Breast, prostate cancer: mango increases survival rate in men, women

Mango Tree

One cup of raw mango fruit contains approximately:
• 107 calories
• 28 grams carbohydrates
• 1 gram protein
• 0.4 gram fat
• 3 grams dietary fibre
• 45.7 milligrams vitamin C (76 per cent DV)
• 1,262 international units vitamin A (25 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligram vitamin B6 (11 per cent DV)
• 1.8 milligram vitamin E (nine per cent DV)
• 6.9 micrograms vitamin K (nine per cent DV)
• 0.2 milligram copper (nine per cent DV)
• 257 milligrams potassium (seven per cent DV)
• 23.1 micrograms folate (six per cent DV)
• 0.1 milligram riboflavin (six per cent DV)
• 0.1 milligram thiamine (six per cent DV)

Loaded in plant compounds

One study by Ediriweera et al.(2017) found that the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica) are loaded with diverse significant plant compounds such as polyphenols and terpenoids. One such is Terpenoids, which another study by Grassmann, J (2005) found that it is good for eye health and immunity. Terpenoids also act as antioxidants, which protect our cells from harmful activities.

Two other studies (Fraga et al. 2019; Cory et al. 2018) also found that the polyphenols in Mangifera indica are also loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols enhance gut bacteria and help treat or prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

One specific polyphenol found in Mangifera indica, called mangiferin, is linked with several health benefits (Du et al. 2018; Matkowski et al. 2013; Barreto et al. 2008).

For instance, Du et al. (2018) found that mangiferin acts as an anti-microbial agent and potential treatment for tumours, diabetes, heart disease and fat digestion abnormalities. Though, more human studies are needed (Batool et al. 2018).

Mangifera Indica, Weight Loss

Animal studies (Zhang et al. 2013; Guo et al. 2011; Sferrazzo et al. 2019) have found that the mango leaf extract inhibits fat accumulation in tissue cells. The studies further found that cells treated with a mango leaf extract had lower levels of fat deposits and higher levels of adiponectin.

In another study, which happens to be in humans (Na et al. 2015) conducted for 12 weeks in 97 adults with excess weight, those given 150 milligrams (mg) of mangiferin daily had lower fat levels in their blood and better insulin resistance index as compared to the placebo. This means that mango leaves are better for blood sugar management.

Blood sugar, pressure management

Zhang et al. (2019) study used the mango leaf extract administered to mice for two weeks and found that it has lower triglyceride and blood sugar levels.

In another study in rats by Sandoval-Gallegos et al. (2018) administered 45 mg per pound of body weight (100 mg per kilogramme) of mango leaf extract and found that it decreased hyperlipidemia, a condition characterised by abnormally high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

A previous human study (Evans et al. 2014) from Oklahoma found that individuals are given mango leaf extract and fruit for 12 weeks drastically decreased blood sugar levels in obese adults. Finally, another previous study (Lattimer and Haub, 2010) found that fibre content promotes normal blood sugar levels.

Cancer properties

One test-tube study by Núñez Selles et al. (2016) found specific effects against leukemia and lung, brain, breast, cervix and prostate cancers.

An earlier study (Youn et al. 2008) found that the mango bark has strong anticancer ability due to its lignans, which are another type of polyphenol. Additionally, one significant study by Glinskya and Razc (2009) found mangoes to be loaded with pectin. These pectins, which aid to lower cholesterol levels in the blood could also fight prostate cancer in vitro studies.

From supporting literature, mangoes, including the fruit, leaves and others, are loaded with impressive nutritional content.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare and the President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine &Technology (NUCHMT)/ African Naturopathic Foundation, adheres to strict sourcing, studies and academic papers in his articles, which are for educational purposes only and not medical advice for treatment.