Mangoes are the most popular fresh fruit in the world. Not only is it an admired global alkaline fruit, but according to scientific evidence, mangoes are also a powerful medicinal food that contain many health benefits.
According to the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), consuming mangoes every day can help lower blood sugar levels, despite their natural sugar content.
In their study, scientist ran test on a group of obese animals, where some were given 10 grams of freeze-dried mango every day for three months. At the end of 12 weeks, the researchers tested the blood sugar levels of the animals that ate the mango and compared the data to the animals that didn’t consume the fruit. The results showed the animals that consumed the mango had a significant decline in their blood sugar levels.
“Although the mechanism by which mango exerts its effects warrants further investigation, we do know that mangoes contain a complex mixture of polyphenolic compounds,” says Dr. Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., author of the study.
Researchers from an Oklahoma State University study, also found that mango consumption helps to lower insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance. This study was done on mice where they saw similar results to FASEB’s conclusion.
Another study conducted Australia, found that consuming mango can also help decrease inflammation that result in high cholesterol, as well as block the formation of illnesses associated with metabolic syndrome.
“We don’t know yet how the whole thing’s going to play out but we know some of the individual components (of mango) activate these receptors and even inhibit them,” said a doctor from University of Queensland about the effects of mango consumption. “That could end up with positive nutritional health benefits for diabetes and high cholesterol.”
Effects of Mango for Diabetes
As claimed by the American Diabetes Association, fruits as are an essential part of the diabetes diet. Fruits provide the necessary nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Hence, by including mango in your diet, it will reduce the appetite for sugary processed foods. Moreover, the carbohydrates in mango will affect the blood sugar levels.
Only one-half of a small mango contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates, which is the right amount you should use in a diabetes diet. If you struggle with diabetes, you should consume a heaping 1/2-cup serving of mango on a daily basis.
However, if you deal with diabetes, your doctor should give you recommendation about the proper diet.
When it comes to fruit, you should limit the consumption because it is a source of fructose, which when taken in excess can increase the triglyceride levels. So, like with any food, You should take mango in the recommended amounts.
Besides treating and preventing diabetes, mango will boost your intake of two crucial vitamins – a 1/2-cup serving of the chopped fruit supplies 50 percent and 18 percent of the daily value for vitamins C and A, respectively.
How to Prepare a Raw Mango For Fancy and Practical Eating
1. Hold the mango on its side and cut down on either side of the central seed. You will end with two big “halves” plus the central seed.
2. Place each half on the cutting board with peel facing down and cut the exposed flesh in a horizontal and vertical pattern, taking care not to cut too deep through the skin.
3. Then invert the whole half to push out the cubes as shown in the photo above.
Stay healthy and positive! Share and make your loved ones aware!
