The African Bush Mango, scientifically known as Irvingia gabonensis and commonly called ogbono in Nigeria, is a tropical fruit native to West and Central Africa.
The fruit resembles a small, greenish-yellow mango and contains a hard seed or kernel, which is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. In Nigeria, ogbono is particularly popular for making a thick, flavorful soup, and is widely consumed across various regions.
The fruit is typically in season during the rainy months, often from April to August, depending on the region. The tree thrives in the humid, tropical climates found in southern Nigeria and other West African countries.
Both the fleshy fruit and the seeds are used: the sweet outer pulp can be eaten fresh, while the kernels are dried and ground for culinary and health purposes.
Bush mango is valued for its nutrition and medicinal uses, making it pretty fascinating for health research.
This African fruit offers several health benefits that might help with weight, heart health, blood sugar, and digestion. The nutritional content and health benefits of bush mango’s pulp and seed have been studied for their impact on people’s health.
You’ll find bush mango as a supplement or as extracts that concentrate its active compounds, making it easier to take.
In this article, you will learn about the nutritional profile and health benefits of African bush mango.
Nutritional Profile of African Bush Mango
African bush mango gives you essential fats, carbs, and antioxidants, plus low levels of harmful stuff. The seeds and pulp offer distinct nutritional benefits that support overall health.
Key Vitamins and Minerals
The seeds of African bush mango contain 65.46% fat content, so they’re an excellent source of healthy oils. This high fat content gives your body essential fatty acids it needs to function well.
Both the pulp and seeds have significant carbohydrate levels. The pulp and kernel serve as good sources of carbohydrates, so you get energy for your daily routine.
The seeds have 10.23% protein and 10.93% ash content. That means you’re getting amino acids and some minerals, too.
Moisture content in the seeds stays low at 3.36%. This helps preserve the nutrients.
The fiber content reaches 7.70%. That’s a nice boost for your digestive health.
Active Compounds and Phytochemicals
African bush mango packs powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. The pulp and kernel also provide antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals in your body.
This fruit contains low levels of anti-nutrients. Your body can absorb its beneficial compounds pretty easily.
Researchers found the whole fruit contains valuable phytochemicals that boost its health benefits. These natural plant compounds support your immune system and general wellness.
The bioactive compounds in African bush mango help explain its traditional medicinal uses. These substances give the fruit some protective properties against various health issues.
10 Amazing Health Benefits of African Bush Mango
African Bush Mango is celebrated for its impressive health benefits. The versatile uses and health benefits of ogbono have made it an important part of both local cuisine and wellness practices in Nigeria and beyond.
1. Supports weight management by reducing body fat
African bush mango shows promise for weight loss. Research found that bush mango extract led to a 12 kg decrease in weight in studies.
The weight loss came with an 11 cm drop in waist size. Participants also saw a 4% decrease in body fat compared to placebo groups.
Plenty of studies have looked at the fruit’s effect on weight. Still, no supplement stands out as the clear winner for weight management.
2. Helps lower LDL cholesterol levels
African bush mango can help improve your cholesterol levels. Studies show that bush mango helps regulate cholesterol in your body.
Research indicates that mango consumption reduced LDL-C levels by 14.5% in participants. This drop in bad cholesterol is good news for your heart.
The increase in HDL-c might be due to slower clearance of LDL-c when you eat bush mango extracts. This helps balance out your cholesterol profile.
3. Regulates blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity
African bush mango helps control your blood sugar. The seed extract works to lower glucose after meals.
Some research shows that African bush mango extract can reduce fasting blood glucose by almost 60%. That’s pretty significant for diabetes management.
The extract also helps your body respond better to insulin. Higher insulin sensitivity means your cells can use glucose more efficiently.
4. Rich source of dietary fiber for digestive health
African bush mango provides a lot of dietary fiber that supports your digestive system. This fiber helps your intestines work smoothly and encourages healthy digestion.
The fruit aids digestion thanks to its high fiber content. Your digestive tract benefits because this fiber keeps things moving along.
Studies show that dietary fiber in African bush mango helps your gut stay healthy. Adding this fruit to your meals can support your digestion.
5. Contains antioxidants that combat oxidative stress
African bush mango contains natural compounds that fight oxidative stress. Bush mango has been studied for its antioxidant properties that protect your cells from damage.
The antioxidant activity of processed bush mango kernels shows promise for reducing free radicals. These compounds help your body fight off cell damage.
Some research suggests that bush mango extracts can help with oxidative stress because of their antioxidants.
6. Promotes heart health by improving lipid profiles
African bush mango can help your heart by changing your blood lipid levels. Research shows that bush mango increases HDL-c concentration in your body.
HDL cholesterol is the “good” kind that protects your heart. Studies found that bush mango varieties affect weight and plasma lipid profile in positive ways.
The fruit works as your body processes fats more efficiently. This leads to healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
7. May reduce inflammation in the body
African bush mango contains compounds that may help fight inflammation. The kernel has anti-inflammatory properties that could lower harmful inflammation.
Bush mango is rich in carotenoids and other plant chemicals. These may help calm inflammation throughout your body.
The seed extract seems to work by targeting inflammatory pathways. This could help reduce markers of inflammation in your blood and tissues.
8. Supports appetite control and reduces cravings
African bush mango might help you control your appetite in a natural way. The fruit contains fiber that helps you feel full for longer.
Research shows that African bush mango influences weight reduction by affecting body composition. The extract may impact chemicals that control your mood and eating habits.
When you eat foods high in fiber, your body sends signals that reduce hunger. This can help you avoid overeating and cut down on cravings through the day.
9. Enhances metabolism and fat oxidation
African bush mango can boost your body’s fat burning. The seed extract helps manage metabolic syndrome by improving how your body breaks down fats.
Research shows that bush mango affects lipid metabolism in good ways. Your body becomes better at using stored fat for energy.
The fruit contains compounds that support your metabolic processes. These natural substances help your body process nutrients and burn calories more efficiently.
10. High protein content aids muscle maintenance
African bush mango kernels contain protein that supports your muscles. The kernel provides good nutrient values for body growth and maintenance.
Your muscles need protein to repair and rebuild after daily activities. The protein in bush mango helps maintain your muscle tissue over time.
Both the pulp and kernel offer crude protein content that supports your body’s protein needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
African bush mango supplements raise a lot of questions about their real benefits for weight loss, proper dosing, and possible side effects. Some research suggests this fruit may help reduce body fat, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar levels.
What are the potential health benefits associated with the extract of African bush mango?
African bush mango extract might support weight management by reducing body fat and helping control appetite. Studies suggest it can lower LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.
The extract may help regulate your blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. That makes it potentially useful for people managing diabetes or prediabetes.
African bush mango provides dietary fiber that supports your digestive health. The fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.
The fruit contains antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. These compounds may help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Can taking African mango supplements aid in weight loss, and what does scientific research say?
Research suggests African bush mango supplements may help with weight loss when you pair them with a healthy diet and exercise. Some studies show participants lost more weight than those who took placebo pills.
The supplements seem to work by reducing fat cell formation and increasing fat breakdown. They might also help control appetite and cut down food cravings.
Most weight loss studies lasted 8 to 12 weeks with people taking specific doses daily. Results were mixed, though, with some losing more weight than others.
What are the known side effects of consuming African bush mango products?
Most people tolerate African bush mango supplements pretty well. Some users mention mild digestive issues like gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort.
Headaches and sleep problems show up for some people, too. These side effects are usually mild and don’t last long.
If you get severe stomach pain or allergic reactions, stop taking the supplement. Talk to your doctor if side effects stick around or get worse.
How does African bush mango influence blood pressure levels?
Not much research exists on African bush mango’s direct effects on blood pressure. Some studies hint it may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
The fiber and potassium content in African bush mango might support your cardiovascular health. These nutrients often play a role in blood pressure regulation.
If you take blood pressure medication, ask your doctor before adding African bush mango supplements. The combo could affect how your meds work.
What is the recommended dosage and timing for taking African bush mango supplements for optimal health benefits?
Most studies used 150 to 300 mg of African bush mango extract twice a day. Take supplements 30 to 60 minutes before your main meals for best results.
Start with a lower dose and see how your body responds. You can bump up the amount if you don’t notice any negative side effects.
Try to take supplements at the same times each day. That helps keep steady levels in your system and might improve effectiveness.
Which factors should be considered when choosing the best African bush mango supplement?
Look for supplements with standardized extracts from Irvingia gabonensis. That helps ensure you get the same amount of active compounds in each dose.
Pick products from reputable manufacturers that follow good manufacturing practices. Third-party testing for purity and potency adds some extra confidence.
Check labels for extra ingredients that might trigger allergies. Skip supplements with unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Consider capsule or powder forms depending on what you like. Capsules are convenient, but powders might mix better with food or drinks.
Conclusion
African bush mango brings a bunch of health perks, and the science actually backs it up. The fruit pulp and kernel pack antioxidants that help your cells fight off damage.
Weight Management Benefits
Lots of people use African bush mango extract to help with weight loss. Some studies even show real potential for shedding pounds if you take it as a supplement.
Nutritional Value
This fruit gives you important nutrients like:
- Healthy fats
- Carbohydrates
- Natural antioxidants
Researchers found that bush mango has pretty low levels of anti-nutrients. That means it’s generally safe to eat on a regular basis.
Practical Applications
You can try African bush mango in several ways. The fruit pulp actually makes a decent juice you might want to add to your routine.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
