Ripe mangoes have just started to reach the market, even though the ripe mango season has not yet arrived. Whenever you buy mangoes, though, be sure to soak them in water for half an hour before eating them.

Soaking mangoes does not just clean off dust and dirt; there are five scientific reasons for eating them this way, and doing so may help you avoid a number of health problems. Here are the benefits of soaking mangoes before eating them.

1. Eating mangoes soaked in water gets rid of phytic acid. Phytic acid is a kind of nutrient that can be both good and bad for the body, and is considered an antioxidant.

It hinders the body's absorption of iron, zinc, calcium and other minerals, so the acid can lead to mineral deficiency. The natural molecule is found not only in mangoes but also in other fruit, vegetables and nuts. Phytic acid generates heat in the body, and soaking in water draws it out.

2. Harmful pesticides are used on mangoes and mango trees, and these are very harmful to the body. Indian Ayurveda expert Ashutosh Gautam told NDTV that eating mangoes without soaking them can cause allergies, skin irritation or other serious problems. Eating unsoaked mangoes sometimes also causes headaches and nausea.

3. Many people get acne or other skin problems after eating mangoes, and also have to deal with constipation, headaches or other stomach-related problems. In such cases, soaking the mangoes in water for a while relieves the heat.

Indian celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar said in a post on Twitter that mangoes should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before eating, which makes eating them better for the skin.

4. Eating mangoes also raises body temperature, producing thermogenesis. Soaking mangoes in water for a while before eating prevents this. In fact it is the increased thermogenesis that causes problems such as acne, constipation and headaches.

5. Eating mangoes this way can also help reduce weight. Mangoes contain phytochemicals, and when mangoes are soaked their concentration drops. This helps burn fat naturally.

Citing The Better India.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.