New research suggests that eating two cups of fresh mango daily could help improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults with chronic inflammation.
The study, published in Nutrients, suggests this simple dietary addition may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that participants who consumed mangos experienced significant reductions in insulin resistance without weight gain.
The findings highlight how everyday food choices might contribute to better cardiometabolic health.
The study was conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and involved 48 adults aged 20-60 who were overweight or obese with low-grade chronic inflammation.
Researchers compared the effects of eating two cups of fresh mango daily to a calorie-matched control food; Italian ices - a frozen dessert similar to sorbet.
The trial lasted four weeks and was designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blinded study conducted in free-living conditions.
Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet and lifestyle throughout the study period.
After four weeks, the mango group showed significantly lower insulin concentrations than at the beginning of the study, while no changes were observed in the control group.
Beta-cell function, which measures how effectively the body regulates blood sugar, is also significantly improved in the mango group.
Despite consuming calorically comparable foods, body composition remained stable for mango eaters, whereas the control group experienced a slight but significant increase in body weight.
"Managing blood glucose isn't just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it's about improving insulin sensitivity," Professor Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition said.
"Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk."
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Prof Edirisinghe noted that the improvement in insulin sensitivity without weight changes counters misconceptions about mangos' sugar content and its impact on obesity and diabetes.
The study found no differences in inflammation markers, glucose levels, or cholesterol between the groups.
These findings reinforce the importance of fresh fruit, particularly mangos, as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle that aids blood sugar control and weight management.
The research suggests mangos could be a heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.
Find Out More...
The study, published in Nutrients, suggests this simple dietary addition may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that participants who consumed mangos experienced significant reductions in insulin resistance without weight gain.
The findings highlight how everyday food choices might contribute to better cardiometabolic health.
The study was conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and involved 48 adults aged 20-60 who were overweight or obese with low-grade chronic inflammation.
Researchers compared the effects of eating two cups of fresh mango daily to a calorie-matched control food; Italian ices - a frozen dessert similar to sorbet.
The trial lasted four weeks and was designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blinded study conducted in free-living conditions.
Participants were instructed to maintain their normal diet and lifestyle throughout the study period.
After four weeks, the mango group showed significantly lower insulin concentrations than at the beginning of the study, while no changes were observed in the control group.
Beta-cell function, which measures how effectively the body regulates blood sugar, is also significantly improved in the mango group.
Despite consuming calorically comparable foods, body composition remained stable for mango eaters, whereas the control group experienced a slight but significant increase in body weight.
"Managing blood glucose isn't just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it's about improving insulin sensitivity," Professor Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition said.
"Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk."
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Prof Edirisinghe noted that the improvement in insulin sensitivity without weight changes counters misconceptions about mangos' sugar content and its impact on obesity and diabetes.
The study found no differences in inflammation markers, glucose levels, or cholesterol between the groups.
These findings reinforce the importance of fresh fruit, particularly mangos, as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle that aids blood sugar control and weight management.
The research suggests mangos could be a heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.
Find Out More...