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Mangoes not only delicious but they are very nutritious and there is a flavour and type for everyone as it they come in a wide variety. Mango is a super fruit that contains dietary fiber, natural sugar, and 20 vitamins and minerals that include vitamins C, A, B, K, and E, minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, potassium, and copper, and nutrients like carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein and fat. The fruit is not only beneficial to men but is great for everyone regardless of age because it has many health benefits for the body, including heart health, skin health, and eye health, and boosts the digestive and immune systems.

Mangoes are low in calories and may help to control blood sugar spikes among people with diabetes due to their fiber content and low impact on blood sugar when eaten in moderation. Mangoes are also rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Mangoes can help prevent certain types of cancers in collaboration with a healthy balanced diet. The nutrient properties in mangoes can also help boost brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s.

Mangoes are very versatile and can be used to make many dishes, such as salads, juices and smoothies, chow with other fruits and vegetables, cakes and pastries and the skin and flesh can be eaten raw.

The fruit and leaves of the guava plant are both filled with nutritional compounds that can be used to alleviate many health conditions in men.

Research suggests that the guava which contains high levels of the plant pigment lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and watermelon, has strong antioxidant properties, and has been shown to lower the risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate; additionally, high levels of lycopene have been associated with reduced the risk and the potential to suppress the progression of prostate cancer. This fruit may also be used to support fertility and heart, and bone health. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Apart from its benefits in alleviating the effects of prostate cancer, guavas when eaten can also aid in alleviating other illnesses which affects men such as the common cold, supports heart health, supports eye health, improves digestion and skin conditions. It is important to note that too much guava should not be consumed if you have digestive problems, that include constipation, bloating, cramps, or watery stools.  The leaves of the guava plant are also great for balancing blood glucose levels, lowering blood pressure, and preventing tooth decay by destroying harmful germs in the mouth. It can also help in weight loss and can be a great treatment for diarrhea.

Guavas are most commonly eaten raw but do make delicious juices and drinks. It can be made into jams and marmalades and added to baked goods. The leaves can also be eaten raw as well or steeped in hot water and consumed as a tea.

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Our focus for today is Diabetes which as we know can have a number of effects on the human body.  Men who are predisposed to diabetes can practice proper nutrition and lifestyles changes which can assist in improving their overall health and lowering their risk of developing and avoid complications of the disease.

Most people suffer from type 2 Diabetes which develops in the body over time due to decreased insulin sensitivity of muscle and fat cells and the liver, or a decrease in the body’s ability to produce insulin that causes the blood glucose to become too high. Men who suffer from type 2 diabetes can be affected by additional effects which include Urologic issues caused by diabetic nerve damage. The effects of urologic issues are an overactive bladder, leaking urine or the inability to control urination and trouble urinating at times, and frequent Urinary Tract Infections.

Diabetes in men can also result in Retrograde ejaculation which causes the release of semen into the bladder rather than the urethra. Symptoms may include noticeably less or the absence of semen released during ejaculation. Some males may also experience Erectile dysfunction which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is caused by diabetes-induced damage to the autonomic nervous system which controls the widening or constricting of the blood vessels, this can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the penis. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by other diseases and problems in the body such as high blood pressure or hypertension, kidney disease, circulatory conditions, and obesity or being overweight.

A person is at risk of diabetes if they have family members who have type 2 diabetes, have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL or “good” cholesterol and high LDL or “bad” cholesterol, have high blood pressure, do not exercise enough and eat a diet that is filled with refined and processed sugars and refined carbohydrates and is of African descent.

If you are pre-diabetic or predisposed to diabetes, you can manage your blood sugar levels by eating a wide range of foods in moderation, including fruits, vegetables, and some starchy foods like whole grains and whole wheat pasta, rice, root crops like sweet potatoes, tannia, yam, dasheen and green bananas, plantains, and minimize consumption of added sugar and foods that contain added sugars, fat, and salt. Avoid missing meals, especially if you take medicines for your condition. Speak to a nutritionist or dietitian for advice on ways you can manage your condition through diet and exercise.

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Regular physical activity and stress management can play a role in preventing diseases or reducing the effects of illness. Research studies has shown men are more susceptible to heart disease and heart failure throughout their lifetime, as this is the leading cause of death for men. The center for disease control states that heart disease is often a silent killer that isn’t diagnosed until signs and symptoms of heart attack, arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), or heart failure occurs.

Heart disease is a broad name used to describe a number of ailments which affects the hearts’ function. A man is at risk of heart disease if he has an unhealthy diet, if he has uncontrolled diabetes, is overweight or obese, if he doesn’t participate in regular physical activity, drinks alcohol, and smokes excessively. If your heart is unhealthy, you may experience symptoms such as feeling tired during the day, chest discomfort (particularly during exertion or activity), weakness or fatigue, swelling (in the legs, belly area, feet, ankles or hands), fainting and light-headedness, easily getting short of breath and fluttering in the chest.

One of the easier ways to reduce the risk oof heart disease is to have a healthy and balanced diet, that does not contain foods that are high in saturated fats, sugar, salt, trans fat and cholesterol. Instead, men should choose to eat more Whole grains such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread, ground provisions, more vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, carrots, bananas, oranges, plums, mangoes, and cherries.   more protein-rich foods such as fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, lean meats, eggs, nuts and seeds, and peas and beans. It is also importance to choose oils and oil rich foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like canola, olive, sesame, sunflower, and soybean oils, almond Nuts, salmon, avocados and tofu.

Other things that can be done are to stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, keep active, and practice proper stress management. Stay updated with our social platforms during the month of June for more information.