New Study Finds Heart Health Benefits in Combining Mango and Avocado Daily

Consuming one avocado and one cup of mango daily may improve vascular function and blood pressure in adults with prediabetes, according to new research.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to your daily routine may help support key markers of cardiovascular health. Adults with prediabetes who enjoyed this combination daily for eight weeks saw improvements in blood vessel function and diastolic blood pressure – two important indicators of cardiovascular wellness.

Why it matters

This research reinforces the power of food-first strategies to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in vulnerable populations like those with prediabetes. It's an encouraging message that small, nutrient-dense additions like incorporating avocado and mango into meals and snacks may support heart health without the need for strict rules or major dietary overhauls.

The details

Conducted by researchers at Illinois Institute of Technology, the study asked adults with prediabetes to follow an Avocado-Mango (AM) diet – adding one medium Hass avocado and a cup of fresh mango to their daily meals and snacks for eight weeks. Those on the AM diet saw meaningful improvements in blood vessel function and diastolic blood pressure, compared to a control group. The AM group also saw increases in fiber, vitamin C, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat without changes in calorie intake or body weight.

  • The study was published on February 24, 2026.

The players

Illinois Institute of Technology

The university where the study was conducted.

Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD

The principal investigator and professor at Illinois Tech who led the study.

National Mango Board

The agricultural research and promotion program that provided an unrestricted grant to support the study.

Hass Avocado Board

The organization that provided an unrestricted grant to support the study.

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What they’re saying

“This research reinforces the power of food-first strategies to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in vulnerable populations like those with prediabetes. It's an encouraging message: small, nutrient-dense additions—like incorporating avocado and mango into meals and snacks—may support heart health without the need for strict rules or major dietary overhauls.”

— Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, Principal Investigator and Professor at Illinois Tech (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The researchers plan to conduct further studies to explore the long-term cardiovascular benefits of combining mango and avocado in the diet.

The takeaway

This study suggests that adding nutrient-rich fruits like mango and avocado to your daily routine can support heart health, even for those at risk of cardiovascular disease, without requiring major dietary changes or weight loss. The complementary nutrient profiles of these two fruits offer a simple, satisfying way to nourish the body and support overall wellness.