Want a fear-free mango season? Here is the science behind mango pimples and ulcers, and how to avoid them
The Toxic Sap You Didn't See Coming
iStock
Mangoes belong to the same plant family as poison ivy, and while they aren't toxic per se, their skin carries a compound called 5-resorcinol.
The Real Ripening Villain: Calcium Carbide
When Acid Meets Deficiency: A Hidden Trigger
You Might Also Like:
Monkey steals Samsung S25 Ultra, returns it only for a pack of mango juice. Watch viral video
It's Not the Mango, It's You
As markets fill with the irresistible aroma of Alphonso, Banganapalli, and Himayat mangoes, so do social media feeds with worried posts about acne flare-ups and burning ulcers. This isn't a new debate. For generations, the mango has carried the label of being "hot in nature," a catch-all cultural diagnosis for any post-mango discomfort. But Krish Ashok, Chennai-based tech leader, author of Masala Lab, and Instagram's go-to science-savvy food guru, has finally peeled back the layers—quite literally—on this juicy controversy.In a recent viral video titled Mango Pimples and Ulcers Finally Explained, Ashok unpacks the complex interplay between mangoes and our bodies using actual science, not folklore. And his conclusion? It's not the mango's fault—it's ours.The first and most common culprit is one we're all familiar with-sugar. A single ripe mango can pack in 35 to 40 grams of sugar, making just two mangoes enough to spike your glycemic load beyond safe limits. In a country where carbohydrate-heavy meals are already the norm, this spike triggers increased insulin production. That insulin, in turn, stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more sebum—an oily substance that, combined with sweat and clogged pores in the summer heat, becomes a perfect recipe for acne-prone skin.So no, mangoes aren't inherently bad. But pair them with a carb-rich diet and a muggy afternoon, and your skin might just break out in protest.The second revelation is more botanical than dietary. Mangoes belong to the same plant family as poison ivy, and while they aren't toxic per se, their skin carries a compound called 5-resorcinol. This naturally occurring chemical is part of the fruit's defense mechanism—meant to discourage premature eating by predators (which includes humans). Found in the sap and the thin layer beneath the peel, it can cause contact dermatitis when it touches the skin, mimicking the appearance of pimples. Inside your mouth, it's even worse: the result is stomatitis, an ulcer-like irritation that stings with every bite.Ashok recommends either peeling the mango thoroughly or soaking it in water before eating—an old-school trick that science now vindicates as an effective way to remove the irritating sap.Here's where things take a more toxic turn. To meet market demands, some vendors use calcium carbide to ripen mangoes quickly. When this chemical reacts with moisture, it produces acetylene gas—a substance that can irritate the mucous membranes of your mouth. The result? Ulcers, again. And not the kind your grandmother can cure with honey and ghee.So if your mangoes are ripening suspiciously fast or have an odd metallic smell, it's best to pass or source them from a trusted vendor.Though mangoes are mildly acidic (with a pH of 4), they're generally safe unless your body is already fighting a deficiency. According to both Ashok and dermatologist Dr. Atula Gupta, individuals with low vitamin levels may find their mouths more sensitive to acidic foods. In such cases, even the natural fibers in mangoes can cause discomfort or ulcers.According to an article on onlymyhealth.com, Dr. Gupta emphasizes that acne is a complex condition influenced by hormones, skincare routines, hair products, and diet. Blaming mangoes alone oversimplifies a deeply nuanced issue.In perhaps his most cheeky—but scientifically sound—conclusion, Ashok declares: 'The mango isn't to blame for your pimples. You are.' That is, your diet, your hydration levels, your stress, your skincare—each factor contributes to how your body reacts to even the most harmless treats.So what's the takeaway for mango lovers? You don't have to give up your summer indulgence. Just eat mindfully. Balance your sugar intake. Peel deeply or soak. Avoid chemically ripened fruit. And maybe, just maybe, stop blaming the poor mango for every zit on your cheek.After all, a little science goes a long way in turning summer pleasures into fear-free joys.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Weight loss and muscle gain in one go: Research says this 7-minute exercise routine is more effective than HIIT
So, What Exactly Is Sprinting? Why It Works: Science Behind the Sprint You Might Also Like: She is 100 and still hitting the gym with 2 trainers: The fitness secrets behind a centenarian's strength and longevity iStock Sprinting demands serious energy and burns calories much faster than your typical jog or even a standard HIIT session. Beyond Cardio How Sprinting Differs from Jogging You Might Also Like: Is your workout sabotaging your sleep? Experts warn against exercising at this time of day Here's a 7-Minute Sprinting Protocol Warm-up (5–7 minutes): Dynamic stretches and light jogging Sprint Intervals (7–11 minutes): 4–6 rounds of 15–30 second sprints at max effort 90-second walk or slow jog between each Cooldown (5 minutes): Light walk and stretching For anyone juggling work, life, and limited time, the idea of spending hours at the gym can feel overwhelming. But what if just seven minutes of effort could yield real results? Sprinting — that short, all-out burst of running most of us left behind in high school — is making a powerful comeback as a science-backed, muscle-sculpting, fat-burning secret a recent article from Women's Health, fitness experts argue that sprinting may be one of the most effective ways to achieve body recomposition — the elusive fitness goal of simultaneously building muscle and burning personal trainer Hayley Akradi, the creator of the Body Blueprint Program at Life Time, defines sprinting as "pushing to about 90 to 100 percent of your top speed for 10 to 30 seconds." It's not just running fast — it's running with explosive, maximum effort. And while the idea may sound intimidating, especially to those who haven't run in years, the results are worth a closer demands serious energy — and burns calories much faster than your typical jog or even a standard HIIT session. A 2024 meta-analysis by RunRepeat found that sprint interval training reduced body fat 39.59 percent more than traditional HIIT workouts — in 60.84 percent less Hayes, a certified running coach and founder of Mindful Miles, points to what's called the afterburn effect or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Simply put, sprinting revs up your metabolism long after your workout ends. 'Your body keeps burning calories during recovery,' she explains, leading to greater fat oxidation and higher metabolic rates throughout the doesn't just help you burn fat — it can also preserve and even build lean muscle, particularly for those newer to resistance training. A 2025 study in Applied Sciences confirms that sprinting engages key muscle groups, especially the glutes and hamstrings.'Sprinting is basically explosive resistance training using your own body weight,' says Hayes. That activation of fast-twitch muscle fibers not only builds strength and power but helps stave off age-related muscle loss — a crucial factor for long-term metabolic also taps into your body's hormonal engine. It stimulates the release of adrenaline, testosterone, and human growth hormone — all of which support fat loss and muscle maintenance. Plus, it improves insulin sensitivity, meaning your body becomes more efficient at using carbs for energy instead of storing them as fat, as noted in a 2020 study in Molecular Basis of jogging mainly builds cardiovascular endurance and burns calories at a slower rate, sprinting hits deeper. It activates more muscle fibers, spikes hormonal activity, and results in greater caloric burn post-workout. 'Sprinting is more efficient when your goal is body recomposition,' says don't need to be a track athlete to benefit from sprints. Akradi recommends just four to six sprints, each lasting 15 to 30 seconds, once or twice a week. This short, high-intensity routine is easy to fit in before or after a strength training session — especially on upper body Workout Breakdown:If you're serious about transforming your physique but short on time, sprinting could be the missing piece of your routine. By combining speed, intensity, and metabolic benefits, sprinting offers a time-efficient and research-backed path to fat loss and muscle Hayes puts it, 'More muscle means a higher resting metabolic rate.' So with every sprint, you're not just burning calories — you're laying the groundwork for long-term just 7 minutes, you might not change your life — but you could definitely change your body.
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
Employee joins Indian startup after decades of working with US firms, almost dies: ‘Damaged heart, uncertain future'
Synopsis A professional's harrowing experience at an Indian startup reveals the devastating impact of a toxic work environment. Enduring gaslighting, impossible demands, and constant availability led to severe stress and a heart attack. He now urges others to prioritize well-being over financial gain, emphasizing that no job is worth sacrificing one's health and life. iStock A Story of Burnout, Breakdown, and the Fight to Rebuild A professional recently shared a harrowing experience on the "Indian Workplace" subreddit, shedding light on the deeply damaging effects of a toxic job environment. After spending nearly twenty years with multinational companies across the US and Europe, he had grown accustomed to work cultures that valued transparency, boundaries, and employee well-being. However, after being laid off unexpectedly, he found himself forced to accept an opportunity at an Indian startup—despite early signs that it was far from the second week of joining, the red flags were unmistakable. Revenue figures were being manipulated, the leadership team operated with unchecked egos, and employees were expected to be available nearly around the clock—from late morning to the early hours of the next day. As days turned into weeks, he became immersed in a cycle of gaslighting, favoritism, and impossible client demands, all while facing zero regard for boundaries or dignity. Despite knowing he should walk away, the fear of joblessness during a volatile hiring climate kept him chained to the role. The daily stress began to erode not just his emotional health but also his sense of identity and ethical compass. Depression quietly set in, while the pressure and psychological abuse from leadership he could no longer withstand the atmosphere and chose to resign—even though he had no other job secured. But the toll had already been taken. Just weeks after quitting, he suffered a massive heart attack. Two emergency stents were inserted to save his life, and doctors warned that a delay of just half an hour could have been back home, unemployed and recovering with a weakened heart, he reflects on whether the monthly pay he earned was worth the irreversible damage. His answer: absolutely not. He admitted that while he once believed he had no alternative, lying in a hospital bed brought clarity. There's always a choice—we just often fail to recognize it until the consequences become physical."Now I'm home—jobless, with a damaged heart and an uncertain future. Was that monthly salary worth permanently destroying my health? Hell no..." he urged others working in similarly suffocating environments not to sacrifice their well-being for financial comfort. No paycheck is worth permanent health damage. Survival should never come at the cost of one's physical or mental integrity. While he learned this truth the hard way, he hoped others would heed the warning post struck a chord with Reddit users. Many responded with compassion, echoing similar experiences. One commenter shared how her husband—only 31 years old—suffered two heart attacks and needed three stents due to intense stress in the hotel industry. She had to leave her own job to care for reminded the original poster that while joblessness is daunting, it is still a better fate than losing one's life. Encouragement flowed in—praising him for choosing himself over a paycheck and wishing him strength for the road ahead. Some even advised moving to quieter towns for peace and healthier many, this story served as a powerful reminder: work can wait, but health cannot.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Why is 'Fibermaxxing' trending? Viral wellness fad might be worth the hype, but there's one catch
Why This Nutrient Deserves Attention The Best Fiber? It's on Your Plate, Not in a Pill You Might Also Like: Apple vs lemon vs banana: Who wins the healthiest fruit trophy? Science has the answer Oats and whole grains Chia seeds and flaxseeds Lentils, beans, and peas Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables Berries, apples, and pears Nuts and seeds Too Much of a Good Thing? Yes, Even Fiber iStock Fibermaxxing isn't without its caveats. According to Syn, suddenly ramping up fiber intake, especially past 70 grams per day, can lead to digestive discomfort. Fiber and Disease Prevention Is Fibermaxxing Healthy or Hype? If 2024 was all about tracking protein, the latest buzzword in the world of wellness is 'fibermaxxing.' Across TikTok and Instagram, influencers and everyday health enthusiasts are flaunting their high-fiber meals under hashtags like #Fibermaxxing, showcasing colorful bowls brimming with fruits, chia seeds, lentils, and leafy to a report from CNBC Make It, this viral trend marks a notable shift from protein powders and meat-heavy meal plans to plant-based plates aimed at hitting — and sometimes exceeding — the daily recommended fiber intake. But is more always better?According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines, women under 50 should consume 25 to 28 grams of fiber per day, while men in the same age group should aim for 31 to 34 grams. Yet most Americans fall far short, averaging only 10 to 15 grams daily. A 2016 analysis published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that only 5% of U.S. adults get enough Syn, a registered dietitian and author of Mostly Plant-Based, explained in an interview with CNBC Make It that fiber is 'kind of becoming the new protein.' Its growing popularity is due to its well-documented benefits: better digestion, enhanced gut health, lower cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels, and even support for weight agree that the most effective (and safe) way to increase fiber intake is through whole foods. Syn advises skipping supplements and instead embracing a more plant-forward diet. Foods high in fiber include:These foods contain both soluble fiber, which helps with heart health and glucose control, and insoluble fiber, which aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fibermaxxing isn't without its caveats. According to Syn, suddenly ramping up fiber intake — especially past 70 grams per day — can lead to digestive discomfort. Harvard Health Publishing echoes this, warning that excessive fiber can result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, or cramping if the body isn't eased into the also plays a critical role. Without adequate hydration, even moderate increases in fiber can backfire, causing more harm than good. Experts recommend drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily to support proper digestion when fiber intake goes best approach? Add one new high-fiber food to your routine each week and monitor how your body responds. Gradual incorporation, not radical overhaul, is the key to long-term everyday wellness, fiber also plays a role in disease prevention. Low-fiber diets are linked to higher risks of conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colon issues such as diverticulosis. In fact, Harvard Medical School notes that incorporating high-fiber foods into each meal can help prevent diverticulitis — a painful inflammation of colon pouches often caused by low fiber strategies include replacing white rice with brown rice or lentils, snacking on nuts and fruit instead of processed foods, and adding vegetables to every meal. Reading food labels for at least 5 grams of fiber per serving is another quick most viral trends, fibermaxxing comes with both promise and pitfalls. The core message — eat more plants, support gut health, stay hydrated — is backed by science. But overdoing it can lead to discomfort and may not suit every body type or Mia Syn puts it, 'There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.' Staying within the recommended fiber range — or slightly above, with professional guidance — is likely safe for most healthy individuals.
