Can You Eat Mango Seeds? What Are The Benefits?

Mangoes are one of the most popular tropical fruits around the world. Their sweet, creamy flesh is delicious and nutrient-dense. But what about the large, flat seed inside? Can you eat mango seeds? And are there any benefits or risks to consider?

Mango Seeds

The seed or pit of a mango is generally about 1-3 inches long and flat in shape. It has a tough outer covering and is filled with a soft, fibrous pulp on the inside.

Many people simply discard mango seeds, but some cultures have a tradition of eating both the seed and the fruit. Mangoes originated in South and Southeast Asia, where utilizing every edible part of the fruit has long been common practice.

So if you’ve ever wondered: can I eat a mango seed? – the answer is yes, you can! But you may want to understand the possible benefits and precautions first.

Nutritional Value of Mango Seeds

Mango seeds are not the most nutrient-dense part of the fruit, but they do contain some beneficial components:

• Dietary fiber – The soft pulp around the inner seed is full of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and may lower cholesterol.
• Antioxidants – Mango seeds contain phenols and flavonoids like gallic acid, which have antioxidant properties to counteract free radicals.
• Phytochemicals – Compounds like mangiferin, benzenetetrols, and polyphenols found in the seed offer medicinal benefits.
• Healthy fats – The pulp contains oleic acid and stearic acid, which are types of fatty acids that may improve heart health.
• Vitamins and minerals – Small amounts of folate, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus are present in mango seeds.

While mango seeds are not comparable to the fruit nutritionally, they do contribute extra fiber, antioxidants, plant compounds, and healthy fats when consumed.

Potential Benefits of Eating Mango Seeds

Research into the medicinal uses of mango seeds is still emerging. But studies to date and anecdotal evidence suggest that eating mango seeds could offer the following benefits:

1. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Animal studies indicate that extracts of mango seed pulp may reduce blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. The fiber, phenols, and plant compounds in the seed appear to modulate carbohydrate metabolism. More research is needed, but modulating blood sugar is key for managing diabetes.

2. Boosts Digestive Health

The dietary fiber content of mango seeds promotes regularity, bowel movements, and healthy digestion. The fiber creates bulk in stool and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. This makes mango seeds a digestive aid.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in mango seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Mangiferin and phenols like gallic acid can lower inflammation in cells. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions.

4. May Lower Cholesterol

Some research finds that mango seed extracts may reduce cholesterol levels in plasma and the liver by enhancing cholesterol excretion. The fiber and healthy fats in the seeds likely contribute to this effect by optimizing lipid levels.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

Studies indicate mango seed extracts have antibacterial and antifungal properties against certain strains of pathogenic bacteria. More research is underway, but this suggests mango seeds could aid gastrointestinal and overall health.

6. May Protect Heart Health

The fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in mango seeds can support cardiovascular function. Polyphenols may relax blood vessels, while the fiber and fats promote healthy cholesterol and triglycerides for heart health.

The existing research on mango seeds looks promising. Eating the seeds regularly may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-lowering effects. But more studies are needed to substantiate potential health benefits in humans.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Mango seeds do contain antioxidant compounds, but the outer cover also holds urushiol. This is an irritant that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. You should take certain precautions when eating mango seeds:

• Remove the outer coating – Soak and peel the hard outer layer off before eating the interior seed.
• Eat in moderation – Limit mango seed intake to occasional, moderate amounts. Consuming very high quantities may irritate the digestive tract.
• Beware of toxicity – Unripe or underripe mango seeds can contain poisonous compounds. Make sure seeds are fully ripe and washed before eating.
• Consider allergies – Those with mango allergies should avoid the seeds due to cross-reactivity with the fruit. Mangoes are drupes, so people with nut allergies should exercise caution too.

Monitor your tolerance when first eating mango seeds. Introduce them gradually and discontinue use if any intolerance develops. Pregnant women, children, and people on medication should speak to a healthcare provider first.

With precautions in mind, the seeds can be a nutritious food. But is it necessary to eat mango seeds? There are no unique benefits you’ll miss out on by discarding them. The flesh and skin of ripe mangoes provide ample nutrition and plant compounds on their own.

A Tasty, Nutritious Snack in Moderation

Mango seeds are a tasty, nutritious snack in moderation. The outer layer can be peeled off and the inner seed can be eaten as is or grounded into powder for use in smoothies or baking. They have a nutty-like flavor with sweet undertones and can be enjoyed raw or roasted.

Mango seeds contain healthy fats, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Eating mango seeds may provide anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and antimicrobial effects.

While not as nutritious as the juicy flesh, the seed can provide a subtle mango flavor and beneficial components. So, When preparing fresh mangoes at home, don’t automatically throw the pit in the trash.