Mango (Mangifera Indica)- Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits

Mango is commercially most important and desirable fruit and is rightly called king of fruits. It is widely acceptable on account of its unique exotic flavour, taste and nutritive value as well. Mango is nutritional and is a good source of carbohydrates, soluble fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It contains polyphenols and carotenoids in profuse amounts which have well documented health effects/benefits. The fruit is known to possess antioxidant activity and many other health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenicity, heptoprotective and antimicrobial activity among others. Mangoes can act as functional foods for health promotion and general well being.