The idea of “heat-producing foods” is common in traditional food wisdom. But modern nutrition looks at things a little differently.
Dr Karuna Chaturvedi, Head – Clinical Nutrition, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, explains, “Mangoes are often described as a warm fruit, while, scientifically speaking, food is identified more for its chemical composition as opposed to whether it’s classified as warm or cold.”
She adds that mangoes contain natural sugars and plant compounds like mangiferin. These can slightly increase heat production in the body during digestion.
“Although there will be an increase in the amount of heat experienced immediately following the consumption of mangoes, it will not create any increase in the person’s core body temperature like there will be from a fever.”
In simple terms, mangoes don’t actually raise body temperature. What people feel is a mild warmth linked to metabolism, and this varies from person to person.