The Fruit of Prosperity and Happiness - and Why We Use It

The salty sea breeze catches in your freshly conditioned hair as you peel into the sweet flesh of your sun-ripened mango. Once you finish your snack, you reach its pit - the same pit that was crafted into the soft butter providing a protective layer around your skin from Surf Soap’s Better Butter, and the replenishment of moisture in your hair thanks to Surf Soap’s All-In-One.

 A question pops in your mind, “What’s exactly in this that makes it so popular?” 

Where’d It Come from?

Over 4,000 years ago, the bright green and orange fruit you see in your local farmer’s markets derived from India. They progressively spread throughout Asia and then the rest of the world. Due to their large center seed, the fruit relied on humans to manually transport them. In the 10th century, Persians carried mangoes across western Asia and planted seeds in east Africa. In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers introduced mangoes to Brazil, and from Brazil, they spread throughout the Americas. At first, they were primarily grown in Mexico, and in the 1800s, they began to grow in the U.S. 

 In 1824, the first mango plants were brought to Hawaii from India and the Philippines. Now, they’re widely grown as a dooryard tree!

How Do They Grow?

Mangoes grow best in areas with 40 to 60 inches of rain annually. They grow into large, spreading trees that can reach 20 feet tall or more! If you plan to grow a mango tree in your yard, there are smaller dwarf cultivars that grow from 4 to 8 feet tall. 

A grafted tree will begin to bear fruit after 3 to 4 years in the ground, sprouting abundant flowers that are a sight to behold, where most of the fruit is harvested in the summer months; making mango such a popular refreshing summer fruit! Like most fruits, mangoes grow directly from the seed. However, if it’s grown from the pit, it may take up to 6 years to fruit. It can thrive in any soil, and there’s such a wide variety of trees that you can grow one in your very own yard! 

In India, folklore states that mango trees can grant wishes! What better way to instill your luck than by growing your very own wishing tree, especially one that spreads the sweet aroma of summer.

Why It’s Fantastic for Our Bodies

After hearing the benefits of mangoes, you’ll want to include them in your everyday life.

Mangoes contain antioxidants such as quercetin, fisetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, gallic acid, and methyl gallate. (Confusing big words, am I right?) Well, these properties protect our bodies against breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia!

Not only do mangoes prevent the development of these diseases, but they contain a high level of Vitamin C, fiber, and pectin that help control high levels of cholesterol. They also help cleanse the skin from deep inside your body, treating pores, and giving your skin a beautiful glow. In addition to this, they help regulate diabetes, alkalize your body, assist in weight loss, prevent heat stroke, help strengthen the immune system, and much more! Mangoes are even high in Vitamin A, which helps improve your eyesight, and the benefits don’t stop at the flesh of the fruit.

Mango seeds have incredible medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. The seeds are cold-pressed to create mango butter. It consists of Oleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. An array of feel-good chemicals for the skin.

I don’t know about you guys, but after learning this, I’m definitely eating more mangoes and looking for any products with mango in them.

Why Does Surf Soap Use It?

Spiritually, Mangoes are considered sacred fruit that serves as a symbol of prosperity and happiness. Here at Surf Soap, we aim to provide our customers with prosperity and happiness! We provide this spiritual enjoyment through our use of mango butter in our Better Butter and All-In-One. 

Mango butter works wonders for the skin, keeping it radiant and smooth. A few feel-good skin chemicals in mango butter include Oleic Acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Oleic Acids are known to maintain the softness and radiance of the skin, reduce the appearance of aging, and prevent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Vitamin A protects the skin from UV radiation - so you can say goodbye to future sunburns and abrasive skin texture. Vitamin C promotes collagen, the body’s natural proteins for tissue, that gives skin a smoother appearance. It also reduces and soothes any damage caused by UV radiation - so if you do get lashed by the sun’s menacing rays, you can naturally soothe your skin. Lastly, Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that slow the look of aging and blood circulation - so you can look your very best on the water because who knows who you may run into. ;)

Not only does mango butter provide the magic of keeping your skin looking as fresh as a newborn, but it works its magic for your hair as well! Mango butter also contains the chemicals Stearic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Stearic Acids have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from your hair - keeping your hair clean and rejuvenated after a fulfilled day in the ocean. It also conditions and protects hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy. Linoleic Acid moisturizes hair and promotes hair growth - so you can have thick, flowing locks that are caressed by the wind after every wave you surf. 

So get back in the water, and use mangoes to treat yourself before and after!

Written by Mia Hamp | Surf Soap Co Hawaii