Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Mangoes are the king of fruits. But many of us do not know that it offers not only a taste blast but also a number of health benefits.

Mangoes have numerous compounds that have antioxidant properties. These compounds include vitamin C and beta carotene, as well as several polyphenolic compounds including Gallic acid and their larger polymers gallotannins that have been linked to anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities in previous in vitro and in vivo studies.

The absorption, metabolism, and excretion of mango galloyl derivatives have not previously been investigated in humans.

In this human pilot trial published in the journal of Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 11 healthy volunteers between the ages of 21 and 38 years old consumed 400g/day of mango-pulp for 10 days, with blood and urine samples taken on days one and 10 of the study following mango consumption.

Participants refrained from consuming dietary supplements and foods which could be sources of Gallic acid such as berries, grapes, and tea for one week prior to the beginning of the study and during the 10 days of mango consumption.

Seven metabolites of Gallic acid were identified in the urine of healthy volunteers, and of those two microbial metabolites were found to be significantly more excreted following 10 days of mango consumption.

The presence of Gallic acid and pyrogallol metabolites in human urine after the consumption 400g of mango indicates the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of mango galloyl derivative and confirms the bio availability of these mango-derived metabolites.

Remedies to keep sweat away:

Summers don’t come alone. They usually bring a lot of colors, fruits and something nasty along with them. This nasty thing is sweat. Though it is a natural occurrence but is sometimes embarrassing so here are some home remedies to keep the sweat away. Coconut oil: Infuse about 10 grams of camphor in a bowl of coconut oil and apply on the sweat prone areas after bath. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Wash it off with clean water to give you desired results.

Salt: To cure excessive sweating this summer, mix a tablespoon of salt with lime juice. Massaging your hands with this mix will decelerate the activities of sweat glands.

Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can be applied to the high perspiring areas. Desired results can be seen if regularly used. It is also excellent for oily skin.

Potato: These will help in getting rid of sweat. Simply cut slices of potato and rub them under your arms and the areas prone to sweat. Allow the slices to dry before wearing your clothes.

Tomato juice: Drinking a glass of tomato juice every day will help you in getting rid of this excessive sweat during summer.

Grapes: A natural anti-oxidant, grapes help you balance the temperature of the body. So eating grapes daily can help you soothe out the problem of this excessive sweating.

Vinegar: Intake of two teaspoons of natural vinegar and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy to cure the excessive sweating. Taking this mixture thrice a day on an empty stomach half an hour before or after meals will give you the desired results.

Cornstarch and baking soda: If you sweat profusely, applying the mixture of cornstarch and baking soda under the arms will help you get rid of this problem. After applying the mixture let it stay for half an hour till it dries up and later wash it off with clean water.

Published in Daily Times, July 3^rd , 2017.