Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : October 7, 2014 5:26 PM IST
A study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights suggested that regular consumption of mangoes may lower blood sugar levels, particularly in those who are obese.
The 12-week study involved 20 adult participants (11 males and 9 females) aged between 20 and 50 years. During the study period, participants had to consume 10 g of freeze-dried mangoes every day. Their dietary intake was carefully monitored through 3-day food records assessed at baseline and after 6- and 12- weeks of mango supplementation. The results found that participants, both males and females, had lowered blood glucose level after a period of 12 weeks.
However, there were no changes in their overall body weight, hip or waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, percent fat mass and lean mass. Hip circumference was significantly lower in males but not females. BMI tended to be higher in females but not males after mango supplementation, although these results were not statistically significant, the researchers said. Overall and by gender, there were no significant changes in triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, or blood pressure.
'We are excited about these promising findings for mangoes, which contain many bioactive compounds, including mangiferin, an antioxidant that may contribute to the beneficial effects of mango on blood glucose. In addition, mangoes contain fibre, which can help lower glucose absorption into the blood stream,' said Edralin Lucas, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University, College of Human Sciences and lead study author.
'We believe this research suggests that mangoes may give obese individuals a dietary option in helping them maintain or lower their blood sugar,' he added.
Here are some amazing health benefits of mangoes:
With inputs from PTI
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