Could your favorite tropical fruit do more than satisfy your sweet tooth? According to new research from the University of California, mangoes may offer heart health benefits, particularly for postmenopausal women.
In the study, participants who regularly consumed mangoes saw a notable improvement in blood pressure levels. The researchers believe this sweet and juicy stone fruit could play a “significant” role in supporting cardiovascular function among healthy women after menopause.
The study tested a group of postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70 years with a BMI of 25 to 40 kg/m2, and they were given 330 grams of mango per day for two weeks to study the effects.
In the Journal of the American Nutrition Association, the research concluded: “Two weeks of daily mango intake was associated with a significant decrease in multiple BP outcomes in a group of healthy postmenopausal women."
“The glucose and insulin responses were also moderated after mango intake. While the effects of mango consumption on microvascular function were not significant, additional measures of cardiovascular health, as well as glucoregulatory benefits, warrant further study.”
Dietitian nutritionist Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health, wasn’t involved in the new research. Still, she described it as an “intriguing study”.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, she said: “This small but intriguing study suggests that mangos, already celebrated for their antioxidants and fiber, may also support vascular health in postmenopausal women.
“After just two servings a day for several weeks, participants saw improvements in blood vessel function and reductions in cholesterol.”
Lauri believes people should conclude from the study that mangoes can be enjoyed “as part of a varied, whole-food diet rich in fruits and vegetables”, and she insisted the new research is a “win-win” piece of information.
She added: “The takeaway? Enjoy mangoes as part of a varied, whole-food diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Mangoes are delicious and possibly heart-smart, so that’s a win-win.”