As mango season advances in India, many patients with diabetes continue to ask whether they can consume the fruit. "Mangoes, with their rich sweetness and diverse varieties, are a staple of Indian summers, and it's understandable why people want to indulge," says Rahul Baxi, a Mumbai-based diabetologist. He notes that patients often return for follow-ups after the season with elevated glucose levels, sometimes due to excess mango consumption.
New research indicates that controlled intake of mangoes may not negatively impact blood glucose and could offer benefits. A pilot study involving 95 participants, soon to be published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that three Indian varieties, Safeda, Dasheri, and Langra, produced similar or lower glycemic responses compared to white bread. Continuous glucose monitoring over three days showed that participants with type 2 diabetes experienced smaller post-meal fluctuations after eating mango. "Mangoes are a much-loved fruit and maligned for their possible glucose and weight-elevating effects," said Dr Sugandha Kehar, first author of the studies. "These studies show that within prescribed diets, consumption of mangoes is not detrimental to blood glucose and may even be beneficial."
A second trial, published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders and conducted at Delhi's Fortis C-DOC with Indian Council of Medical Research funding, reinforced these findings. Thirty-five adults with type 2 diabetes replaced breakfast bread with 250g of mango for eight weeks. Researchers reported improvements in fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin resistance, weight, waist circumference, and HDL cholesterol. "We showed the benefits of small doses of mangoes in place of carbohydrates (bread) in breakfast in two detailed studies for the first time, laying to rest all speculations regarding adverse metabolic effects of its consumption," says Prof Anoop Misra, senior author. "But the key is moderation and clinical supervision - this is not a licence for unlimited mango feasts."
Prof Misra explained that a 250g mango, about one small fruit, provides around 180 calories. These calories should be balanced within the daily limit, not added on top. Dr Baxi advises patients with controlled glucose to consume mango in limited amounts, equal to about 15g of carbohydrates, once or twice a day. He recommends eating mango between meals, paired with protein or fibre, and avoiding juices or milkshakes.
India has over 1,000 mango varieties, with Langra, Dasheri, Chausa, Himsagar, and Alphonso among the most recognised. The fruit also holds cultural and economic importance, with mango festivals across cities and exports often used in trade and diplomatic exchanges.
Source: BBC