Mangoes Around the World: Health benefits, Types, Unique Rituals and Customs

 

 

One of the most renowned fruits in the world, mangoes are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant orange color. This tropical fruit has been a favorite for many years and is now produced all over the world. We will explore the advantages of mangoes in this article, including its origin, varieties, well-known uses in international cuisine, health advantages, and nutritional worth.

Mango Origin and Types:

Over 4,000 years ago, mangoes are thought to have first appeared in Southeast Asia. The fruit swiftly spread across the entire continent, and traders and adventurers later brought it to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Mangoes are now farmed in a variety of nations, including Mexico, Thailand, India, and Thailand.

Mangoes come in countless types, each with a distinctive flavor, texture, and look. Mango varieties including the Alphonso, Tommy Atkins, Keitt, and Ataulfo are among the most well-liked varieties. Mangoes from the Alphonso variety are regarded as the "king of mangoes" and praised for their flavor, texture, and rich, creamy pulp. The most popular kind of Tommy Atkins mangoes is grown throughout the United States, and because of their lengthy shelf life, they are frequently employed in commercial manufacturing.

Famous mango dishes from throughout the world:

Mangoes are a common element in a wide range of international cuisines. Mangoes are a common ingredient in chutneys, curries, and sweets in India. Aamras is one of the most well-known mango recipes from India. , a mango puree-based pulp that is sweet and thick. Mangoes are frequently used in salads and smoothies in Thailand, and in salsas and guacamole in Mexico. Mangoes are frequently used in smoothies, sweets, and as a garnish for grilled meats in the United States.

Mango's Health Benefits

Mangoes have a great flavor and a number of health advantages. Here are some of the main advantages of mangoes for your health:

1. Rich in Nutrients Mangoes are a rich source of potassium, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they contain antioxidants, which can aid in defending the body from harm caused by free radicals.

2. Mangoes' vitamin C content may aid increase immunity, making the body's defenses against illnesses and infections more potent.

3. Mangoes may aid in better digestion by containing both fiber and digestive enzymes, which helps ease indigestion and avoid constipation.

4. Sterols in mangoes have been demonstrated to lower blood cholesterol levels, which suggests that they may help lower cholesterol.

5. May Help Prevent Cancer: A number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in mangoes may help prevent some forms of cancer.

Mangoes' Nutritional Value:

Mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals but also low in fat and calories. 2. Mangoes' vitamin C content may aid increase immunity, making the body's defenses against illnesses and infections more potent.

3. Mangoes may aid in better digestion by containing both fiber and digestive enzymes, which helps ease indigestion and avoid constipation.

4. Sterols in mangoes have been demonstrated to lower blood cholesterol levels, which suggests that they may help lower cholesterol.

5. May Help Prevent Cancer: A number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in mangoes may help prevent some forms of cancer.

Mangoes' Nutritional Value:

Mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals but also low in fat and calories.

Less than one gram of fat and about 100 calories are found in one cup of mango slices. One cup of mangoes has about three grams of fiber, making them another excellent source of this substance.

Besides being a delectable fruit, mangoes have cultural importance in many places of the world. Mangoes are connected to ceremonies and traditions in several civilizations. Here are six unusual mango-related rituals and traditions:

 

1. India's Mango Festival:

The Mango Festival, an annual celebration of the start of the mango season, takes place in India. The festival occurs in the months of May or June and is observed across the nation. People congregate to partake in mango eating competitions, sample various mango kinds, and take in cultural displays.

2. Mango Blossom Festival in the Philippines: 

The Mango Blossom Festival is observed in the Philippines during the month of March. The festival honors the mango trees' flowering, which heralds the approaching harvest season. A street parade, a beauty pageant, and a trade fair selling regional mango products are all part of the celebration.

3. Bali's Mango Flower Offering:

 Mangoes are revered as having spiritual significance in Bali. Mango blossoms are used as offerings to the gods during the Balinese New Year celebration known as the Mango Flower Offering. For the coming year, blessings and good fortune are requested during the ceremony.

4. Mango Harvest Festival in Australia: 

The Northern Territory, noted for its mango production, hosts the country's Mango Harvest Festival. The festival, which takes place in November, features a range of activities like mango-eating competitions, live music, and food displays. Visitors can also embark on tours of nearby mango orchards and farms.

5. Thailand's Mango Tree Planting Ceremony: 

Mangoes are revered as a symbol of fertility and love in that country. Couples plant mango trees together as a symbol of their love and devotion to one another during the Mango Tree Planting Ceremony, which takes place in the month of June. The ceremony is thought to bring the couple luck and wealth.

6. Thailand's Mango Cutting Ceremony:

 In Thailand, the first ripe mango of the season is seen as a lucky and prosperous sign. A local dignitary or monk cuts the first ripe mango of the season and offers it to the gods during the Mango Cutting Ceremony, which takes place in April. The ritual is thought to bring prosperity and a bumper yeilds.

These are but a few examples of the peculiar customs and traditions linked to mangoes. In addition to their delicious flavor, mangoes hold a special place in the cultures of many different nations.

Mangoes are not the only delicious and healthy fruit that have a number of health benefits. They are loved all over the world and used in many different cuisines. Whether eaten alone or in meals, mangoes are an excellent way to add flavor and nutrition to any meal. Therefore, if you're looking for a pleasant and healthy snack, consider getting a juicy, ripe mango.

Benefits of Hijama or Cupping therapy

What is Hijama:

 Hijama is also known as cupping therapy in which impure blood is drawn out from skin by using vacume cup. In Earlier times leaches were used for this purpose. This therapy removes toxins and impurities from tissues. It helps to treat various illness and used for decades. It also has its importance in Islamic history too.

Hijama has been used by the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Abu Hurairah (R.A) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said,

“Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.” [Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith No: 3861].

Hijama cups:

The cups used in Hijama therapy can be made up of bamboo, silicone, glass, and earthware. There can be 3 to 5 cups in the first sitting. Over time, the therapist may increase it up to 5 to 7.
During and after the cupping treatment, many patients frequently report feeling refreshed or relaxed. Cupping does not cause any discomfort or pain.

Who should not do Hijama:

If you have any of these condition, you should avoid cupping. Disorders of bleeding, such as hemophilia. Problems with blood clotting, like deep vein thrombosis or a history of strokes. Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

The epidermis is temporarily marked by cupping. Health care professionals should be informed of the meaning of these scars in order to prevent them from being misinterpreted as indications of physical maltreatment. Cupping may aggravate dermatitis or psoriasis and have unfavourable side effects like scarring, burns, infections, and chronic skin discoloration.

Types of Hijama:

There are many types of cupping therapy like dry cupping, wet cupping and fire cupping. depending upon therapy cups are used made of different material like glass, plastic , bamboo, horn/copper, bronze.

Cost of Hijama:

Top Hijama specialists in Pakistan charge between 300 and 3000PKR per consultation. Depending on the training and expertise of the practitioner.
Treatments for cupping in major cities like Los Angeles and New York will cost more than those in rural regions. There are some basic figures to bear in mind, though. Sessions for suction treatment typically range in price from $50 to $100.

Anatomical regions to perform Hijama:

 Hijamah was performed on the the head region to treat headache and migraines, as well as on the dorsum of the foot and the leg to treat traumatic pain (possibly caused by strain or injury). Other anatomical sites for practicing hijama are frontal aspect of chest, abdomen and pelvis, back of trunk and limbs

Hijama and pregnancy:

Hijama wet/blood cupping is not permitted at any point of pregnancy, but dry cupping on the neck, upper back, and shoulder region is permitted after Week 9.

Benefits of Hijama:

Cupping can be used strategically to improve blood flow to particular areas that require healing. Faster healing will result from greater blood and energy movement.

Cupping treatment is a fantastic experience for the majority of individuals. Cupping has numerous health advantages. It can also be a very soothing and calming experience.

Facial Hijama:

Facial cupping improve the movement of oxygen-rich blood epidermis and elastic tissue strengthening, activate the cells that produce collagen, Muscle tightness should be relieved.

As a result, the practise is said to: minimise the look of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles by brightening the face tone the cheekbones, jawbone, neck, and décolleté

reduce swelling increase nutrient distribution and product absorption by regulating oil synthesis.

 Facial cupping should not result in marks. However, bruising can develop if the cup is kept in the same position for an extended period of time. discoloration can appear in as little as 5 seconds, so keep the cup moving.

Cupping and fertility:

Cupping can also relieve tension and enhance the atmosphere around the fallopian tubes, resulting in increased fertility.

When is the ideal moment to do Hijama to increase fertility?

The best time to do Hijama for conception is between the first day of the menstruation period and the start of the fertile days. (allow time for recovery from Hijama, before the fertile window). Along with a Hijama therapy plan, counsel the customer to keep a close eye on their general food and lifestyle choices and make any required adjustments.