African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is a fruit native to West and Central Africa. The seeds of the fruit contain a high concentration of fiber and other nutrients, and they have been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. In recent years, African mango has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement, but there is still some debate about its effectiveness and safety.
**Health Benefits of African Mango**
African mango has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:
* **Weight loss:** African mango may help to promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, and reducing fat absorption.
* **Cholesterol reduction:** African mango may help to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the diet.
* **Blood sugar control:** African mango may help to improve blood sugar control by slowing down the absorption of sugar from the diet.
* **Antioxidant activity:** African mango contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
* **Anti-inflammatory activity:** African mango may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
**Side Effects of African Mango**
African mango is generally considered to be safe, but it can cause some side effects, including:
* **Gastrointestinal upset:** African mango may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
* **Headache:** African mango may cause headaches.
* **Dizziness:** African mango may cause dizziness.
* **Allergic reactions:** African mango may cause allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, and swelling.
**How to Take African Mango**
African mango is available in capsule, powder, and tea form. The recommended dosage is 500-1,000 mg per day. It is important to take African mango with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
**Precautions**
African mango should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should also be used with caution by people with kidney or liver disease.
**Conclusion**
African mango is a fruit with a number of potential health benefits. It may be helpful for weight loss, cholesterol reduction, blood sugar control, and inflammation. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects before taking African mango. If you are considering taking African mango, talk to your doctor first.