Avocado and Mango Trial Shows Vascular Changes in Prediabetes

Trial Examines Daily Avocado and Mango Intake in Prediabetes

A study from the Illinois Institute of Technology evaluated the vascular effects of eating one medium Hass avocado and one cup of fresh mango daily. The trial included adults diagnosed with prediabetes, a metabolic state that affects approximately 98 million American adults.

Researchers published their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). The experimental group followed the fruit-supplemented protocol for eight weeks, while a control group ate an isocaloric diet containing carbohydrate-based replacement foods.

Vascular Flexibility Improved in the Fruit Intervention Group

Endothelial function served as a primary outcome measure through flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The endothelium is the cellular layer lining blood vessels that manages arterial constriction and relaxation.

Participants consuming the fruits saw flow-mediated dilation (FMD) increase to 6.7 percent after eight weeks. In contrast, participants on the control diet showed a decline in vascular dilation to 4.6 percent over the same period.

Central Blood Pressure Reductions Observed in Men

Blood pressure readings changed notably among male participants during the intervention period. Diastolic pressure reflects arterial resistance between heartbeats, and resting levels dropped among men consuming the fruits.

Men in the control group experienced an average increase of 5 points, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), in central blood pressure. Men eating the avocado and mango combination recorded an average reduction of approximately 1.9 mmHg.

Weight and Caloric Intake Remained Stable Throughout

The observed cardiovascular changes occurred without measurable shifts in body weight or total caloric intake. Researchers confirmed that the additional fruit intake did not drive weight gain across the eight-week evaluation.

These results indicate that food composition altered blood vessel mechanics independently of changes in body mass. The study authors noted that these improvements could offer clinical relevance if participants maintain the dietary pattern over longer periods.

Study Limitations and Industry Funding Support

The trial assessed participants over eight weeks, leaving long-term cardiovascular outcomes unmeasured. In addition, the blood pressure improvements appeared primarily in male subjects, so the findings may not apply equally across all demographics.

The National Mango Board and the Hass Avocado Board provided funding credits for the trial. Individuals managing prediabetes or blood pressure should discuss dietary modifications with their personal clinician before changing their routine.