African Mango and Its Uses in Weight Loss
Irvingia Gabonensis, or African mango as they call it, is a naturally found substance promoted globally to lose weight. The African mango tree is a native West African plant. The extracts of these contain a large variety of amino acids, minerals, fiber, and essential fatty acids. High in vitamin C, the fruit itself is a popular food ingredient in Nigeria & Cameroon. It also has a long history of being a herbal medicine used in conditions such as diarrhea, dysentry, and more. While the leaves are used to prevent fever, the bark has multiple skin & health benefits.
The fruit offers 86Kcal and have the following nutrients per 100g fruit:
- Water- 78 g
- Carbohydrates- 17.8 g
- Fat- 1.1 g Protein- 1.1 g
- Fiber- 0.4 g
- Calcium- 262 mg
- Vitamin C- 56 mg
Apart from that, African mango seeds are also a rich source of nutrients, including, but not limited to, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. But how can African mango help in weight loss?Let’s find out.
What are the Claims?
Also known as wild mango, bush mango, or dika nut, this fruit is widely eaten across the areas it is grown. But the supposedly powerful ingredients are found in the seed or nut, whether fresh or dry. This seed extract is available in different forms, including liquid, powder, and capsules.
Many vendors claim that Irvingia Gabonensis or IG contains high soluble fiber helpful in burning belly and waistline fat. Often combined with other weight loss supplements such as green tea, IG can lower your blood cholesterol and triglycerides, boost fat breakdown, reduce fat cell growth, and maintain balanced blood sugar levels. The claims also suggest that African mango can be highly effective against excessive fat and cholesterol.
What is Reality?
Most studies on African mango are sponsored by supplement manufacturers, making it evident that claims will favor weight loss. But the reality is not far from it. African mango seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which means they delay the rate of food exiting the stomach to allow gradual absorption of sugars. This pulls down the elevated levels of blood glucose in our body after a mean.
A 2009 study found African mango seeds to be highly effective in promoting weight loss. Conducted on 102 applicants, the study concluded within ten weeks. All the candidates were overweight or obese with somewhat imbalanced cholesterol levels, body fat, blood sugar levels, and waist size. Half of them were given African mango, and the other half received a placebo. It helped fight obesity and also gave a boost to stamina.
African mango seed extract is used in thousands of supplements around the globe due to its fat production suppression properties. To suppress fat production, it-
Reduces PPARγ Activity:
PPAR is a type of protein responsible for producing other essential proteins. PPAR is further classified into three types, including gamma, alpha, and beta/delta. The PPAR gamma can increase your food intake to cause weight gain eventually.
Increases Adiponectin:
Another protein hormone, adiponectin, is responsible for glucose control and fat breakdown.
Reverses Leptin Resistance:
Leptin resistance can lead to obesity.
Conclusion
African mango extracts have several compounds with antioxidants like phlobatannins, alkaloids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Apart from the fruit, the African mango trees also have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and thus, their leaves, root, and bark extracts are also used in different supplements.
Now that you know what African mango can do, include this supplement in your weight loss routine to maximize your efforts. Follow us for more such informative blogs on health and fitness.
