For more than two years, people have been calling the African mango a panacea against the popular problem of being overweight. But what is the African mango in the first place, and does it really have such effects on our metabolism?
What is the African mango?
The African mango, known in the Latin language as Irvingia gabonensis, grows as an evergreen tree in the rainforests of Angola, Congo, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, as well as in the southwestern part of Uganda. On the other hand, it is already being cultivated in the United States, Spain and the Philippines.
In its homeland, it is often called Dika and is one of its most important crops. It has a great use for the locals, since it is very nutritious (it has 6 of the 8 essential amino acids) and is very useful in hunting when hunger has to be quenched for a long time.
These fruits can be eaten fresh or processed into juice, jam, or even wine. However, there are many more uses for it.
The African mango is also known as dikka or ogbono nut. Among the inhabitants of Africa, this fruit not only serves as food, but also has a long tradition in local folk medicine. For example, it is used to treat yellow fever, chronic diarrhea, wounds, and liver problems. However, it is only the peel and leaves of the African mango that are used medicinally.
The pulp can be cooked and eaten raw, and an oil can be obtained from the seeds. Which can be used to make soap and cosmetics.
Nutritional information
For every 100g of edible seeds, there are:
· 67g of fat.
· 15g of carbohydrates.
· 8.5g of protein.
· 4g of water.
· 120 mg of calcium.
The nutritional value is 2918 kJ.
On the other hand, it also contains
· Traces of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
· Amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, methionine, cysteine).
· Leptin
The fruit has a spicy-earthy flavor, but fruity and sweet.
For every 100g of the fruit itself you can get:
· 7g of carbohydrates.
· 9g of protein.
· 0.2 g of fat.
· 81g of water.
· 40g of phosphorus.
· 20 mg of calcium.
· 7mg of vitamin C.
· 1mg of iron.
· Polyphenols, fiber, leptin and vitamin B.
and an energy content of about 255kJ
The main benefits of this fruit:
· Burns fat and stimulates metabolism.
· Leptin content - which controls body weight through the regulation of appetite.
· Elimination of toxins in the body due to the high content of vitamin C.
· It is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
· Cholesterol reduction.
The African mango for weight loss
Leptin is the main hormone involved in burning fat
An important substance contained in the African mango is leptin. This component is the main responsible for the fact that the plant has gained a lot of fame in these times for its great ability to regulate weight.
The tissue hormone leptin is produced in fat cells (adipocytes) and sends signals to the brain so that we stop feeling hungry at a certain point when we eat. As a result, the body draws its energy from fat stores, which prevents us from gaining weight.
This plays an important role in many modern "diets". If you only eat low calorie foods, the release of leptin decreases. As a result, energy recovery from fat storage by adipocytes is reduced. On the other hand, the reward system in the brain is stimulated by leptin, which means that you won't have to think about food all the time.
According to several researchers, the inability to produce leptin (resistance to leptin) is one of the causes of the popular problem of being overweight (obesity).
However, leptin can only have its full effect if one works and moves for it. Sitting and waiting for the African mango to magically melt the pounds will definitely not work. If you combine the consumption of this fruit with exercise, it will undoubtedly be a supplement against being overweight.
African mango seeds for weight loss
This African fruit helps in a natural and healthy way to burn fat. The seed of the fruit contains a remarkable amount of fiber, this helps increase satiety and reduce appetite.
The high presence of fiber in mango also promotes bowel movement. This process also consumes cholesterol, resulting in a noticeable reduction in bad cholesterol levels.
The metabolism promoting agents in African mango stimulate fat burning. Due to the high content of vitamin B, carbohydrates are transported better and break down faster. This prevents unburned carbohydrates from turning into fat and causing an increase in body weight.
If the body has too little leptin, the feeling of fullness is no longer sufficiently stimulated, as a result, this can lead to cravings with the known consequences of being overweight or eating prohibited foods. The African mango with its action components prevents the lack of leptin.
Side effects of African mango
Currently no side effects of this fruit have been recognized. However, it must be taken into account that each new remedy can cause changes and influence metabolism. African mango can cause side effects as well, but it usually lasts for only a few days.
The side effects of African mango can be:
· Headaches: Headaches are usually the first signs that the body needs more water and the blood sugar level has dropped.
· Flatulence: This is due to a faster metabolism.
· Insomnia: African mango provides a lot of energy, so you may not feel tired at night. However, this problem is resolved after a short time.
· Dizziness: with a reduced calorie intake, dizziness can also occur.
African mango in the treatment for diabetes
A recent study in mice shows that leptin may become an alternative to insulin in people with type 1 diabetes. Leptin appears to be a better glucagon antagonist, lowering blood sugar levels. This would be a ray of hope for many diabetics, as it can eliminate some of the side effects of insulin therapy.
However, additional clinical studies, especially long-term studies, have yet to be done to verify the hypotheses.
If your sex life has been suffering because of erectile dysfunction, eating fruit on a regular basis may be helpful. Fruit contains flavonoids, which seem to help men get and maintain erections. One study of over 25,000 men found that men who regularly consumed flavonoids had a lower chance of developing erectile dysfunction than men who didn’t consume them regularly. Eating fruit may also contribute to heart health, which in turn affects your sexual performance.