Eating just two cups of mango a day can help lower insulin concentrations and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults with chronic low-grade inflammation, according to new research.

The study, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and published in Nutrients, brings a sweet and antioxidant-rich way for individuals to reduce their risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, in under roughly 100 calories. 

The study compared the consumption of fresh mangos to calorie-matched Italian ices in 48 adults aged 20-60, examining their effects on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Those who ate mangoes saw a significant reduction in insulin resistance and improved blood sugar levels, and after four weeks, experienced significantly lower insulin concentrations compared to the beginning of the study. Those in the mango grouping also saw stable body composition, while the control group saw a “slight but significant increase in body weight,” researchers noted.

“Managing blood glucose isn’t just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it’s about improving insulin sensitivity,” noted Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition. “Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.”

Additional findings showed that inflammation markers and glucose levels weren’t significantly different between the two groups, deeming mangos a “heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.” No differences were noted in terms of fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, according to the study.

“The improvement in insulin sensitivity in the mango group, without changes in body weight, is noteworthy – which counters misconceptions about mangos’ natural sugar content and impact on obesity and diabetes,” Edirisinghe added.  “These findings support previous research showing that eating mango does not lead to weight gain, and while the exact mechanism is still unknown, the role of improved antioxidant status from mango consumption may be the mediating factor on blood glucose control.”

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Love.Life, a new holistic health and wellness club, has finally opened its flagship location in Los Angeles, hoping to make its mark on longevity-seeking California residents.  

It’s a health-centered project that’s been in the works since 2020, co-created by Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey, former Whole Foods co-CEO Walter Robb and Betsy Foster, a former executive of the popular grocery chain. 

First came a health-forward cafe in El Segundo and Miami with menu options such as salads, bowls, sandwiches and smoothies free of seed oils, sodium and added sugar. Now, those looking for deep health insights and personalized care can embark on a health journey with advanced testing and treatments blending Eastern and Western health practices.

Love.Life — a 45,000-square-foot facility at 740 S. Pacific Coast Highway in Plaza El Segundo and situated near a Whole Foods Market — is reminiscent of the well-known health grocer, with a signage background similar to that of Whole Food’s kale green branding.

The Pillar of Prevention 

According to Mackey, who stepped down as Whole Foods CEO in 2022, Love.Life presents the new future of health: hyper-personalized and focused on the mind, body and spirit. 

It’s a natural extension of Mackey’s vision where a healthy lifestyle can upend the need for possible interventions — once telling Freakonomics Radio host Stephen Dubner in 2020 that “The best solution is not to need health care. The best solution is to change the way people eat, the way they live, the lifestyle and diet. There’s no reason why people shouldn’t be healthy and have a longer health span. A bunch of drugs is not going to solve the problem.” 

Expanding on that point, Love.Life is attempting to solve what it refers to as a “fragmented healthcare system,” using functional medical care and wellness therapies to improve overall health rather than manage symptoms. 

A variety of annual membership options are available for Love.Life clients,

spanning categories geared towards healing, fitness and recovery, longevity and high performance.

“Our goal is for people to look forward to seeing their doctor and to be active, informed participants in their personal health journey,” Mackey said. “Our members feel empowered because we’re providing the clarity, care team, and onsite resources they need to achieve health transformations and feel amazing.”

A medical membership, Optimize ($750 monthly/$9000 annually), offers packages centered on healing, longevity or high-performance — which includes five physician meetings, individual health coaching, a body composition assessment, bone mineral density testing, advanced bloodwork that measures 120+ biomarkers and access to fitness and recovery services. Based on an individual’s goals and health conditions, additional specialized testing can be prescribed, such as VO2 max, continuous glucose monitoring, microbiome, musculoskeletal assessment and genetic testing. After members undergo lab panels, they receive a personalized plan and use the Love.Life app to track health data.

For those looking for the most comprehensive care, a white-glove Concierge tier is available for a reported $50,000 a year and features unlimited physician visits, full access to Love.Life’s 25+ tests and other perks.

While it may seem like a high-tech space filled with white lab coats, Love.Life also boasts a high-end fitness facility, hot and cold recovery modalities, yoga and Pilates, a meditation space and three pickleball courts for those with a Fitness and Recovery membership ($300 per month or $3600 annually).

Love.Life co-creator and president Betsy Foster says that while competitors offer similar components, it’s Love.Life’s community support that is a differentiating factor. Members also have access to popular wellness treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV treatments, cryotherapy and red light therapy.

“Everyone’s health journey is different, and our goal is to meet people where they are on that journey,” she said. “We’re here to be their trusted long-term partner in health.”

Non-members can also check out Love.Life for a daily rate of $100, which allows guests to experience the fitness and recovery equipment. Its healthy restaurant is also available to the public.

While sunny Los Angeles serves as Love.Life’s flagship location, Mackey hinted to the L.A. Times that other centers may follow, including internationally.

“The beauty of Love.Life is we have taken the very best of medicine, nutrition, and wellness and created a truly holistic experience centered around the individual,” Love.Life lead integrative physician Dr. Anna Emanuel said. “And it’s all in one place. All of the doctors, wellness practitioners, and even fitness and nutrition teams work together to support the member in reaching their personal goals.”

Longevity Has Longevity

Love.Life is among a handful of emerging longevity and healthspan leaders in recent months, with more poised to follow.

Earlier this spring, Equinox and Function Health teamed for Optimize by Equinox, which uses biomarker testing to inform personalized training, running members $40,000 a year. The program includes access to a personal team of health and wellness pros, including a fitness trainer, nutrition coach, sleep coach and massage therapist.

On the East Coast on New York City’s Seventh Avenue, anti-aging lab Extension Health has rebranded into an oasis of longevity and human performance under Dr. Jonathann Kuo, a double board-certified physician. Clients can expect DEXA scans, 3D postural alignment, VO2 max, RMR testing, advanced blood work, biological age testing and cancer detection scans, as well as personalized peptide therapies, stem cell and neurological system resets involving the vagus nerve, weight management and gut health treatments, vitamin IVs and hormone testing.

Functional medicine expert Dr. Frank Lipman is also embracing longevity medicine, as seen with his NYC-based practice, Eleven Eleven Wellness Center. The facility offers clients genetic testing, biological age testing and an extensive set of blood biomarker testing for an annual fee. The results are then analyzed to inform personalized recommendations for supplements, nutrition, exercise, hormones and peptides.

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This ending week is a fine example of ‘so much can happen in so little time.’ Below, we offer our take on the fitness world happenings of this soon-to-be-over week, i.e. Whole Foods pairing with Headspace, SoulCycle expanding outdoor locations, Prince Harry taking a new job with BetterUp, Sweat and Tonic expanding in Toronto and why the Hydrow Rowing Machine is so enticing.

Whole Foods pairs with meditation app Headspace on IGTV series
Mental Health | Marketing Drive | Mar. 19, 2021

Athletech’s Take: 
The pandemic has brought much attention to personal wellbeing. This was evident in a recent survey by the Harris Poll on behalf of Whole Foods. Results uncovered that 85% of respondents said they wanted to take steps to boost their overall well-being, while 79% want to learn to eat more mindfully. The Whole Foods “Food for Mood” series and guided meditations created in collaboration with Headspace addresses these two consumer needs. “Mindful eating is so much more than just paying attention to our food — it encompasses finding joy and inspiration in our shopping, being present and intentional with our meal preparation, savoring what’s on our plate and developing a greater awareness of how it makes us feel or contributes to our well-being,” said Eve Lewis, Headspace director of meditation. This is definitely food for thought…!

SoulCycle Expanding Outdoor Program With 20 New Locations
Fitness | Travel and Leisure | Mar. 23, 2021

Athletech’s Take: 
SoulCycle is keeping it fresh with 20 new outdoor locations launching this month. After reconfiguring the Soul experience outside with successful launches in the Hamptons, Boston, Palm Beach, and Hoboken, they are now expanding into additional cities where local demand exists.. New locations include Denver, Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle and London. While SoulCycle is historically known for their intimate, dark, candle-lit studios, many of their riders are finding enjoyment in the ‘al fresco’ COVID-safer experience of SoulCycle Outside. I spent my Monday evening sweating it out on a roof deck in South Beach with Lexi and I must say…not a bad view…and no, I didn’t miss the candles. 

Prince Harry Has a New Job With the Mental Health App He’s Used Himself
Tech | Glamour | Mar. 23, 2021

Athletech’s Take: 
Prince Harry is taking on a new role for a product with which he is already extremely familiar. The Duke of Sussex will act as chief impact officer of BetterUp Inc., a mental health app start-up. The role is one of the several business endeavors that Harry has added to his resume in the last few months. “I intend to help create impact in people’s lives,” Prince Harry said in an interview captured by the Wall Street Journal earlier this week. In this role Prince Harry is expected to help drive product strategy and advocate openly about the critical topic of mental health. Prince Harry has been increasingly open about his struggles with grief and mental health issues. This openness, the advocacy work he did as a member of the royal family coupled with his military experience made him an attractive addition to the BetterUp team. 

Toronto’s most innovative and luxurious Fitness & Wellness Hub ‘Sweat and Tonic’ To Unveil Second Location at ‘The Well’ in Toronto
Fitness | Yahoo Finance | Mar. 24, 2021

Athletech’s Take: 
The original Sweat and Tonic is a three-story wellness space that combines three workout studios, a co-working space, a cafe and spa. A second location at the The Well was announced this week and is one more addition to Toronto’s booming west end. The Well is a 3.1 million-square-foot mixed-use development that stretches across 7.8 acres. The space combines elevated retail sites, modern offices, and luxurious residential spaces. Sweat and Tonic at The Well will occupy one entire floor of a building. Guests will enjoy access to spa, beauty, and wellness offerings as well as an extensive cafe which will offer smoothies and snacks. The facilities will also include three state-of-the-art, soundproof studios to host world-class yoga high intensity interval training (HIIT), ride, and Pilates group fitness classes. And let’s not forget the 50-foot lap pool and luxury changing rooms complete with local curated skincare and personal care products plus Tonic House, where members can enjoy a cocktail with spectacular views of the city. With a target opening of November 2022 we are definitely hoping for an invite to the launch party. This place sounds amazing. 

Here’s Why The Hydrow Rowing Machine Is The Latest Home Gym Must-Have
Fitness | British Vogue | Mar. 22, 2021

Athletech’s Take: 
You might just need to make space for the Hydrow Rowing Machine. This very sleek machine is trending as rowing is becoming increasingly popular. According to this article, the global market for rowing machines is expected to increase by $232.97 million by the end of 2024 – the highest of any sport. And “with the promise of a total body workout using 86% of muscles in one session with a 70% aerobic, 30% strength ratio, it’s no surprise that people are wising up to the benefits.” With over 2,000 classes to choose from, including immersive experiences that have you glide across water, as well as live classes, this piece of equipment is definitely a reason to jump off your spin bike for a different ride.

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