Weight loss is often easier said than done, particularly when people find themselves with a busy schedule. While diet and exercise have been shown to be the most effective and safest ways to lose weight, some studies have suggested African mango extract can protect against obesity and enhance metabolic health.

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African mango is a natural substance which is often marketed as a weight loss aid.

Supplements tend to contain extracts of the seeds of the African mango tree, which is native to West Africa.

African mango seeds contain a variety of nutrients, including fibre, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

But how could African mango promote weight loss?

Some studies have shown to can suppress appetite, speed up metabolism and prevent fat build up.

Some people also claim African mango can help lower cholesterol and diabetes.

A 2009 study published in Lipids in Health and Disease, found participants who took African mango every day for 10 weeks experienced significant improvements in body weight, body fat, waist size, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

The study involved 102 health overweight or obese people – half of the participants were given African mango, while the other half were given a placebo.

A 2008 study in Lipids in Health and Disease demonstrated taking a combination of African mango and cissus (an Ayurvedic herb) may help fight obesity.

Every day for 10 weeks, 72 obese or overweight participants took capsules containing one of three substances – a placebo, the African mango/cissus combination or cissus alone.

Members of the African mango/cissus group showed the greatest reductions in body weight, body fat, waist size and cholesterol levels.

African mango is available online and from many natural food stores, and usually come in capsule form.

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But more research is required to recommend African Mango as a stand alone treatment for weight loss.

If you’re considering using African mango for a condition you should always consult your GP first.

Fresh mango has also been shown to hold some weight loss benefits.

Some research suggests mango and its phytochemical may suppress fat cells and fat-related genes.

One study showed mango peel inhibits the formation of fatty tissues in a way similar to the antioxidant resveratrol.

Mangos are also a good choice for digestion.

In research published in The Official Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, a group of people who ate mango every day had more improvement in their constipation symptoms than those who ate an equivalent amount of fibre.

Mangos have also been shown to hold anticancer properties. In one animal study, mango decreased tumour size and suppressed cancer growth factors. 

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