Daily consumption of mangoes could potentially reduce blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels, according to recent studies.
A Fresh Take on Postmenopause and Heart Health
Embrace the magic of mangoes for a healthier postmenopausal life! Research has unveiled that incorporating two servings of this delightful fruit daily could work wonders for your heart and overall well-being.
Approximately 25 million women each year experience the natural transition called menopause, typically between ages 45 and 55. Postmenopause refers to the period that follows, when a woman has been without a menstrual cycle for at least 12 months.
This stage of life can increase the risk of several health issues, including osteoporosis, obesity, depression, metabolic syndrome, and heart diseases. As estrogen declines in postmenopausal women, a significant shift in heart and metabolic health ensues, including higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The exciting news comes from a recent study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association, led by Robert M. Hackman, PhD, a research nutritionist at the University of California, Davis. The study, funded by the National Mango Board, found that integrating just two servings of mangoes daily into your diet could help support postmenopausal heart health.
Researchers discovered that mangoes lowered blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol levels, causing fewer blood sugar spikes than consuming plain white bread. Over the course of two weeks, a group of cisgender women between 50 and 70, who were overweight or obese, experienced decreases in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and "bad" cholesterol levels.
"These changes after just two weeks of daily mango consumption suggest it could be a simple, food-based approach to help support better cholesterol management, especially in postmenopausal women," said co-author Roberta Holt, PhD.
So, go ahead and elevate your meals with the tropical flavor of mangoes! Add mangoes to your salads, smoothies, or salsa, or enjoy them as a standalone snack. Embrace the "king of fruits" to enrich your postmenopausal heart health journey!
- Besides mangoes, other nutrition-rich foods should be incorporated into a postmenopausal woman's diet to support heart health.
- Hypertension and high cholesterol levels, common in postmenopausal women, can be managed by following a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and fitness-and-exercise activities.
- Science has shown that certain cooking techniques and healthy-cooking practices aid in maintaining a balanced and nutritious food-and-drink intake during menopause.
- The science of nutrition plays a crucial role in women's health, especially during menopause and postmenopause, as it can impact cardiovascular health, bone density, and overall well-being.
- As part of a comprehensive approach to postmenopause, consider assessing your diet, lifestyle, and other nutrition choices to reduce the risk of health issues such as hypertension and cholesterol imbalances.
- In addition to health-and-wellness, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in fitness-and-exercise, and practicing healthy-cooking techniques during menopause can contribute to a more satisfying lifestyle.
- Menopause is a critical phase in a woman's life, and understanding its impact on heart health, along with implementing the appropriate nutrition changes and other health-promoting habits, can lead to a healthier, happier postmenopausal life.
- With the right food choices and a focus on healthy-cooking methods, it's possible to enjoy delicious dishes while supporting heart health and overall well-being during and beyond menopause.
