Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oil or spray the bottom and sides of a standard (approx 9 by 5 inch) loaf pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom and salt in a large bowl.
Add the oil, sugar, flaxmeal, vanilla, if using, and mango puree to the bowl.
Mix well with a spatula until there are no dry streaks of batter remaining. Don't overmix.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Strew the top with almonds, if using. Bake 50-55 minutes minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, or with a few crumbs stuck to it.
Cool on a rack, then unmold and slice.