A recent study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reveals that women of childbearing age (WCA) who include mangos in their diets experience significant improvements in diet quality and nutrient intake. This study highlights the benefits of mangos in enhancing the intake of essential nutrients crucial for a healthy pregnancy, such as fiber, folate, and various vitamins, while simultaneously reducing the consumption of less desirable nutrients like added sugars and saturated fats.
Moreover, the study emphasizes that diets incorporating mangos are associated with higher Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, which are indicative of improved nutrition, particularly beneficial for women during pregnancy. The research underscores the importance of meeting the unique nutritional requirements of women who are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding, as their diets often fall short in supplying necessary nutrients.
Health Benefits of Mangoes
Lead author Kristin Fulgoni emphasizes the significance of diet in preventing health conditions during pregnancy, citing gestational diabetes and hypertension as potential risks. Mangos, being rich in nutrients like fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E, play a vital role in reducing the likelihood of such complications.
The study, drawing from a sizable sample of 16,744 women aged 15-44, assessed their dietary habits using the HEI, a validated measure of diet quality based on the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results showed a 16% higher HEI score among women incorporating mangos into their diets compared to those who did not.
Benefits of Mangoes
Key findings reveal substantial differences in nutrient intake between mango consumers and non-consumers. Mango consumers exhibited significantly higher consumption of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, and potassium, while also showing lower intake of undesirable nutrients like added sugars and saturated fats.
Additionally, the study included an analysis of older adults aged 60 and above, indicating similar positive associations between mango consumption and improved diet quality. Mango consumers in this age group demonstrated higher HEI scores, increased intake of fiber and vitamin C, and reduced intake of certain nutrients typically found in higher amounts in animal products.
The study acknowledges its limitations, including its observational nature, reliance on dietary recalls, and the relatively small percentage of the U.S. population consuming mangos. However, it underscores the growing body of evidence supporting the nutritional benefits of including mangos in diverse diets.
In conclusion, the study suggests that mangos can serve as an important component of a nutritious diet, contributing to improved nutrition equity and overall diet quality, particularly among women of childbearing age and older adults.
