FREE ONLINE ED ASSESSMENT. Start Here
Mangos have a long history dating back 4,000 years. They’re considered a sacred fruit in India, with some believing mango trees grant wishes. Sometimes, mangos are called the “king of fruits” because they taste like a mixture of oranges, pineapple and peaches.
And, like, nothing beats a fresh, ripe mango, right? A little sweet, a little tangy, packed with fiber — these things really hit the spot.
As if they couldn’t get better, mangos might be able to help fellas who are struggling in the bedroom. We won’t call them nature’s Viagra® or anything, but the benefits of mangos sexually might surprise you.
We know fruits and vegetables have plenty of nutritional benefits, as they’re a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, among other nutrients. So, can fresh mango increase your sexual drive or help your sex life?
Keep reading to learn about all the surprising benefits of mango sexually.
If you’re looking for a cure-all fruit for sexual dysfunction or to improve sexual benefits, we have to tell you there isn’t one. One of the best ways to improve your overall health — including your sexual health — is to look at your entire diet instead of focusing on just one food.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat mangos for all their other benefits — some of which may even contribute to a healthy sex life.
There isn’t much research on the benefits of mango sexually, but this fruit has plenty of nutrients that benefit your overall health in other ways.
Let’s unpack some of the nutritional benefits of mangos — including the benefit of mango leaves — to see how they might help sexually.
The mango is a member of the cashew family Anacardiaceae. You’re probably familiar with the sweet, tropical fruit that comes from mango trees, but you may not realize the leaves of mango trees are edible as well.
The leaves of a particular species of mango called Mangifera indica have been used in healing practices like Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Edible mango leaves are just the beginning — the benefits of mangos go far beyond that.
One hundred grams of mango (less than one measuring cup) contain an array of nutrients that benefit your health.
This tropical fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, containing 40 percent of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C aids your immune system, helps your body absorb iron and promotes cell growth and repair.
What does that have to do with the bedroom, you ask? A deficiency of vitamin C may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
One review noted that vitamin C is among several vitamins and minerals that support the biochemical pathway that leads to the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is generally responsible for relaxing the soft tissue inside your penis, allowing blood flow to create an erection.
Still, additional research is needed to fully understand this connection.
Mangos also contain small amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K.
Vitamin A is essential for many health benefits, including:
Immune system functioning
Vision
Male and female reproduction
Bone health
Vitamin A — a fat-soluble vitamin — is necessary for both male and female sex hormones to function properly.
Mangos are also a low-calorie but hydrating food, with a 100-gram serving containing around 60 calories and consisting of about 83 percent water.
If you’re thinking of swapping dried mango for the fresh-cut variety, be careful. The same amount of dried mango contains over 300 calories and almost five times as much sugar as raw mango.
Fresh mango is relatively high in natural sugar compared to other fresh fruits, containing over 13 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
You might think eating mangos wouldn’t be good for those with metabolic conditions like diabetes or folks trying to limit their sugar intake. As it turns out, there’s no evidence that eating fresh mango is unhealthy for people with diabetes.
In fact, multiple studies have actually linked a higher intake of fresh fruit with a lower risk of diabetes. However, not much research has looked at the specific connection between fresh mango and diabetes.
One small study of 20 adults did find that participants who ate 10 grams of freeze-dried mango every day for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in their blood sugar levels.
Still, mango is high in natural sugars and has the potential to cause a spike in your blood sugar levels if you eat too much at one time. With this in mind, it might be best to consume mango in moderation or pair it with fiber-rich foods to help limit blood sugar spikes.
Eating fruits and other foods that can help manage diabetes may also help improve sexual function. Erectile dysfunction, an incredibly common condition for men, is more likely to happen to those with medical conditions like diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Mango is packed with healthy plant compounds known as polyphenols. These plant compounds act as antioxidants to keep your body healthy.
Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals — highly reactive compounds that can damage your cells. Research has linked free radical damage to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Mango leaves also contain plant compounds, including polyphenols and terpenoids. Like the flesh of the fruit, terpenoids have antioxidant effects against free radicals.
While any specific benefits of mango sexually need more research, there are plenty of health benefits from this fruit — including ones that might help your sex life.
Mangos are rich in:
Antioxidants. Mangos (and the leaves of mangos) contain plant compounds that act as antioxidants to help fend off chronic diseases.
Vitamins. This sweet fruit also contains several vitamins, including high amounts of vitamin C for body immunity and vitamin A for sexual hormone production.
Fiber. Although mangos contain high amounts of sugar, eating them along with other fruits, veggies and fiber-rich food could help manage diabetes.
Mangos may not increase your sex drive, but they certainly can be part of a nutritious, balanced diet that optimizes your overall health.
Interested in learning more about the effects of certain foods and vitamins on sexual desire? Our guides on the best and worst foods for ED, foods that cause premature ejaculation and top vitamins for erectile dysfunction have more insight.
You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional if you’re dealing with sexual dysfunction or want to know more about ways to have a healthy sex life.
Our sexual health resources can connect you with a sex therapist or mental health professional. They can figure out the best treatment plan for you, whether it’s therapy, medication — like sildenafil (Viagra®) or tadalafil (Cialis®) — or a combination of therapy and medication, depending on your symptoms and needs.
The best part? You can access care from the comfort of your home. Get started with Hims telehealth today.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.