Smoothy Slim
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto Pexels Logo Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

What is the African fruit that burns fat?

African mango African mango is a tropical fruit native to West Africa. It's sought after for its extract, which is called AME and derived from the fruit's seed. Emerging research indicates that AME may aid weight loss, but these studies used small populations.

Are superfood powders worth it?
Are superfood powders worth it?

As a supplement to an already healthy, plant-rich diet, powdered greens can be a great, albeit pricey, addition to your diet. They don't offer much...

Read More »
What happens if I drink only water?
What happens if I drink only water?

You'll eat less, since water acts as an appetite suppressant. Water helps your body flush out toxins and eliminate waste products. Water helps...

Read More »
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

It’s probably no surprise that the number of dietary and weight loss supplements has grown enormously in recent years. A 2008 survey noted that 33.9% of American adults trying to lose weight took dietary supplements ( 1 ). African mango is among many popular supplements marketed to boost weight loss. Although it’s relatively new to the Western world, it has been eaten and used medicinally in Africa for centuries. This article reviews the nutrients, benefits, and downsides of African mango. Share on Pinterest Ivan Sabayuki/Getty Images What is African mango? African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is a tree native to tropical West African forests. It’s also known as bush mango, wild mango, and dika nut. The fruit has greenish-yellow skin, a fibrous pulp, and a large, hard seed ( 2 , 3 ). It shouldn’t be confused with the common mango (Mangifera indica) ( 4 ). African mango’s pulp and seed are used in Nigerian and Cameroonian cuisine to make traditional soups, sauces, juice, wine, jam, jelly, and flavoring ( 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8). Like many tropical fruits, its pulp is high in vitamin C and carotenoid antioxidants ( 7 ). The African mango tree has long been used in traditional medicine. Local tribes use the leaves, roots, and especially the bark (in the form of a paste) to treat scabs and skin pain ( 2 ). The fruit’s large seed has been of particular interest in research because of the health benefits of its extract. Summary African mango is a vitamin-C-rich, mango-like fruit native to tropical Africa with a history of use in traditional medicine. Western uses of African mango extract African mango extract (AME) has gained a following in the West for its use as a weight loss supplement. It’s derived from the seed of the African mango fruit ( 3 ). AME is available in liquid, capsule, and powder forms. Sometimes, AME is blended with other extracts from green tea, berries, and kelp and sold as supplements ( 9 ). The extract is purported to inhibit the growth of fat cells, although further human studies are needed ( 1 ). Summary Extract from the seed of African mango has risen in popularity in the West as a weight loss supplement, though research on its effects is still emerging. Nutrients in African mango Just 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of African mango fruit — both the peel and the pulp — contain the following nutrients ( 10 ): Calories: 86

86 Protein: 1 gram

How do you know when inflammation is gone?
How do you know when inflammation is gone?

Your skin is clear. Your skin is your body's largest organ, and when inflammation is out of control, it can rise to the surface in the form of skin...

Read More »
What should I eat for breakfast to lose weight?
What should I eat for breakfast to lose weight?

14 Healthy Breakfast Foods That Help You Lose Weight Eggs. Rich in protein and a wealth of important vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

1 gram Fat: 0.4 grams

0.4 grams Carbs: 18 grams

18 grams Vitamin C: 62% of the Daily Value (DV) As you can see, the fruit itself is very high in vitamin C. Specific nutrients in African mango extract African mango extract (AME) is derived from the fruit’s seed. The seed is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. What’s more, it provides soluble fiber, antioxidants, and plant protein ( 5 , 11 ). Plus, it’s high in fat, with the greatest amounts coming from myristic and lauric acids — two saturated fats also found in coconut oil ( 7 ). A recent study identified 41 phenolic compounds in African mango seed, including flavonols, tannins, and ellagic acid. Phenolic compounds act as antioxidants by fighting disease-causing molecules called free radicals in your body ( 12 ). Summary Extracts from African mango are derived from the seed, which is rich in multiple nutrients and antioxidants. The fruit itself boasts plenty of vitamin C. Potential benefits of African mango extract AME has recently gained popularity in the West as a weight loss supplement. Although more studies are needed, preliminary research indicates positive results. Research on weight loss In a 10-week randomized controlled study, 52 adults took 300 mg of AME daily. On average, they experienced 28 pounds (12.8 kg) of weight loss, a 6.4-inch (16.2-cm) reduction in waist circumference, and a 6.3% dip in body fat ( 5 ). Plus, fasting blood sugar and both total and bad (LDL) cholesterol fell significantly ( 5 ). Other research shows similar effects. In a 90-day study in 24 adults with metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that raises your chronic illness risk, those who took 300 mg of AME daily had significant drops in blood sugar, waist circumference, triglycerides, and VLDL (bad) cholesterol, compared with a placebo ( 13 ). Another randomized controlled study in 72 adults combined AME with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), a succulent vine. After 10 weeks, the CQ-only group experienced an 8.8% decrease in body weight, and the CQ and AME group an 11.8% decrease, on average. The reductions in body fat and waist circumferences for the CQ and AME group were also significant ( 12 ). These studies suggest that AME reduces body weight, body fat, waist circumference, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. All the same, more human studies are necessary. Summary Studies suggest AME may help lower body weight and other health markers like blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. Still, consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing your daily regimen to manage any of the above listed conditions. Does African mango have any downsides? Although research is lacking, AME appears to have few — if any — side effects. Still, you should take extra care when buying African mango products to ensure purity and safety. Toxicity and side effects Animal studies suggest no adverse effects or toxicity from AME ( 3 ). The only side effects reported in human studies are headaches, gas, sleep difficulty, and constipation. However, it’s questionable whether AME caused these effects, as people in the placebo groups also experienced them ( 5 , 13 ). A case study reported that one person with chronic kidney disease had to start dialysis after 2.5 months of taking AME. Still, more research is needed ( 6 ). Authenticity One study tested AME and African mango dietary supplements and reported that some products didn’t contain authentic extracts from the seed ( 9 ). Bear in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements differently than medicines, meaning that their safety and quality aren’t always known ( 14 ). As such, you should look for AME products that are tested by an independent laboratory for purity and quality. Labs like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, and NSF International may add their own labels to supplements. Useful supplement shopping guides Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze: How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements

Why does my stomach look pregnant?
Why does my stomach look pregnant?

Many people who experience endo belly say they “look pregnant,” even though they're not. Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis. Those who...

Read More »
Can we eat raw beetroot daily?
Can we eat raw beetroot daily?

Yes! Beets can absolutely be eaten raw. Beets don't have to be cooked for you to enjoy them. Raw beets are super yummy (AND nutritious). Jan 3, 2022

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro Summary Studies have not reported significant side effects from AME. Still, purity and quality are concerns, as dietary supplements should be better regulated to ensure that products can be trusted. African mango dosage No set dosage for AME exists. All the same, a few studies have reported potentially effective dosages ranging from 150 mg twice daily to 1.05 grams three times per day ( 3 ). Furthermore, one study recommends taking AME 30–60 minutes before a meal ( 5 ). Always consult a healthcare professional before taking new dietary supplements. summary There’s no scientifically established dosage for AME supplements, but studies suggest effectiveness with taking anywhere between 150 mg twice per day and 1.05 grams thrice daily.

Can I drink water right after eating oatmeal?
Can I drink water right after eating oatmeal?

In fact, drinking water during or after a meal helps how your body breaks down and processes food (digestion). Water is vital for good health....

Read More »
Can I juice for 5 days?
Can I juice for 5 days?

There are many benefits of juicing, which is why we recommend doing a 5-day juice cleanse for optimal results. When you juice, you're consuming all...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Does cucumber clean your colon?
Does cucumber clean your colon?

It flushes out the toxins and cleanses your gut, thus preventing any digestive issues. Cucumber is filled with healthy digestive enzymes, which...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What color is diabetic pee?
What color is diabetic pee?

If you have diabetes insipidus, you'll continue to pee large amounts of watery (dilute), light-colored urine when normally you'd only pee a small...

Read More »