Laboratory studies have found that mangoes have the ability to prevent or inhibit certain types of colon and breast cancer. This is the conclusion reached by food scientists at the AgriLife Research Institute in Texas, USA, through a study of five common mango varieties in the United States. Despite the fact that the mango is an ancient fruit and its consumption is high in many parts of the world, few people are aware of its role in health. The National Mango Board has licensed some research to several scientists in the United States to help study the value of mangoes for health. If the mango is viewed as a superfruit or considered to have high antioxidant capacity, it does fall somewhat short. “The antioxidants in mangoes are nothing compared to those found in lingonberries, passion fruits and pomegranates.” But research into the anti-cancer effects of mango has found that it can prevent or inhibit certain types of breast and colon cancer. Researchers have studied the role of polyphenol extracts from mangoes in colon, breast, lung, leukemia and prostate cancers. Polyphenol is a naturally occurring substance in plants that, along with many other substances, has a health-promoting effect. Mango is useful in lung, leukemia and prostate cancers, but very effective against most common breast and colon cancers. We have found that mango does not kill normal cells, so it is not expected to be damaging to the body. Researchers have studied the polyphenols in mangoes, particularly the bioactive component tannins (which have been linked to cancer prevention and inhibition). Tannins are polyphenols with a bitter flavor and are found in grape seeds and tea. Studies have found that the cell division cycle is broken due to polyphenols. This is an important finding, and it may be a mechanism by which mangoes prevent or inhibit cancer cells.