Adding mango puree to athletes' diets may improve muscle recovery and reduce inflammation during intense exercise, according to a pilot study published in the journal Nutrients.
In the experiment, participants consumed 600 g of mango puree daily for four weeks, and during the control period received a placebo with comparable calorie content. Blood tests showed that eating mango helped reduce levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 - markers of systemic inflammation, as well as creatine kinase, which reflects the degree of muscle damage after exercise.
Additionally, participants showed changes in immune response measures: increased CD4+ T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 ratios, which may indicate a more stable immune system during regular exercise. Body weight, body composition, and total energy expenditure remained unchanged.
The study authors emphasize that mango puree could be a useful nutritional strategy for athletes, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery after exercise.
