How African Mango Can Help You to Lose Weight

Since Dr. Oz introduced the African mango extract as a “breakthrough weight loss fix” in 2011, the sales of dietary supplements claiming to contain it have significantly increased. It is said to help weight loss by boosting the metabolism and giving more energy, burning the fats and suppressing the appetite. But what exactly is the African mango extract and how does it work? Irvingia gabonensis, also known as African mango, wild or bush mango, is a tree grown in Central and West Africa, and in Southeast Asia that bears mango-like fruits. The flesh of the fruit is widely eaten but its fat- and protein-rich seeds, or dika nuts, are especially valued and used for the powerful weight loss extract. The African mango nut contains 50% fat, 26.4% total carbohydrates, 7.5% protein and 14% fiber and is used fresh and dried. It is said to reduce appetite, lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reduce the fat cell growth, boost the burning of fats and improve controlling the blood sugar. One study from 2005 observed two groups of obese patients; the participants in the first one were given dika nut extract three times daily over a month. The second group took placebo. People in the first group lost averagely 5.26% of their body weight, and those on placebo only 1.32%. The cholesterol levels in the first group were also decreased. During the study period, participants didn’t change their diet or exercise regime. More recent study from 2009 showed similar results, which was a clear evidence for scientists that the African mango had beneficial effects. Other researches show that the high amounts of soluble fiber help the liver to increase the metabolism of fats, aid burning the stored fats and lowering the levels of bad cholesterol. The extract also increases the level of hormone adiponectin which is linked to the cellular absorption of blood sugar. So the blood sugar and insulin levels are becoming normal which lowers the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Scientists also observed an increase in the levels of hormone leptin, which is plays major role in controlling the appetite. There is no significant data to show any side effects of the African mango extract. Only in some patients were observed headache, dry mouth, sleep disturbance and flu-like symptoms. The most important thing when buying the supplement is to make sure it is natural and doesn’t have any additional ingredients like colorings, fillers, and others.