Practical advice for eating mangoes: Interview with Mathieu Tobossi, Specialist in food hygiene and quality

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Extract from the article: Mangoes are one of the most popular tropical fruits. In Togo, the months of March, April, May and even June are the best time of the year for the fruit to reach maturity, so it's picked to the delight of the people who enjoy eating it. However, eat

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« Mangoes are good for your health, but only if you observe good hygiene»

Mangoes are one of the most popular tropical fruits. In Togo, the months of March, April, May and even June are the best time of the year for the fruit to reach maturity, so it's picked to the delight of the people who enjoy eating it.   However, eating this fruit can have serious health consequences if hygiene conditions are not respected. In an interview with Santé-Education, Mathieu Tobossi, a specialist in food hygiene and quality, gives advice on good hygiene when eating this fruit.

Santé-Education: What are the health benefits of mangoes?

Mathieu Tobossi: The mango is one of the most anti-fatigue fruits. It is rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin A (necessary for healthy eyes, bones and skin). Also rich in B group vitamins, mango helps reduce fatigue and boosts the immune system. It contains vitamin C (37mg per 100g, i.e. 46% of the recommended daily intake), which protects against infection and accelerates healing. It is also a source of vitamin E (anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory action) and vitamin K (blood clotting and soft tissue calcification).  It is a fruit that helps prevent cancer. 

Mango is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that protect the body's cells against premature ageing. It contains other antioxidants, such as lupeol, which reduces the growth of cancer cells, particularly in prostate cancer. Mango helps protect the heart. It contains easily digestible fibre, including pectin.   These substances help to reduce bad cholesterol levels, and we shouldn't forget the presence of potassium, which helps to control heart rhythm and maintain normal blood pressure.  Chosen when ripe, mangoes are easy to digest because they contain less fibre than many fruits. Its average fibre content is just 1.7g per 100g.   Its soluble fibre reduces constipation.   It also contains digestive enzymes that aid the digestion of proteins eaten at the same meal.

What are the health risks to which consumers are exposed by eating mangoes without observing hygiene measures?

During the rainy season, there is excessive consumption of mangoes. This is not without consequences for health, especially if hygiene and dietary measures are not properly observed. If mangoes, hands or knives are not properly washed before consumption, the possible consequences are various infections and infestations, indigestion and digestive disorders leading to acute diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach ache and gas. Excessive consumption can also lead to a rise in blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics, and cause indigestion.

What practical steps should I take before eating mangoes to avoid illness?

First of all, you need to eat good quality mangoes in reasonable quantities.   By good quality, we mean mangoes that are sufficiently ripe and undamaged. Avoid eating under-ripe mangoes that have been eaten by an animal, bird or insect, as this can cause indigestion and digestive problems, with all the ensuing consequences.   Remember to wash your hands and mangoes thoroughly with soap and drinking water (hands and knives) before eating to avoid various infections.

In reasonable quantities, meaning that excessive consumption should be avoided.  Excessive consumption can lead to indigestion and high blood sugar levels in diabetics. In general, we recommend eating two portions a day (an average of one mango a day), preferably in the evening before or after dinner.

What advice do you have for the public?

 You must scrupulously observe hygiene and dietary measures before consuming mango. Contact a health professional if you feel any persistent discomfort linked to eating mangoes. Mangoes are good for you, but only if you observe good hygiene.

Interview by Abel OZIH