Ramazan tonic: Mixed mango juice can help lower body temperatures

Fruit can help prevent heatstroke on hot days, boost immune and digestive systems

ISLAMABAD: Acclaimed as the 'king of fruits', mangoes are popular for their rich, sweet taste. But unbeknownst to most, it can also be helpful to fight heatstroke besides boosting the immune and digestive systems of people, especially during the holy month of Ramazan

"Once mango juice is mixed with water and sugar it is immensely helpful to cool down body temperature and prevent negative effects on digestive system primarily from overheating especially in warm areas," said senior medical officer and child specialist Dr Riaz Khan.

Terming mangoes as extremely important for those working in the hot weather, Dr Riaz advised them to consume mangoes in sufficient quantity especially during the early morning meal of sehri before keeping the fast and at iftari, the evening meal to break the fast.

This way, he explained, people can regulate their body's temperature and keep it cool.

"Vitamins C and A are found in abundance in mangoes, which keeps a person's immune system strong and stable during Ramazan. It counters overheating and prevention of breast, leukaemia and prostate cancers,” he explained, adding that it also makes kidneys healthy.

In this regard, he said that mangoes were very important for senior citizens and children as it helps lowers cholesterol level owing to its high fibre content, minerals and vitamins.

To keep ones heart and kidney strong, he advised people to use consume mangoes juices during sehri and iftaris while avoiding carbonated beverages and unnecessary travelling to avoid the risk of heatstroke.

"Certainly, Pakistani mangoes are superior in terms of quality, sweetness, aroma, colour and softness which is why they are liked the world over including Asia, Middle East, Europe and Central Asia," he said.

Being the second largest fruit crop of Pakistan, mangoes are produced in abundance in many areas of the country including the south such as Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Hyderabad,  Bahawalpur, Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Mangoes were also produced in areas such as Peshawar, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan.

While over 200 varieties of mango are produced in the country, the Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, Dusehri, Anwar Ratol, Saroli, Samar Bahisht, Toota Pari, Fajri, Neelum, Alphonso, Almas, Sanwal, Surkha and Sunera mangoes are popular locally and internationally.

Chaunsa, Dr Riaz said, is low on its calorie count while high in fibre apart from having a sufficient number of carbohydrates, calcium, and iron, which is necessary for physical and mental growth.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2018.