There has long been research — both anecdotal and data-based — suggesting a positive link between the eating of fruits and vegetables and healthy outcomes, including disease prevention.

The National Mango Board is aggressively trying to pursue the connection, specifically with mangos, and has some research on its side. The board is touting early results of some studies and is also refining the nutrition message that it promotes Mango and green papaya salad. (Photo courtesy of the National Mango Board)to the public at large.

Obesity and cancer are the subjects of new mango nutrition research recently presented at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology in Boston. The research identifies important findings that merit further investigation to determine whether mangos can potentially have a positive effect on blood sugar in obese individuals and help to limit inflammation.

A study being conducted at Oklahoma State University examined the effects of daily mango consumption on in obese. Twenty adults participated in the study, consuming significant amounts of mangos in a dried form for 12 weeks. Blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the study were significantly lower than the baseline in both male and female subjects, but there were no significant changes in body composition for either gender.

In another study at Texas A&M University, the effects of polyphenols found in fresh mangos on cancerous and non-cancerous breast cells were examined. This study suggests that mango polyphenols might limit inflammatory response in both cancerous and non-cancerous breast cells. Because this was an in vitro study, more research is needed to determine whether mango polyphenols can have the same effect in humans.

The National Mango Board is actively marketing the nutrition message, which claims that mangos are a nutrient-rich fruit containing more than 20 different vitamins and minerals. The NMB states that mangos are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A. Vitamin C is important for wound healing and immune function; and vitamin A is critical for vision and helps maintain healthy skin. In addition, mangos are rich in folate, which helps the body make blood cells and DNA. Mangos also provide fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar in the blood stream and may help support weight management by increasing feelings of fullness.

The board has revamped its nutrition messages this year. One cup of mango has just 100 fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free calories. Mango board Director of Marketing Megan McKenna said retailers and others can call mangos a “superfruit,” as that term is not regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

She added that the mango board will continue to discuss any emerging nutrition research through the rest of the year and work with its media team to garner more nutrition coverage for mangos.