FOOD/ HEALTH SPECIAL... MANGOES FOR YOUR MEALS AND SKIN

 MANGOES FOR YOUR MEALS AND SKIN 

    You have more than one reason to reach for a mango before the summer ends. The sweet, juicy fruit lends itself well to shakes, curries, salads and desserts. It also complements meats very well and lends a tangy flavour to grilled fish or chicken. Its flavour apart, the mango offers a host of benefits to the skin and is used in a variety of therapies in spas and other wellness spots across the city.
CLEARS THE SKIN TOO!
Mangoes are not just good to eat. Did you know that they also work wonders for the skin? Mangoes are able to get rid of pimples and spots and unclog pores. It has Vitamins A and C which can repair the skin. Mangoes are being used in a range of masks,scrubs, facials and therapies.
MAKE YOUR OWN: MANGO MUD MASK:
Take half a mango, one tablesopoon of oatmeal and three almonds. Blend the almonds and oatmeal, then add the mango (chopped) to it. Blend again. use it as a smooth mask over the skin. Leave it to dry and rinse with warm water. Can be stored in the fridge.
MAKE YOUR OWN: MANGO SCRUB
Mango can also leave the skin feeling scruubed and smooth. To make the scrub, you need a mango, one teaspoon of honey, less than half a cup of sugar and one table spoon of milk. Blend this. Use the scrub all over the body. Rinse.

 DESSERT IDEAS
Make sweetcorn and mango puree
Its easy, you need:
>> Mangoes— 2, >> peeled, de-stoned and flesh chopped >> Sweetcorn, drained — 325g canned
Method
Place the mango and sweetcorn in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a clean bowl then add into a bowl and chill until it is ready to serve.

Thai Mango and Sticky Rice: (Khao Niaow Ma Muang)
Ingredients:
>> Thai sticky rice — 1 cup >> Ripe mangoes, cut into slices — 1 to 2 >> Palm sugar — 4 to 5 tbsp >> Salt — ¼ tsp >> Coconut milk — 1 can >> Water — for cooking rice
Method
>> Soak the rice in 1 cup water for 20-30 minutes. Do not drain water from the rice. Add 4 cups of water and 1/4 can coconut milk. Add 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. brown sugar to the boiling rice. Mix it will into the rice. >> Bring the water to a gentle boil, then partially cover the pan and allow slight steam to release. Reduce heat to and let it simmer >> Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the coconut-water has been absorbed by the rice. Turn off the heat, allowing the pan to remain on the burner with the lid on tight. Allow the pan to sit for 5-10 minutes. >> To make the sauce, simmer the remaining coconut milk over medium-low heat. Add 3 tbsp (as per the required sweetness) sugar, stirring to dissolve. >> To assemble, place a scoop of sticky rice in each serving bowl, then pour the coconut sauce over it and garnish with slices of mango

 BEAUTY AND HEALTH BENEFITS
WHY MANGOES CAN KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY
>> Mangoes contain vitamins A, C and D along with beta-carotene and amino acids. >> A single cup of mangoes gives 25% of the required daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes. >> The high levels of fiber and pectin help to lower serum cholesterol levels. >> Fresh mango is a good source of potassium — 100 grams of the fruit provides 156 mg of potassium. >> It contains digestive enzymes that help break down proteins and aid digestion. >> Mango also contain phenols, a compound which has powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the cancer risk. >> The fruit is a rich source of vitamin B1 that can boost the immune system. >> The skin from it is said to help clear pores and add a glow to your face.
KITCHEN TIP Mangoes are used as an effective tenderising agent.

CALORIE COUNT One medium-size (230 g) mango has approximately 135 calories!

Ismat Tahseen BT 130525