Mango season is in full swing, and while we have been enjoying this summer fruit, have you met many people who are worried about whether mangoes will worsen or give them acne, boils, zits, and pimples? Can a mango really cause breakouts?
The Science Behind Mango and Acne
Culprit 1: Phytic Acid
Whenever we eat mango, phytic acid is released. In our body, this increases the metabolism, which does increase the heat production that is called thermogenesis in the body, and thus it activates the sebaceous gland, which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of acne. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, or oil, on our skin.
Sometimes, the hypersecretion of the sebaceous gland or sebum creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, leading to pore clogging and acne.
Another thing is that mango is very rich in nutrients; it contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. This phytic acid, also known as an antinutrient, actually decreases the absorption of these minerals and vitamins.
Vitamin C actually helps with acne reduction. However, if the fruit’s phytic acid prevents the absorption of vitamin C, it naturally hinders healing and increases the risk of acne.
Solution: Soaking mango in water
Our parents and grandparents have always taught us to soak mangoes before eating, but have you ever wondered why? There’s a reason behind it. People claim that immersing mangoes in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour not only eliminates debris and dust, but also decreases the phytic acid content in the mango, thereby dispersing the acne.
Remember, soaking won’t completely eliminate acne, but it will certainly lessen its severity.
Mango dermatitis: It’s important to thoroughly clean mangoes to prevent the development of mango sap dermatitis. This is a very common diagnosis during the summer months, when people turn up to hospitals with dermatitis around their lips.
Culprit 2: high glycemic index
The glycemic index is a scale that indicates how quickly a food causes blood sugar to rise.
Many foods, including fruits, rice, and fried food, have the highest glycemic index.
The American Dermatology Association links low-glycemic foods to reduced blood sugar levels and reduced inflammation in the body. When we consume food with a high glycemic index, it raises our blood sugar levels, which naturally triggers our body to compensate by increasing insulin. This increase in insulin leads to inflammation.
In fact, anything that has a high glycemic index can cause a surge in blood sugar levels in the body. This can make your skin prone to acne (which is inflammation). Anything that is extremely sweet, such as chocolate, candies, pastries, or even mangoes, can trigger acne.
Solution: Consume Sensibily
1. If you’re eating mangoes, you should try reducing other foods that have a high glycemic index, so this includes chocolate, cakes, and candies. This will also reduce your chances of getting acne.
2. We have a habit of eating mangoes after meals, but since our bodies already have a high glycemic index, we should avoid eating them after meals. Take it as a snack, not a supplement to your food.
Conclusion
Mangoes support heart health, and their fiber content is beneficial for the digestive system. Mangoes improve skin health because they contain vitamin C, which helps with collagen synthesis. Beta-carotene, essential for eye sight, is present in it.
With so many benefits, it wouldn’t be wise to deprive yourself of this delicious fruit. So go ahead and enjoy mangoes in moderation; half a cup a day is a recommended amount. They won’t harm your body, as they’re not directly associated with acne.
A moderate consumption of mangoes does not cause acne, but excessive consumption, due to its high glycemic index, may lead to acne. Therefore, moderation is crucial.
Don’t take it after meals; eat it as a snack.
Only if it’s not eaten in moderation, as one mango has 46 g of sugar!
It’s called the King of Fruits not only because of its delicious taste but also due to the health benefits it carries, which are better than any other fruit.
I am a dentist, baker, and fitness and health enthusiast with a passion for living life to the fullest. I am foodie and explorer, always seeking new adventures and flavors. Currently working on my own skincare brand.
1 Comment
Very informative