Summer is not complete without the succulent, golden wedges of mango adorning our plates. For some, the fruit is not just a seasonal treat; it’s a childhood memory of summers spent dripping aamras and the sheer bliss of nature’s sweet offerings. But in the era of calorie counting and carb-cutting, mangoes have been unfairly accused of being a sugary treat to be shunned. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, however, has come to the rescue.
Responsible for mentoring the likes of Kareena Kapoor through life-changing journeys, Rujuta has always been an advocate for local, seasonal, and traditional foods. In her recent Instagram video and accompanying post, she passionately explains why you should not skip mangoes this summer — no matter your fitness goals, health status, or dietary preferences.
Why You Should Eat Mangoes in Summer
“It is summer, and you should be eating mango,” says Rujuta Diwekar with cheerful authority. She reminds us that mangoes are not only tasty but also full of nutrients that trendy wellness products so frequently tout: antioxidants, fiber, polyphenols, and vitamins, all put together in this colorful fruit in the first place. As she puts it, “The stuff you’re looking for in pricey wellness products is already in the mango.”
These are Rujuta’s best reasons for eating mangoes:
1. Local, Seasonal, and Body-Friendly:
Mangoes are native to our region, genetically familiar to our bodies, and grow during peak summer—nature’s way of offering the exact nourishment we need for the season. “Local foods are aligned with our body constitution,” says Rujuta, and that’s why mangoes do more good than harm.
2. Emotionally Uplifting:
“A mango a day keeps sadness at bay,” she says poetically. Mangoes evoke joy, nostalgia, and anticipation. In a fast-paced world that often forgets the beauty of waiting, mango season reminds us to pause and relish.
Nutritional Powerhouse in a Fruit
Rujuta doesn’t just romanticize mangoes; she backs her love with science. Mangoes are a complete package of essential nutrients that many try to source from multiple expensive food items. For instance:
Fiber: Helps in digestion, reduces cholesterol, and improves gut health. It’s the same fiber that people seek in oats or multigrain biscuits.
Polyphenols & Antioxidants: These plant compounds support heart health, fight inflammation, and may even have anti-cancer properties. Instead of sipping green tea or munching on dark chocolate, a mango can provide similar benefits.
Beta-Carotene: Found in yellow fruits, this nutrient gives you glowing skin and boosts immunity.
Vitamin C: Supports bone health and strengthens joints.
Vitamin B6: Helps tackle bloating and supports mood regulation.
Vitamin E, potassium, copper, folate: the list goes on. Mango is a multivitamin in disguise.
Busting the Mango Myths
In an era where every food is under scrutiny, mangoes have faced their share of myths. Rujuta busts the most common ones:
Myth: Mango is bad for diabetics.
Fact: Rujuta says there’s no evidence to suggest that fresh mangoes lead to diabetes. In fact, they can help improve insulin sensitivity thanks to their fiber and antioxidant content. Even the American Diabetes Association and Mayo Clinic support the inclusion of seasonal mangoes in a diabetic diet.
Myth: Mango is high in calories.
Fact: Yes, mangoes contain calories, but these are healthy calories, rich in nutrients and far better than empty calories from fizzy drinks, flourless cakes, or so-called “diet” snacks. Rujuta urges people to choose traditional, whole foods over processed “health” products.
Myth: Mango causes heat in the body.
Fact: This common belief can be easily tackled. Rujuta recommends soaking mangoes in water for 30 minutes before eating. This age-old trick helps leach out phytic acid and balances the fruit’s natural warmth.
Myth: Mango is fattening.
Fact: Quite the opposite. Mangoes contain nutrients that actually aid in fat metabolism. “Foods that are not local are way more fattening,” she adds.
How Much Mango is Too Much?
The beauty of mango lies not just in its nutrients but in how our body responds to it. Rujuta explains that mangoes help regulate leptin, a hormone that signals satiety to the brain. When you eat a mango mindfully, your body knows when to stop. Her advice? Don’t count mangoes; listen to your stomach. “Eat as much as your body needs, no more, no less.”
The Final Word
Rujuta Diwekar ends her message with a warm reminder: “Misinformation is bad for health; mango is not.” In a world that’s becoming increasingly disconnected from its food roots, she urges us to reconnect, starting with the mango. From aamras to panna, pickle to pulp, every form is worth celebrating.
So, go ahead, slice it, slurp it, devour it. Let the juice run down your chin and the joy fill your soul. This summer, let the mango be more than a fruit; let it be your reason to smile.
