A recent study conducted in the United States has found that regular mango consumption could improve heart health, especially for older women living with obesity. The findings suggest mangoes may help reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol, and arterial stiffness.
The research, featured on a prominent American medical website, observed women aged between 50 and 70 who were diagnosed as obese and had issues like high cholesterol and hypertension. Over two weeks, these women were asked to eat 350 grams of mango daily. Blood samples were collected before and after the trial to study the effects.
Researchers noticed that within just two hours of eating mangoes, systolic blood pressure dropped noticeably. In addition, the stiffness of arteries—a sign of heart risk—also improved. Cholesterol levels fell by an average of 13 points, which is considered a healthy change.
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Scientists credited the improvement to mangoes’ natural compounds, including fibre and antioxidants. To better understand mangoes’ effects on blood sugar, a few participants also consumed white bread with mangoes. The blood sugar rise was lower in the mango group compared to those who only ate white bread.
The researchers highlighted that mangoes are rich in polyphenols and other nutrients that may boost cardiovascular health. However, they added that more research is required to confirm these results across different age groups and health conditions.