The African mango, scientifically known as Irvingia gabonensis, is a fruit native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In recent years, the African mango has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement due to its potential to reduce appetite, increase metabolism, and burn fat. Here's a comprehensive guide to the African mango and its potential health benefits.
**Nutritional Profile**
The African mango is a nutrient-rich fruit packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. It also contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are important for maintaining electrolyte balance and bone health. The African mango is also rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
**Weight Loss Benefits**
The African mango has been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss. Studies have found that people who consumed African mango extract lost significantly more weight than those who did not. The African mango is believed to work by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, and burning fat.
* **Reduces Appetite:** The African mango contains a compound called leptin, which is a hormone that signals the brain to feel full. Leptin helps to reduce appetite and cravings, making it easier to stick to a weight loss plan.
* **Increases Metabolism:** The African mango may also help to increase metabolism, which is the rate at which the body burns calories. A higher metabolism can lead to increased fat burning and weight loss.
* **Burns Fat:** The African mango contains a compound called beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to inhibit the absorption of fat from the diet. This can help to reduce overall calorie intake and promote weight loss.
**Other Health Benefits**
In addition to its weight loss benefits, the African mango has also been shown to have other health benefits, including:
* **Lowers Cholesterol:** The African mango has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in both animals and humans. It contains compounds that help to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body.
* **Improves Blood Sugar Control:** The African mango may also help to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that African mango extract can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
* **Reduces Inflammation:** The African mango contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
**Dosage and Safety**
The recommended dosage of African mango extract for weight loss is 300-600 mg per day. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. The African mango is generally considered safe for most people, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is not recommended for people with kidney or liver disease or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
**Conclusion**
The African mango is a promising weight loss supplement with a variety of potential health benefits. It is a natural and safe way to reduce appetite, increase metabolism, and burn fat. If you are looking for a weight loss supplement, the African mango is worth considering.