Lyric, 25 July, 2023
On a hot summer day, as the temperature rises, people prefer to stay under the coolness of air conditioning, enjoying refreshing food and cold drinks. Having some sweet fruit like mangoes is delightful in such warm conditions.
However, for women experiencing their menstrual cycle, there are many considerations regarding what to eat during summer.
So, can women eat mangoes during their period?
There are rumours online suggesting that mangoes can reduce menstrual flow, are cold in nature, harmful to the body, and even increase the risk of uterine fibroids.
Mangoes do not reduce menstrual flow
"Eating mangoes during your period will make it disappear overnight!"
Many believe that eating mangoes can stop bleeding during menstruation. However, modern research indicates that mango extract, mangiferin, acts on platelet-specific proteins and inhibits the aggregation of platelets. In other words, mangiferin can slow down the clotting speed of platelets. Since platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, which normally clots within about 15 seconds once outside the body, their clotting ability is far superior to any effect mangoes might have, contradicting the idea that mangoes stop menstrual bleeding [1].
Moreover, ancient Chinese herbal texts mention that mangoes can treat women's menstrual flow issues, breaking the misconception that mangoes have a blood-stopping function [2]. Thus, both from the perspective of Western medical research and traditional Chinese medical theory, the idea that mangoes stop menstrual bleeding is a myth.
Mangoes are not cold in nature
"Mangoes are cold and can harm the body during menstruation!"
Stems from traditional Chinese medicine, which considers women to be in a cooler state during their menstrual period, and therefore, cold foods should be avoided.
Different fruits have different properties, categorized into warm, cold, and neutral [3].
For example, fruits like lychee, pineapple, longan, peaches, and mangoes are considered warm; whereas fruits with low-calorie density and high in fiber but low in fats and sugars, like watermelon and melon, are considered cold [3]. Thus, mangoes are not cold in nature and can be consumed during menstruation.
Furthermore, the concept of food's "cold" or "hot" nature is a traditional Chinese medicine categorization not widely accepted or supported by sufficient scientific research in modern science. The focus should rather be on the nutritional value and health benefits of mangoes.
Mangoes are unrelated to the incidence of uterine fibroids
"Eating mangoes during menstruation may increase the risk of uterine fibroids!"
This is lacks scientific evidence. Current research does not show a direct link between mango consumption and the incidence of uterine fibroids, a common benign tumor in women's reproductive systems. The causes of fibroids are not fully understood but may relate to factors such as genetics, inflammation, obesity, poor lifestyle habits, and more [4,5].
Thus, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that mangoes have a negative impact on menstruation. Consuming mangoes during menstruation is safe and does not directly affect menstrual flow, pain, or other symptoms. Mangoes are a healthy fruit and can be safely eaten during menstruation.
Eating mangoes during menstruation can also benefit the body
High nutritional value: Mangoes are rich in vitamins A, B, C, protein, carotene, folic acid, and more, offering significant health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine views mangoes as having properties that can clear heat, generate fluids, quench thirst, benefit the stomach, and stop vomiting, among other effects [1].
Alleviate anxiety: Menstruation can cause emotional and physical strain. Mangoes, rich in vitamin B6, are essential for the nervous system and brain function, potentially improving mood.
Difference from certain sweets: It's previously discussed that restricting certain sweet food intake during menstruation is advisable. However, mangoes, mostly containing healthy fats, differ from high-fat and processed sweets that can exacerbate menstrual pain [6, 7].
Still, it's essential to consider individual differences. Some may be sensitive to mangoes and should adjust their intake accordingly. Listening to one's body and maintaining a balanced diet is key to comfortably navigating the menstrual cycle.
Resource
[1] "Science and Technology Daily" [Online]. Available at: https://www.kepuchina.cn/article/articleinfo?business_type=1&classify=2&ar_id=AR202006081321552424
[2] "WeChat Official Account Article" [Online]. Available at: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Hq8AnLERx4C-4pCDqIO6vw
[3] Ying Yan. "Eat Fruits According to Body Constitution." Farmers' Wealth, 2007, No. 530(14): 55.
[4] Li Wang. "Progress in the Study of Etiology and Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma." Medical Equipment, 2017, 30(20): 197-198.
[5] Han Guan. "Analysis of Factors Affecting the Incidence of Uterine Fibroids." China Medicine Guide, 2022, 24(04): 380-383.
[6] "WeChat Official Account Article" [Online]. Available at: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/d8Cf8qvZ-hcMHNGeGH9qqQ
[7] "Health and Nutrition Information" [Online]. Available at: http://www.eshian.com/yyss/8891.html
