Eating mangoes daily may reduce blood glucose levels in obese adults

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.

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Updated: October 7, 2014 5:26 pm

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. Also Read - Blood glucose level should be considered as ‘fifth vital sign’ during hospitalization: Indian docs

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. Also Read - Hypoglycemia: What happens when your blood glucose level drops suddenly?

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. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

‘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:

Increases immunity: According physicians, a normal size Mango is more nutritious than butter or almonds. It strengthens and invigorates all the nerves, tissues and muscles in the brain, heart and other parts of the body. It cleans the body from within and helps to improve immunity.
Provides protection against cancer: Mangoes are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and poly-phenolic flavonoids (an antioxidant compound). It has been found that mangoes have qualities that can protect against colon, breast and prostate cancers as well as from leukaemia.
Helps maintain good vision: Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Together, these compounds are antioxidants and can help in improving and maintaining good vision. The carotene content in the fruit helps to protect the body from lung cancer.
Aids control of blood pressure: Fresh mangoes are a good source of potassium. Nutritionists say that 100 g of the fruit provides 156 mg of potassium and just 2 mg of sodium. Potassium is an important component of the cell and body fluids. It also helps to control the heart rate and blood pressure.

With inputs from PTI

You may also like to read:

For more articles on diseases & conditions , visit our diseases & conditions section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.

Published : September 10, 2014 11:30 am | Updated:October 7, 2014 5:26 pm

Read Disclaimer