Six Health Benefits Of Mango Leaves

Many people are not aware that mango leaves can be eaten, although the fruit of the tree is very well known for its taste, versatility and nutritional value. These leaves actually have many concentrated medicinal components.

In particular, they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and tumor-effective properties. Some people even use the extract to make tea, supplements and other complementary health products. Read on to find out why you should include them in your diet.

The primary benefits of mango leaves

There are about 69 species of Mangifera. The best known in natural medicine, however, is  Mangifera indica. This is because its therapeutic use comes from Ayuverda and local medical systems.

Although one can harvest the stem, bark, roots and fruit of this plant, some believe that its leaves have powerful therapeutic effects. Let’s find out what health benefits they have.

1. The medicinal components of mango leaves

First, it should be noted that the benefits of mango leaves come from their concentration of medicinal components. To be more precise, they contain polyphenols and terpenoids,  which are known for their ability to protect against the negative effects of free radicals.

These substances have positive effects on vision and the immune system. Regular intake thus reduces the risk of eye diseases, infections and other chronic diseases.

2. Anti-inflammatory activity

One of the most impressive properties of mango leaves is its anti-inflammatory property. That’s at least what a study published in BioFactors says. They claim that mango leaves contain a polyphenol, which has the structure of C-glycosyl xanthone, which has the ability to inhibit too much inflammation.

There are actually other biological activities about it, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, analgesic and immunomodulatory properties. Some believe that they can help reduce the risk of heart disease and neurological disorders.

3. A help for weight loss

Mango leaves are not a miracle product for weight loss per se. However, incorporating them into a healthy and varied diet can help achieve the optimal weight. Why? Some studies have established that its components are aids in the burning of fat.

In particular, mango leaf extract helps inhibit the accumulation of fat in cell tissues. We need more evidence to be able to confirm these effects, but it is a useful and safe supplement for most people – at least so far.

4. Mango leaves to treat diabetes

Diabetes is a complex disease that requires medical attention and treatment. Therefore, one should only use agents such as mango leaves as a supplement to the treatment. This plant also has a beneficial effect on controlling blood glucose levels due to its ability to promote the burning of fat.

In fact, research published in Plos one compared the effects of mango leaf extract and glibenclamide (a drug for diabetes). They finally concluded that the group receiving extract had slightly lower glucose levels than the group receiving glibenclamide after two weeks.

5. Skin health

The benefits of mango leaves also deal with the skin. Its extract is associated with a lower risk of premature aging due to its significant concentration of antioxidants. Even animal studies suggest that this ingredient helps protect against the breakdown of collagen and damage caused by UV rays.

In addition, a publication in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerface  mentions  that  the bactericidal properties of these leaves can fight the staphylococcus aureus bacterium,  which is responsible for various skin infections.

Healthy hair

Oxidative stress has a lot to do with hair deterioration. In that regard, mango leaves and its antioxidant properties may help. Although there is little scientific evidence on the link between the extracts of these leaves and hair care, some believe that they can help prevent violent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

Take advantage of the health benefits of mango leaves

Mango leaves are edible and you can also eat them fresh in a salad. The most common way to consume them is by brewing a tea. To do this, boil about 12 mango leaves in half a liter of water. When it starts to boil, leave it to stand until you are ready to drink it.

As a last resort, one can find these leaves in some health stores either as a powder, extract or a dietary supplement. The powder must be diluted in water, both for oral and topical application. In general, mango leaves are safe for most healthy adults. However, you should always talk to a doctor if you have any illnesses or for any doubts you may have.