African mango, also known as Irvingia gabonensis, is a tropical fruit native to West and Central Africa. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and modern research has confirmed many of its health benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider adding African mango to your diet:
**1. Weight Loss**
African mango is often touted for its weight loss properties. Studies have shown that it can help reduce body fat, waist circumference, and body weight. One study found that participants who took African mango extract for 12 weeks lost an average of 28 pounds.
**2. Blood Sugar Control**
African mango has been shown to improve blood sugar control in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes. It inhibits the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and improve overall glucose metabolism.
**3. Cholesterol Reduction**
African mango extract has been found to lower cholesterol levels in both animals and humans. It reduces the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. This can improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
**4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties**
African mango is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. By reducing inflammation, African mango may help protect against these conditions.
**5. Antioxidant Activity**
As mentioned above, African mango is a good source of antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and chronic diseases.
**6. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties**
African mango extract has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has been found to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses, including Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus.
**7. Skin Health**
African mango extract is used in some skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and wrinkles.
**8. Anti-Cancer Properties**
Some research suggests that African mango may have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of cancer.
**9. Improved Lipid Profile**
African mango extract has been shown to improve the overall lipid profile, which includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. This can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
**10. Reduced Hunger**
African mango extract may help reduce hunger and promote satiety. This is likely due to its effects on blood sugar control and its ability to slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream.