As the scorching summer heat washes over India, the perennial question of whether mangoes are suitable for people with diabetes has reignited debates among health experts and patients alike. Leading Mumbai diabetologist, Dr. Rahul Baxi, notes that this question comes with a marketplace of misunderstandings. Many patients oscillate between believing they must completely avoid mangoes or, conversely, thinking excessive consumption could reverse their condition. In reality, the situation is far nuanced, especially as many individuals return from mango season with elevated glucose levels, often due to overindulgence in this cherished fruit.
New Indian clinical studies, however, are challenging the prevailing dietary caution surrounding mangoes. Launched by researchers interested in re-assessing traditional views, these trials indicate that controlled consumption of mangoes could have positive effects. An anticipated study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition involving 95 participants found that the glycemic responses elicited by three popular Indian mango varieties—Safeda, Dasheri, and Langra—were comparable to or even lower than those produced by white bread. This suggests that mangoes might not be the glucose-laden villains they are often portrayed to be.
Continued monitoring also showed that glucose fluctuations post-mango consumption in diabetic patients were considerably less pronounced, a finding that could indicate long-term benefits for metabolic health. Dr. Sugandha Kehar, the lead researcher, commented on the fruit’s status, arguing that recent findings reflect its potential merits when included in balanced diets.
Further supported by an eight-week trial published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, participants who substituted their breakfast bread with 250 grams of mango experienced marked improvements in critical diabetes indicators, including lower fasting glucose levels and enhanced cholesterol profiles. Prof. Anoop Misra, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of moderation and clinical guidance in including mangoes in one’s diet.
Dr. Baxi advises his patients to enjoy moderate quantities of mango, ideally between meals, and always paired with proteins or fiber. The emphasis, he stresses, is portion control; a daily limit of 1,600 calories should integrate mango calories as part of the whole rather than as an excess.
The cultural significance of mangoes in India extends beyond dietary concerns, representing a form of social currency, steeped in tradition, diplomacy, and celebration, with numerous festivals dedicated to the fruit celebrating its stature in society. With over 1,000 mango varieties prevalent in India, the debate over their consumption isn’t just nutritional but also emotional and symbolic.
As mango seasons progress, the essence of both indulgence and the rich heritage surrounding the fruit persists, now buoyed by scientific validation of its potential benefits for those managing diabetes.
