Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Season of mangoes is starting as the fruit has reached in markets of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in big quantity.

The season of this king of fruits will last until the mid of August. One type of this delicious fruit is Sindhri. Rich in size, outlook and taste it can be purchased from every roadside vendor these days, who in turn charge exorbitant prices from consumers despite the fact that they buy the fruit at comparatively lesser prices from wholesalers. A wholesaler at Islamabad Fruit market Muhammed Naeem said “we are selling fruit at an affordable price”. Mangoes start arriving in mid of May, but “peak of its season begins form first week of June”, he added. A medical expert Dr. Sanaullah Khan said, “Besides luscious taste, mangoes also contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that assure your optimum health”. He said that Mango was rich in fiber, so at least one mango every day in diet could prevent from constipation, piles and symptoms of a spastic colon.

Research and studies published at Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety have demonstrated that dietary fiber has a positive effect on eliminating degenerative diseases, including certain cancers and heart conditions.  Mangoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin B6, as well as a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.  Mangoes are also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper, and they are one of the best sources of quercetin, betacarotene, and astragalin. These powerful antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Ailments like heart disease, premature aging, cancer and degenerative diseases are due to these free radicals that damage the cells.