Phenolic compounds present in the
mango (Mangifera indica L.) possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer
effects. Recent evidence indicates the connecting link between mango
consumption and hypertension. Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure
and symptoms include severe headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, irregular
heartbeat, fatigue and breathing difficulties (1).
A study conducted by Fang and the
group at Texas A&M University in 2018 revealed that daily intake of 400 g
of mango pulp for 6 weeks lowered the systolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg in lean
individuals but not in the obese individuals. It suggests the more complicated
link between the obesity and high blood pressure that needs to be considered
further (2).
Recently, a research group out at
San Diego State University performed the comparison between the effects of low-fat
cookies and mango and showed some interesting findings. Mango consumption
decreased the Blood glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels while no
significant change in body weight, insulin, body fat and blood pressure was
observed. The control snack (low-fat cookies) significantly increased body
weight, CRP levels and insulin which shows that mango can serve as a healthier
alternative of low fat cookies (3).
Along with the fruit, mango leaves
and peel also contain important health benefits. Mango peel extract exhibited
high flavonoid content and anti-oxidant activity. Similarly, the chronic antihypertensive
effects elicited by mango peel were similar to those of enalapril (medication
used to treat high blood pressure) (4). These findings indicate the potential
of mango peel extract as an antihypertensive agent.
Moreover, a peptide isolated from
the mango revealed no hypertensive effect in the rats which may be attributed
to the insufficient dose administered to the rats. The effect could be enhanced
by improving the methods of peptide delivery and bioavailability in an in vivo
system (5).
Altogether, these studies
reported some useful findings regarding the role of mango in lowering high
blood pressure. Adverse effects are not reported by any of the study which
shows that it is safe and healthy.
So, hurry up and get your own share
of mango…
References
4.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1753944715572958
5.https://kimika.pfcs.org.ph/index.php/kimika/article/view/320
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