Mango consumption can reduce facial wrinkles in older women

Similar to other orange fruits and vegetables, mangoes have abundant beta-carotene and also contain antioxidants that may delay damage to cells.

Study finds women who ate just a half cup of honey mangoes four times a week saw a decrease in wrinkles. Image Credit: Getty Images.

According to a new study performed by scientists from the University of California, Davis, consuming Ataulfo mangoes, also called Champagne or honey mangoes, may have an additional advantage—reducing facial wrinkles in the aged female population with fairer skin. The study was published in the Nutrients journal.

Postmenopausal women who consumed a half cup of Ataulfo mangoes four times a week noticed that their deep wrinkles had reduced by 23% after two months, and these reduced further by another 20% after four months.

That’s a significant improvement in wrinkles.”

Vivien Fam, Study Lead Author and Doctoral Student, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis

However, these discoveries are highly specific and carry certain limitations.

Women who ate a cup and a half of mangoes for the same periods of time saw an increase in wrinkles. This shows that while some mango may be good for skin health, too much of it may not be.”

Vivien Fam, Study Lead Author and Doctoral Student, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis

According to scientists, it is still unclear why the consumption of more mangoes would boost the severity of wrinkles, and they speculated that it might be associated with a strong amount of sugar present in the larger portion of these fruits.

Quantifiable results

A randomized clinical pilot study was conducted that included 28 postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin types II or III (that is, skin that burns more easily than the tanned one). The subjects were split into two groups—one group consumed a half cup of mangoes four times a week for four months, while the other consumed a cup and a half for the same time period. The researchers used a high-resolution camera system to assess facial wrinkles.

The system we used to analyze wrinkles allowed us to not just visualize wrinkles, but to quantify and measure wrinkles. This is extremely accurate and allowed us to capture more than just the appearance of wrinkles or what the eye might see.”

Robert Hackman, Study Corresponding Author and Professor, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis

The study examined the length, severity, and width of deep, fine, and emerging wrinkles. Women who consumed a half cup of mangoes noticed improvements in all categories, added Fam.

But she also stated that more studies are required to learn the underlying mechanisms behind the reduction in wrinkles. It might be due to the advantageous effects of carotenoids (red or orange plant pigments), and other kinds of phytonutrients that could help build collagen, Fam concluded.