Mangoes are a cancer-preventing miracle, and this mango citrus smoothie can help your body steer clear of any potential invaders.
Mango flesh contains polyphenolics and carotenoids (types of antioxidants) that can protect against cancer. A sub-class of these polyphenolics include flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol glycosides, phenolic acids, gallic acid, galloyl glycosides and mangiferin (1).
Research has deduced that the anti-cancer potential of mango stems from their antioxidant properties that enhance cell defence capacity and modulate molecular pathways in target cells (cancer cells). These compounds can inhibit the promotion and progression stages of cancer by interfering with cell cycle regulation, signal transduction pathways, transcription, and activating apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
This study found that different mango varieties helped prevent different forms of cancer (2). They found that Ataulfo and Haden mangoes demonstrated the greatest antioxidant capacities, followed by Kent, Francis and then Tommy Atkins. Leukaemia cells were most efficiently eradicated by Ataulfo and Haden, followed by breast, lung, and prostate cancer cells in decreasing efficacy.
Ataulfo mango extracts were the most efficient at inhibiting colon cancer cell growth by up to 72%! It is suggested that mango antioxidants have the ability to select and destroy cancerous cells, while not interfering with normal cellular growth.
If you have the choice, choose ataulfo mangoes first, but always go for the ripest, most sweet smelling mangoes as your number one choice. The more ripe and better smelling the mango, the more chance you have at absorbing all potential antioxidants.
Mango Citrus Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients: (serves 1)
– 2 cups ripe mango
– 3 oranges, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1 inch fresh ginger root
Method:
Stick all of the above ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
