African Mango for Weight Loss
According to AnneCollins.com, 58 million Americans are either overweight or obese, a number that has been growing steadily over the past several decades. With the increase in obesity and overweight comes an increase in cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and type II diabetes among obese or overweight individuals. While many products are on the market to help people lose weight, one fruit, the African mango, shows great promise in helping individuals who struggle with excess weight shed the extra pounds, which can stave off obesity-related illnesses. In addition, the fruit has also showed promise in reducing cholesterol levels.
The Studies
Studies conducted by professors at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon show that the supposed wonder fruit's seeds contain an extract that, when consumed as a supplement, helps patients to lose weight and stabilize cholesterol levels.
The study was performed by prescribing 102 overweight or obese adults to take African mango seed extract or a placebo (inactive sugar pill) for 10 weeks at a dosage of two pills per day. At the conclusion of the study, the group taking the African mango seed extract supplements had lost a total of 12.5 kilograms--or 28 pounds--while the placebo group had no notable changes. Both groups adhered to their usual diets and usual exercise levels.
Participants in the group that took the supplements also had declines in LDL (bad) cholesterol and nominal improvements in their blood glucose levels, according to the study.
Considerations
Some participants of the study reported side effects associated with the supplement, but these reports were similar in rate among the group taking the inactive placebo pills. The reported side effects were excess gas, sleep problems and headaches.
The researchers in the study speculate that the African mango seed extract helps the bodies of obese patients become more sensitive to lepitin, a hormone that is excreted by the body that controls fat storage, especially in the midsection. According to the researchers at the University of Yaounde, many overweight or obese individuals are resistant to lepitin. The African mango extract helps the body to overcome this resistance, resulting in weight loss, according to the researchers.
Where to Buy the Product
Buying African mango extract can be a bit tricky, as it is not readily stocked by many health food stores. The fruit's scientific name is "Irvingia", so expanding your search by including this name may help.
The most popular supplement containing the seed extract is called "Integra-Lean Invingia" capsules, which are available at most VitaminShoppe locations as well as on several websites.
If you have an African grocery store in your area, you may be able to find the seed extract in its pure liquid form there.
As more studies on the African mango commence, it is likely that the supplement will become more widely stocked in stores.
Tags: seed extract, African mango, African mango seed, mango seed, mango seed extract, overweight obese