Mangoes a healthier alternative to processed snack foods for overweight, obese adults

Eating fresh mangoes can help with certain risk factors associated with overweight and obesity, including lower inflammation and better glycaemic control, a study has found.

In vitro and animal studies have previously reported mangoes to have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The current crossover study evaluated the effects of consumption of 100 Kcal/d of fresh mangoes daily on body weight, glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, liver function enzymes, inflammation, and antioxidant activity against an isocaloric control snack of low-fat cookies.

A total of 27 overweight and obese adults (mean age 26 years, 16 men, body mass index ≥26 kg/m²) participated in the study. All of them underwent both snack interventions for 12 weeks each, separated by a 4-week washout period. Of the participants, 13 were classified in the overweight category (25–29.9 kg/m²), nine obese grade I (30–34.9 kg/m²), three obese grade II (35–39.9 kg/m²), and two obese grade III (≥40 kg/m²).

Results revealed that mango consumption led to a significant decrease in blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and aspartate transaminase activity, as well as a marked increase in total antioxidant capacity significantly. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes observed in body weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure, insulin, or lipid profile.

Cookie consumption, on the other hand, resulted in substantial gains in body weight, insulin, CRP, and triglycerides.