Mangoes may help lower blood sugar: study

Daily consumption of 10 grammes of mangoes can help manage high blood sugar, particularly in obese people, a new study has found. 

Researchers found that regular consumption of mango by obese adults may lower blood sugar levels and does not negatively impact body weight. 

“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.

Our results indicate that daily consumption of 10 grammes of freeze-dried mango, which is equivalent to about one-half of a fresh mango (about 100 grams), may help lower blood sugar in obese individuals,” said Lucas. 

Participants completing the 12-week study included 20 adults (11 males and 9 females) aged 20 to 50 years. 

Each day during the study period, participants consumed 10 grammes of freeze-dried mango, and dietary intake was monitored via 3-day food records assessed at baseline and after 6- and 12- weeks of mango supplementation. 

The researchers found that after 12 weeks, participants had reduced blood glucose, and this glucose lowering effect was seen in both males and females. 

No changes were observed in overall body weight, hip or waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, percent fat mass, and lean mass, researchers said. 

However, 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, they said. 

Overall and by gender, there were no significant changes in triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, or blood pressure. 

“We believe this research suggests that mangoes may give obese individuals a dietary option in helping them maintain or lower their blood sugar,” said Lucas.