The Marvels of Mango: Exploring Its Health Benefits for Children

Mango, the king of fruits, not only delights the taste buds but also offers a host of health benefits for children. This tropical fruit is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support growth, development, and overall well-being.

The Remarkable Benefits of Mango Consumption for Children

Nutritional Powerhouse for Children:

Mango is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an excellent addition to a child's diet.

They’re full of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C – an essential nutrient for immune health.

Just a 3/4 cup of sliced mango offers the following nutrients:

50% of the Daily Value (DV)* for vitamin C, an important nutrient for immunity and skin health

15% of the DV for copper, a mineral needed for collagen production

15% of the DV for folate, a B vitamin crucial to immunity and genetic processes like DNA formation

8% of the DV for vitamin A, necessary for skin and eye health

8% of the DV for vitamin B6, needed for brain health, immunity, and metabolism

2 grams of fiber, important for digestive health

* _{children 4 years and older}

Boost the Immune System: Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps ward off illnesses and infections, keeping your child healthy and active.

Healthy Digestion: The high fiber content in mango aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy digestive system, ensuring your child's tummy stays happy.

Growth and Development: Mangoes contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, and calcium, which play a vital role in bone development, vision health, and overall growth.

Brain Health: The vitamin B6 content in mangoes supports brain function and cognitive development in children, enhancing memory and concentration.

While mangoes offer numerous health benefits, it is important to consider some potential disadvantages of consuming mangoes for children.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to mangoes, particularly if they have a sensitivity to other fruits in the same family, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Allergies can cause symptoms like itching, swelling, hives, or even anaphylaxis. If you or your child have a known allergy to mangoes or related fruits, it is best to avoid consuming them.
High Sugar Content: Mangoes are naturally sweet and contain natural sugars. While this can be a source of quick energy for active children, excessive consumption may contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels.
Weight Gain: Mangoes are relatively high in calories compared to some other fruits. Overconsumption, especially in the form of juices or excessive servings, can contribute to weight gain in children. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and portion control when incorporating mangoes into a meal plan.
Acidic Nature: Mangoes have a naturally acidic pH, which may cause discomfort or exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn, especially in pregnant women who are more prone to these conditions. If your child experience digestive issues or discomfort after consuming mangoes, it is advisable to moderate the intake or consult a healthcare professional.
Latex Fruit Syndrome: Mangoes belong to the same botanical family as latex, and individuals with latex allergies may experience cross-reactivity and develop symptoms such as itching, swelling, or a rash after consuming mangoes. If your child has a known latex allergy, it is recommended to exercise caution or avoid mangoes altogether.

How to Introduce Mango to Your Baby

Some of our favorite ways to incorporate mango into a baby’s diet include:

Thin slices of the raw fruit, so the baby can pick it up using his/her pincer grasp.

Raw mango, mashed or pureed with bananas.

Mango popsicles (without sugar), Gives relief from teething pain.

Mango smoothie, Mix mango puree with yogurt.

MOMS TIP- Try mangoes only after your child has turned eight months old as the digestion of your child keeps getting better with time. Never give it before six months of age. If you are trying mangoes for the first time don t go overboard, even if your child loves the taste and demands more.

How to Serve Mango to Your Child

Raw diced mango, either on its own or mixed into a bowl of cereal or yogurt.

Mango Berry Popsicle

A Mango Berry Smoothie

Mango in any form of a salad.

Mango with their favorite vanilla ice cream

Mango chia pudding