The nutritional and nutraceutical/functional properties of mangoes

Description

Mangoes can be considered a major source of bioactive compounds, notably vitamin C, phenolics (mainly gallic acid) and carotenoids, among which many are provitamin A. This chapter describes the claimed health benefits associated with the antioxidant properties of these compounds, which potentially encompass protection against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and cancers. The chapter examines specific cell, animal and clinical studies that suggest mango pulp, juice and extract are effective against metabolic diseases and certain forms of cancer. The chapter considers levers that can be used to increase bioactive compounds in mangoes either before or after harvest, and includes a case study on the use of pulsed light to increase concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolics.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Health benefits of mango fruits 3 Increasing phytochemical concentrations in mango fruits 4 Pre- and post-harvest factors influencing bioactive compounds of mango fruits 5 Case study: low fluence pulsed light to enhance mango phytochemical content 6 Future trends and conclusion 7 Where to look for further information 8 References