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A recent study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that consuming fresh mangoes may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower insulin resistance in adults who are overweight or obese. The findings highlight the potential of simple dietary changes in managing cardiometabolic health and reducing the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Study Overview
Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology conducted the study on 48 adults aged 20–60, all of whom were overweight or obese with chronic low-grade inflammation. Participants were divided into two groups: one group consumed two cups of fresh mango daily (approximately 100 calories), while the control group consumed a calorie-matched alternative—Italian ices, a sweetened frozen dessert similar to sorbet.
After four weeks, the mango group exhibited a significant reduction in insulin resistance, as measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Additionally, beta-cell function, which assesses how well the pancreas produces and releases insulin to regulate blood sugar, improved significantly when measured using the disposition index (DI).
The study also included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which revealed that participants in the mango group had significantly lower insulin concentrations compared to the beginning of the study, whereas no such changes were observed in the control group.
Key Findings
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: The mango group showed a measurable reduction in insulin resistance and an enhancement in pancreatic beta-cell function.
- Stable Body Composition: While both groups consumed comparable calorie levels, body weight remained stable in the mango group. In contrast, the control group experienced a slight but significant weight gain.
- No Significant Change in Cholesterol Levels: Neither group exhibited significant differences in fasting cholesterol, LDL, HDL, or triglyceride levels.
- Inflammation Markers Remained Unchanged: The study found no major differences in inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNFα, hs-CRP) between the two groups at the end of the trial.
Expert Insights
“Managing blood glucose isn’t just about monitoring sugar levels—it’s about improving insulin sensitivity,” said Dr. Indika Edirisinghe, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition. “Our study suggests that adding fresh mangoes to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.”
Dr. Edirisinghe also addressed concerns regarding the natural sugar content of mangoes, emphasizing that despite their sweetness, mangoes did not contribute to weight gain in the study participants. Researchers suggest that mangoes’ rich antioxidant content may play a key role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Study Limitations and Future Research
While the study was a well-structured, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, researchers noted certain limitations. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected inflammation data. Additionally, the researchers did not measure mango metabolites, which could provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying the observed benefits.
Future research is needed to explore the long-term effects of mango consumption on insulin sensitivity, weight management, and overall metabolic health.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes, particularly those managing diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
For more details, refer to the original study: Katherine D Pett et al, Mango Consumption Is Associated with Increased Insulin Sensitivity in Participants with Overweight/Obesity and Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation, Nutrients (2025). DOI: 10.3390/nu17030490.
