A new study published in the journal Nutrients revealed that regular consumption of mango can improve insulin sensitivity and combat inflammation in overweight or obese adults with chronic low-grade inflammation. Scientists from the Illinois Institute of Technology conducted the research, demonstrating that daily intake of two cups of mango can help reduce insulin concentration levels.
The study involved 48 participants aged between 20 and 60 years, all of whom were overweight or obese with low-grade chronic inflammation, as reported by Medical Dialogues. Over a four-week period, the participants were divided into two groups: one group consumed two daily servings of fresh mango (about 165 grams of pulp), while the other group consumed calorie-equivalent Italian ice.
Despite consuming calorie-comparable products, body composition remained stable in the mango group, while the control group experienced an increase in body weight. This suggests that mango consumption may help maintain body weight while providing metabolic benefits.
Participants who consumed mango showed a decrease in insulin resistance, with the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) values lower in the mango group (2.28) compared to the control group (4.67). Additionally, the mango-eating group exhibited improvements in the function of beta cells responsible for insulin secretion and blood sugar regulation, as measured by the disposition index (DI), reflecting enhanced pancreatic function.
"Blood glucose control is not just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it's about improving insulin sensitivity. Our study suggests that adding fresh mango to the diet may be a simple, enjoyable way for overweight or obese individuals to support better insulin function and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes," said Indika Edirisinghe, PhD and Professor of Food Science and Nutrition.
After four weeks, participants in the mango group had lower insulin concentrations in response to the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) compared to the beginning of the study. In contrast, the control group did not experience any changes in insulin concentrations.
Moreover, the study found that the mango group showed a two-fold increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression—a gene that regulates cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms. This suggests a potential pathway through which mango might improve metabolic function.
"These results confirm previous studies showing that eating mango does not lead to weight gain, and although the exact mechanism is still unknown, the role of improved antioxidant status resulting from mango consumption may be a mediating factor in glycemic control," stated Edirisinghe.
The researchers conducted a human clinical study using a randomized, controlled, two-arm, parallel design. They measured several inflammatory markers throughout the study, including IL-6, TNFα, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Scienceblog.com noted. However, inflammation markers were not significantly different between the two groups at the end of the study, as reported by Medical Dialogues.
The study highlights the potential benefits of mango consumption in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and improving heart health through simple dietary changes. "These findings emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating mango into a dietary regimen aimed at addressing insulin resistance and call for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mango's effects," the authors wrote.