Experts warn that eating more than two mangoes per day could exacerbate gestational diabetes.
While mangoes are a nutrient powerhouse, high in iron, vitamins C, A, and B6, potassium, and folic acid, experts warn that eating more than two mangoes per day may increase difficulties for women with gestational diabetes and recommend moderation.
As mango season begins, with over 300 kinds available worldwide, experts warn that excessive intake of mangoes with a glycemic index of 51 to 55 may increase the risk of difficulties for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
They did, however, warn pregnant women with gestational diabetes who love mangoes to consume them in moderation and without peeling the back to lower their sugar content.
According to them, overeating might result in extra weight gain, which exacerbates gestational diabetes.
The Cleveland Clinic, an online medical portal, defines gestational diabetes as the form that develops during pregnancy when blood sugar levels get too high.
This often arises between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and is frequently induced.
In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, nutritionists and diabetologists characterized the Glycemic Index as a number that indicates how quickly the body transforms carbs in food into glucose.
They stated that if GI is a system for ranking carbohydrates on a scale of 1 to 100 based on how much they affect blood sugar levels, the lower the value, the less impact the food has on blood sugar.
James Oloyede, Director of Nutrition Services and Health Education at the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, says women with gestational diabetes can eat mangoes in moderation.
He observed that some diets cause blood sugar levels to rise faster because they contain simple carbs, such as refined sugars, which make it simpler for the body to convert into glucose, the sugar used for energy.
Oloyede continued, "Mango can still be consumed by someone with gestational diabetes. However, consumption should be kept moderate.
The nutritionist stated that this is significant because mango has a high glycemic index due to its high sugar content, which gives it its natural sweetness.
Oloyede, who advised pregnant women to avoid overly ripe and powerful mangoes, stated that "a ripe mango is naturally sweet." Most dieticians would prescribe a 100-gram ripe, firm mango. Not the kind that is already overripe."
He pointed out that unripe mangos contain less sugar and are suitable for pregnant women with gestational diabetes or other diabetic patients.
"Mangos are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Excessive consumption might cause difficulties linked to gestational diabetes.
"The complications often result in poor pregnancy outcomes and an incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases in children during adult life."
According to him, it is critical that such a lady consume a protein-rich diet and monitor her blood sugar levels regularly.
Women with gestational diabetes must receive nutrition counseling from a nutritionist or dietitian, as well as engage in regular physical activity, he stated.
"She should enjoy mango as an occasional treat, but give priority to nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats for a positive pregnancy outcome," stated Oloyede.
Olufemi Fasanmade, a Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, supported his position, saying, "Mangoes should be eaten in moderation by women with gestational diabetes, and others say one-to-two mangoes per sitting."
Fasanmade, a diabetes management expert, stated that while mango has a medium GI, "taking a large quantity of mango can lead to weight gain and eventually diabetes."
The consultant endocrinologist stated that moderation is the watchword for mango consumption among pregnant women and advised those who crave the fruit to eat both the inside and the back, as the back is high in fiber, which lowers blood sugar levels by not being digested and absorbed in the stomach.
A study by Candice Stamper et al., published in the National Library of Medicine and titled 'Effects of fresh vs. dried mango consumption on satiety and postprandial glucose in healthy adults,' confirms that eating mango with its back helps to lower the mango's high glucose content.
According to the study, the mechanisms that cause mango with a medium glycemic index to lower glucose are linked to its dietary fiber, demonstrating that fiber is not converted down into glucose by the small intestine like other digestible carbs.
"Instead, it passes undigested through the gastrointestinal tract to the colon, where it is fermented by gut bacteria." As a result, it does not cause long-term spikes in glucose levels as compared to diets containing digestible carbs and low fiber content.
"Mango's numerous bioactive components, such as mangiferin, could further contribute to its glucose-lowering effect. Mangiferin has been proven to have antidiabetic qualities, lowering glucose levels and insulin resistance while increasing insulin sensitivity.
"Mangiferin also inhibits glucosidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. As a result, mangiferin may prevent a significant proportion of carbs from being converted to glucose and absorbed in the intestine," the study stated.
PUNCH