A few months back we raved about mangoes’ great health benefits, from their high fiber and vitamin A and C content to their ability to control blood sugar.
We also noted how research has shown that mangoes can aid in reducing body fat. Now, more research coming out of the University Queensland School of Pharmacy explains how the tropical fruit actually works its magic.
Researchers have found that the skin of a mango is key to weight loss. Their findings show that mango fruit peel works similarly to resveratrol, a compound found in red wine that helps burn fat. In their experiment, mango peel extracts inhibited the process of adipogenesis, which involves the production of mature fat cells.
In particular, two certain types of mango were the most potent at stopping adipogenesis: Irwin and Nam Doc Mai, both of which are grown in Florida. Mango flesh extracts were also tested, but produced no fat-reducing results.
While the peel of the mango isn’t as beloved as its yellow flesh, researchers say their findings should encourage everyone to consider what nutrients and health benefits we may miss out on by tossing away certain parts of fruit. In addition, now that there’s evidence of what kind of mango is most potent in reducing fat, the results could prove beneficial for cultivars by influencing the way they grow mango varieties, researchers said.
The full study is available in the journal Food & Function.
