From the Court to the Kitchen

Why Athletes Should Consider Adding Mango to Their Training Regimen

When you participate in a sport, you learn about hard work, dedication, and discipline.  Often you do it because you love the game. That said, the demands of training and competition can take a toll on the body.  A new study published in Nutrients suggests that mangiferin and quercetin, two powerful antioxidants found in mango, may enhance athletic performance in high-intensity sports like basketball.

During the double-blind study, male basketball players were given either a supplement consisting of 84mg of mangiferin and 140mg quercetin, or a placebo before a basketball exercise simulation test. The group that received the supplement had significantly lower circuit and sprint times and perceived exertion compared to the group that received the placebo.

Mangiferin, which is abundant in mango leaves and other plants, has potent antioxidant properties, while quercetin, found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has anti-inflammatory attributes as well. As powerful antioxidants, they can also help to reduce the oxidative stress on the body during intense exercise, allowing athletes to perform at their best.

When these two natural compounds are combined and ingested before exercise, they appear to  enhance muscle activation and improved oxygenation in the brain. And when taken prior to exercise, they can help reduce muscle soreness and damage while expediting recovery. 

So, if you're an athlete looking to improve your performance, consider incorporating more mangiferin- and quercetin-rich foods into your diet.  It’s possible to get some mangiferin in mangoes and quercetin from foods like onions, grapes, berries, and broccoli in addition to mango. 

While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the potential benefits of these natural compounds are promising and can help you stay at the top of your game.