African mango
African Mango or according to WebMD Irvingia gabonensis (IG) is the Latin name of the tree grown in Central and West Africa that produces a fruit similar to a mango and nicknamed African mango, wild mango, dika nut, or bush mango. (1) Extracts of this seed are used in supplements to help aid weight loss, lower cholesterol and reduce blood sugar.
The seed contains several vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. But also quercetin and kaempferol, which are flavonoids with antioxidant properties it also contains Vitamin C, protein, fats and carbohydrates.
African Mango may help improve
- Aid Weight management
- Lower cholesterol
- Regulate leptin levels
What are the Benefits
1) Weight management
It is a rich source of soluble fibre and could help you lose weight, especially when it is combined with Cissus quadrangularis which is shown to reduce weight in obese people according to a study carried out on these compounds. (2)
2) Regulate leptin levels
In addition, this seed may help to regulate the hormone that is responsible for telling your brain that you are full known as leptin if you have a lot of weight you could have reduced leptin levels which means that you will be more likely to eat more as your brain doesn’t know you are full.
3) Lower Cholesterol
In a study of obese people from Cameroon 28 were given Irvingia gabonensis (African mango) showed a reduction in total LDL and an increase in HDL this could help to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. (3)
African mang synergy and works well with
- Cissus quadrangularis to help with weight loss
Some things to consider
African mango supplements may help to reduce weight due to their dietary fibre and hormone regulating properties but remember that there is no magic pill that will just melt the fat off, you have to eat healthily and move more to lose weight the safe and healthy way, also many fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fibre which would help you to lose weight.
Also according to Joe Cohen from Selfhacked Cissus Quadrangularis, a member of the grape family, is a herb used for medicinal purposes in India and South Asia. (4)
If you feel the need to use supplements speak to your dr first especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication
Resources
last accessed online 09/06/2020
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/african-mango-supplements#1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18377661
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1168905/
- https://selfhacked.com/blog/cissus-quadrangularis/
