Despite widespread agreement that mangos are delicious, opinion appears to be divided regarding whether they are best eaten when ripe or unripe. Mangoes, as we all know, come in a plethora of varieties, each with its own set of quirks. However, it's unclear whether raw, green or ripe, juicy ones should be included. There's an intense debate happening about the best way to eat mangoes. Which is preferable, ripe or unripe? Is there a preferable option? Above all, which one is healthier?
Beyond simple good and bad
To begin, there is no such thing as a wrong food choice. Compared to a cheek of yellow mango split in delectable grids, the lengthy stripes of green mango with salt may provide greater delight. That's totally up to you to decide. How much do you consume? When and how you eat, also determine the right or wrong choice.
Comparison of unripe and ripe mangoes
In order to assist you in making an educated choice while collecting fruit from the market or your garden, let's go through the nutritional differences between ripe and unripe mangoes.
Raw mango's selling point
Research published in the Indian journal Rasayan Journal found that young mango had just 23.5% water, whereas ripe mango contained 82.9% water. However, it has a higher protein and mineral content and lower sugar and fat levels. The vitamin C content of unripe mangoes was found to be exceptionally high, whereas the vitamin A content of mature mangoes was found to be relatively high. The unripe ones turn out that vitamin C content of mango is significantly higher in its unripe form than in its mature form.
Unripe mangoes, Image Source: Pexels
Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin found in raw mangoes are beneficial to eyesight. Raw mangoes contain polyphenols, a class of potent antioxidants that lower inflammation and protect against cancer. Green mangoes include abundant nutrients that boost collagen production and skin health.
Understanding ripe mangoes
In their ripe form, mangoes are often consumed on their own. They taste the finest when combined with other sugary foods. Imagine any mango-themed drinks, ice creams, fruit salads, and sweets. Ripe mangoes are most famous for making jam and dried mangoes. The sweetness of ripe mangoes works well as a sauce in savoury recipes. Mangoes are used in this fashion in a wide variety of cuisines worldwide. You shouldn't eat more than 1 cup of freshly ripened mango at a time. Due to its high sugar and relatively low fibre content compared to other fruits, mango should be limited to no more than two servings per day. Mango is terrible for your blood sugar levels, and the specialist on gut health and nutrition, Avanti Deshpaande, warns her followers not to eat it late at night. She recommends avoiding eating mango late at night to prevent an insulin ris
Green mangoes that have yet to ripen are typically consumed salted or pickled in a sugary brine. Green mango is a common souring agent in several parts of the world.
Mangoes vary in nutritional value depending on ripeness and storage conditions, but preparation also makes a difference. It's improbable that a mango cake would be healthier than a green mango salad. However, the commercial pickle that pairs so well with green mangoes typically includes a lot of salt.
Conclusion
While mangoes are typically considered healthful, every food includes both positive and negative aspects. The path of moderation is the one we suggest you choose.