Mangos Lower Blood Sugar in Obese Adults

Sweet and sugary mangos are doing something strange for obese adults suffering from high blood sugar. According to a new study, eating about half a mango a day may actually lower blood sugar levels.

"We are excited about these promising findings for mangos, which contain many bioactive compounds, including mangiferin, an antioxidant that may contribute to the beneficial effects of mango on blood glucose," lead study author Edralin Lucas of Oklahoma State University, said in a statement. "In addition, mangos contain fiber, which can help lower glucose absorption into the blood stream."

Lucas and his colleagues determined this after giving obese adults 10 grams of freeze-dried mango each day for 12-weeks.

The results are detailed in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights.

The 20 participants for this study, ranging from 20 to 50 years old and with a Body Mass Index Between 30 and 45 kg/m2 (considered obese), were monitored using three day records and two instances of intensive assessment evenly spaced at six and 12 weeks.

At the end of the study Body composition and blood analyses of fasting blood triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and plasma insulin concentration were evaluated.

Amazingly, at the end of the 12 weeks, all the participants were found to be boasting lower blood sugar levels despite the fact that not notable changes occurred to their body weight. In fact, after the mango supplementation, BMI was found to have risen in some of the female participants

"We believe this research suggests that mangos may give obese individuals a dietary option in helping them maintain or lower their blood sugar. However, the precise component and mechanism has yet to be found and further clinical trials are necessary," said Lucas.

The authors also point to their small sample size, saying that a larger study will be needed to  confirm their theory. Still, such results could be more than enough to prompt some obese individuals to give mangos a shot. The nutrient rich fruit, packed with vitamins B6, C and A, certainly couldn't hurt.