"Clean 15"

Mangoes are one of the Environmental Working Group's "Clean 15" - these are the fruits and vegetables least likely to have harmful pesticide residues. This alone merits purchasing this fruit for its safety. Many of us pass up the multi-colored fruit because we have no clue how to prepare it or even how to pick a ripe one in the store.
Just one cup of mango supplies 80 percent of a day's vitamin C, 25 percent of a day's vitamin A, 7 percent of a day's blood-pressure lowering potassium and 3 grams of fiber, all for only 110 fat-free, sodium-free calories. The nutritional value of mangoes alone makes it a fruit to use regularly.
Look for a slightly soft fruit if you want to eat it soon and store at room temperature or in the fridge if you aren't eating it immediately. Don't forget that you can add slices to a salad and there is also mango salsa.
This month's e-mail newsletter deals with reading food labels and the facts behind those % signs. Go to www.healthstrategiestoday.com and opt in for your free newsletter. Evelyn