Eating Avocado and Mango Daily May Improve Blood Pressure in Prediabetes
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A recent study suggests a daily avocado-mango combo may offer heart health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. Nadine Greeff/Stocksy Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may improve blood vessel function in as little as 8 weeks, according to new research. The avocado-mango combo was linked to better flow-mediated dilation in both men and women, with lower diastolic blood pressure more pronounced in men. Researchers say the benefits likely come from a mix of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and heart-healthy fats. Experts stress that overall diet quality matters most, and mango and avocado work best as part of a balanced eating pattern. Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may help improve heart health in as little as 8 weeks, according to a recent study. Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology found that adults with prediabetes who followed this combination experienced improved blood vessel function and reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Participants who followed the avocado and mango diet showed a notable improvement in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of blood vessel function. Their FMD rose to 6.7%, whereas it fell to 4.6% in the control group, indicating better vascular health in those consuming the fruit combination. Diastolic blood pressure also improved in males. Those in the control group experienced an average increase in central blood pressure of 5 mmHg, while men in the avocado and mango group saw a reduction of around 1.9 mmHg. Importantly, these benefits were observed without changes in calorie intake or body weight. The results were recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The researchers acknowledged that the study was funded by the National Mango Board and the Hass Avocado Board, which is important to consider when interpreting the findings. Avocado-mango combo improves heart health Karen E. Todd, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Supplement Dietitian, said that while the f