About Mango Oil:
Mango is one of the most loved fruit. It is sweet, yellow, and has a large pit in the center, which is called seed, kernel, or stone.
Mango oil is extracted from the pit of this plant. It is the fat present in the pit. The oil is extracted using high pressure, which physically presses the fat out of the seed. It is then removed using a solvent extraction method that uses various compounds to separate oil.
Mango seed oil is extremely beneficial for skin and is used in sun care products, baby creams, moisturizing products, and hair care products.
Mango oil is also referred to as mango butter, mango kernel oil, mango kernel fat, mango seed extract, and mango seed oil.
Mango oil is known to benefit the skin and fight oxidative stress.
Mango Oil Benefits
The benefits of mango oil are backed by limited research. The benefits are:
1. Skin Health Benefits of Mango Oil
Mango oil contains a compound called mangiferin that is known for its antioxidant benefits. A study found mangiferin inactivates collagenase and elastase, two enzymes involved in skin aging(1).
Collagen is a protein that gives skin structure. It is broken down by collagenase. Elastase degrades elastin, a protein that is responsible for skin elasticity.
Mangiferin is also known to inhibit free radicals caused by sun exposure. As free radicals destroy collagen and elastin, mangiferin is known to benefit skin aging.
Mango oil is also known to benefit the following skin conditions(2):
- Itchiness
- Cracking
- Irritation
- Rashes
- Dry skin
According to the review, these benefits are due to the high-fat content and antioxidants and minerals present in mango oil.
2. Benefits of Mango Oil in Repelling Mosquitos
Mango oil can be used to repel mosquitos.
A study done was done in 2013 on one species of mosquito and mango oil was found effective(3).
However, more research is needed to determine whether mango oil works against other mosquito types.
3. Mango Oil For Oxidative Stress
The antioxidants present in mango oil may benefit by fighting the conditions that are related to oxidative stress.
A study conducted in 2014 found that mango oil succeeded in destroying breast cancer cells(4). This was linked to the effect of antioxidants in the mango extract.
4. Mango Seed Oil and Diabetes
Many studies prove that an active agent present in mango oil promotes the production of insulin in the body(6). Insulin is useful to reduce the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream that can control the blood sugar level in the body.
Also, mango oil has a low glycemic index, which means consuming it would not spike the glucose level in the blood.
5. Benefits of Mango Oil in Improving Eyesight
Mango oil contains a high amount of beta-carotene that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is beneficial for preventing retina damage.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the eye cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
6. Digestive Health Benefits of Mango Oil
Mango oil is rich in dietary fiber that makes it good for digestive health. The fiber present in it can help improve bowel movement and provide smooth passage for food through the digestive tract.
Side Effects Of Mango Oil
Using mango oil is safe for most. But like any other natural substance, there is a risk of a few side effects in some people.
Allergic Reaction
Those allergic to mango should avoid mango oil as it can lead to reaction and cause the following symptoms:
- Skin irritation
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling in eye, lip, tongue, or face
- Hives
- Sneezing
In severe cases, the allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, which is an emergency and require immediate medical help.
If using mango oil for the first time, never forget doing a patch test. Apply a small amount of oil inside the elbow or wrist and wait for 24 hours. Do not use the oil if the area becomes irritated.
Mango contains proteins similar to plants and fruits. Therefore, if allergic to the following, there are chances of being allergic to mango oil as well:
- Peach
- Apple
- Pear
- Cashews
- Poison ivy
- Poison sumac
- Birch trees
- Poison oak
Drug Interaction
According to a review, the drug warfarin is known to negatively interact with mango(5). Whether mango oil has a similar effect is yet to be researched.
Also, if taking any medication oral or topical, speak to your doctor before using mango oil.
Also Read:
- Benefits of Fish Oil on Health
- A Guide to Basics of Essential Oils: Its Preparation, Use, Benefits, Precautions
- Essential Oil Recipes For Your Health
- Flaxseed Oil: Does It Help Joint Pain? Know Its Benefits and Side Effects
- Is Castor Oil Good for Hair?
- Health Benefits of Rice Bran Oil & Its Side Effects
- Why Coconut Oil is Good For You?
