African Mango
This yellow skinned fruit is a common food in West Africa. The extract is taken from the seeds; it influences enzymes and genes that monitor metabolism. The seeds yield abundant oil, which the locals use and the trees wood is utilized in construction because it naturally resists termites. Another name for this fruit is the bush mango.
Research
Researchers at the University of Yaounde I and University of Ngaoundere have studied the weight loss benefits of Irvingia gabonensis. These weight reducing properties were indicated in a previous in vitro study. Thus, these researchers decided to research its effects in living organisms (people), rather than the laboratory vessel. The researchers reported their findings in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease on March 2, 2009.
In the clinical trial the participants received 150 mg twice a day prior to dining. This yielded fecund improvements in these areas of health.
- Body fat
- Body weight
- Waist circumference
- C-reactive protein (measurement of inflammation)
- Lepton levels
The researchers arbitrarily assigned 102 obese adults to receive the African mango extract or a placebo for ten weeks. The partakers ate as usual and kept to their normal exercise routine. At the completion of the study, the average extract taker had lost 28 pounds, while the placebo users didn’t show significant change. Those taking the extract had lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by 27.3%, as opposed to the placebo takers at 4.8% and they had lower sugar levels as well. The researchers state that this is the first well-controlled study of the African mango extract, but they think it has the potential to fight obesity and the associated health issues. A small number of people in both groups reported gas, headaches, and insomnia as side effects.
Irvingia gabonensis may be able to help thyroid patients that are overweight. These are the reasons why it is promising for people with hypothyroidism.
- Obese thyroid patients are more prone to insulin resistance. The extract increases adiponectin, which is a hormone that regulates insulin.
- It also lessens carbohydrate digestion by inhibiting the enzyme amylase.
- It has the ability to stop lepton resistance. It appears that thyroid patients with higher weight have more problems with lepton resistance.
- Thyroid patients with higher weight usually have higher fasting glucose levels. Irvingia gabonensis lowered these levels in the study.
- It reduced bad cholesterol, which is normally up in people with hypothyroidism.
African mango extract may be a big help for people battling weight gain. So far it seems to be strong ammunition.
Sources
"Clinical Trials Show Irvingia Gabonensis Is Effective Aid in Weight Loss." ThyroidInfo.com. Web
"Fruit extract shows promise as weight-loss aid." Reuters. 23 March 2009. Web
Ngondi et al;IGOB131. "A novel seed extract of the West African plant." Lipids in Health and Disease. 8.7: n. pag. Web. 2 March. 2009.
