A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that adding mangoes and avocados to a daily diet can improve blood vessel function in adults with prediabetes. [1]
Researchers conducted an eight-week randomized controlled trial involving 82 participants. The subjects were divided into two groups with calorie-controlled diets.
One group consumed one avocado and one cup of mango every day. The comparison group ate lower-fat and lower-fiber foods instead.
“One group consumed one avocado and one cup of mango every day.”
During the study, the group eating the avocado-mango diet significantly increased their intake of fruit, fiber, vitamin C, and monounsaturated fat.
Researchers focused on flow-mediated dilation to measure how well arteries expand as blood flow increases. This test acts as a window into how well blood vessels are functioning.
After eight weeks, blood vessel function improved by about one percentage point in the avocado-mango group. In contrast, blood vessel function declined in the comparison group.
“After eight weeks, blood vessel function improved by about one percentage point in the avocado-mango group.”
Researchers also noted differences in diastolic blood pressure, particularly among men. Most other heart and metabolic health markers measured did not differ significantly between the two diets.
The study had limitations, including its small size and short duration. Because the trial focused on adults with prediabetes and studied the two fruits together, the results may not apply to everyone.
The findings provide an example of how adding nutrient-rich whole foods to a diet may positively influence cardiovascular health.
Notes:
- ^Dole. (2026). Put Mango and Avocado on the Menu?. Dole. Retrieved from https://www.dole.com/blog/add-more-good (go back ↩)
