Nutritional value of mango peel

 

A mango peel contains many of the same nutrients as the flesh and some of them are in even higher quantities than the main “meat” of the fruit. Why then, would you bother eating the peel instead of a few extra mango slices to make up the difference? Sugar. A mango has around 24 grams (g) of sugar and 28g of carbs, almost all of which come from the flesh itself. Going for the skin lets you get all of the lovely nutrients and avoid much of the carbs and sugar that would otherwise bog down your diet. But that’s what a mango peel doesn’t contain. Here’s what it does contain:

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A s an important nutrient for anyone who wants strong eyes and a healthy immune system.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps in wound repair, the absorption of iron, and the growth and restoration of skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is antioxidant-rich, meaning it’s able to sweep up any free radicals bouncing about before they can cause too much trouble.

• Fiber: Fiber is a big consideration when it comes to mango peels. Like with most fruit, the fiber content found in the rougher skin dwarfs any found in the flesh by a significant margin. Mango peels can add much needed mobility to your digestive system and help keep bowel movements comfortable and regular.

• Phytonutrients: A fruit’s peel is filled with special nutrients that are meant to protect against insects, fungi, and other annoyances that could threaten the plant. Although many of these phytonutrients are not used by the human body directly, they do have antioxidant properties that can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of cancer. Of specific note is a phytonutrient called mangiferin, which is highly available in the peel but only has trace amounts in the flesh of the fruit. Mangiferin is known to be a powerful antioxidant capable of easing inflammation and protect against UV-damage and skin cancer.