essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients (antioxidants) fibre and enzymes that fortify the immune system.
2. They are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals-

• Vitamins- Vitamin A (the most prominent nutrient), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic and choline.
• Minerals- Iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, and selenium. Other Nutrients include- protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

3. Mangoes have antiviral, antibacterial, cardiotonic and, laxative properties.
4. Digestive system is benefited immensely- Mangoes are low in protein, sodium and contains no cholesterol. The fibre in the fruit cleanses the body and clears constipation problems.
5. Mangoes improve the appetite and are useful in removing the free radicals and toxins from the body.
6. Musculo systems are benefitted- potassium and magnesium content of mangoes help in combating muscle cramps, stress and cardiac problems.
7. Improves Eye Sight- Mangoes are a rich source of Vitamin A and beta-Carotene.
8. Skin tone- Mangoes rich in Vitamin E which enhances complexion, reduces skin pores and add a natural glow.
9. Blood Pressure regulation- Mangoes contain Potassium which helps in regulating the heart rate and thus the blood pressure.
10. Protects from heart disease- Mangoes are rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E which protects the body from heart disease and sun-strokes.
11. Anaemia preventive- The fruit is rich in iron and copper regular consumption of mango remedies anaemia.
12. Mangoes are also exhibit anti-ulcer properties due the presence of tannins and flavonoids present in the fruits.

Considering the benefits – Beat the summer heat with Mangoes Recipe from our yogic kitchen and feel refreshed. Try today.

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