The mangosteen, also called purple mangosteen, is an edible tropical fruit. It's native to the tropical regions surrounding the Indian Ocean. Although its origin is unknown, it is thought to have been cultivated as far back as prehistoric times. The fruit is used for its distinctive taste and health benefits. Here's a look at some of the health benefits of this fruit. It has a high antioxidant content and is a good vitamin C source.
The mangosteen flavor is sweet, tangy, acidic, and a bit bitter
What Are Mangosteen?
Mangosteen is a small purple fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a hard outer skin that is soft and juicy inside. Its flavor is tropical and sweet. Mangosteen trees require a tropical climate and plenty of time to grow. In the 1990s, small mangosteen farms began popping up around the world.
The mangosteen flavor is sweet, tangy, acidic, and a bit bitter. Its color is purple or rose, often described as a blend of fruit flavors, including banana, citrus, peach, and lychee.
Mangosteen is packed with powerful antioxidants that can help treat several illnesses. Although there is no specific dosage, a few grams of mangosteen daily is safe for most people. However, people with certain health conditions should seek medical advice before taking mangosteen.
Nutrition Facts of Mangosteen
Mangosteen is also a good potassium, magnesium, manganese, and copper source. These nutrients help regulate blood pressure, while the fruits' high fiber content prevents constipation.
The nutrition facts of 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of mangosteen contains:
- Calories: 72
- Fiber: 1.8 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Vitamin C: 5% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 4% of the RDI
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 3% of the RDI
- Vitamin B9 (folate): 8% of the RDI
- Copper: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 3% of the RDI
- Manganese: 5% of the RDI
Vitamins and Minerals
The mangosteen plant has many beneficial properties and is a widely used remedy for various ailments. Its fruit rind is the most routine part of the plant, but the leaves, bark, and seeds are also beneficial. It is often used for treating conditions like obesity, severe gum infection, diarrhea, and skin disorders. Mangosteen is also rich in vitamins and minerals essential for DNA synthesis, muscle contraction, wound healing, immunity, and nerve stimulation.
Its antioxidant properties may protect the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease. A 2015 study of volunteers drinking a mangosteen-based beverage daily for 30 days found that the intake of mangosteen increased antioxidant levels in the bloodstream. The mangosteen-consuming group had 15 percent more antioxidants in their bloodstream than the non-mangosteen group. It is also believed to help the immune system by preventing inflammation, which is the body's way of fighting foreign substances.
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, mangosteen contains various antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, and E.
Mangosteen contains two types of polyphenols called xanthones. Both xanthones have antioxidant activity. They are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and potent treatments for cardiovascular diseases. They also help repair damaged cells caused by free radicals. These properties can reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Health Benefits of Mangosteen
The mangosteen fruits are packed with antioxidants, which can fight oxidative stress. This condition occurs when an imbalance between oxygen and free radicals occurs in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and cause severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, antioxidants found in mangosteen benefit the skin as they repair damaged skin.
The fruit contains at least 20 types of xanthones, phytochemicals with cancer-fighting properties. These compounds are found primarily in the pericarp and fruit walls of mangosteen. In 2008, researchers at the Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology found that xanthones could prevent or even cure cancer in animal models.
Mangosteen is a powerful antioxidant and great food for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. It also contains a high amount of fiber, helps the digestive system, and prevents constipation. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Mangosteen also boosts the immune system and can help with acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent colds and flu.
Researchers have found that topical application of mangosteen pericarp gel reduced periodontal inflammation. Although this study did not identify the number of xanthones found in mangosteen, it showed a significant reduction in serum C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation.
Side Effects
There are also some serious side effects of mangosteen. Taking too much of this fruit can impair blood clotting and cause loss. It is not recommended for pregnant women with a history of cancer or hemochromatosis. Moreover, the fruit's excessive consumption can lead to lactic acidosis, a condition in which lactic acidosis builds up in the body. This condition can be life-threatening.
Tips on Including Mangosteen in Meal
If you want to incorporate mangosteen into your meal, knowing how to prepare it is essential. It is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is hard to find, and the best place to buy it is in an Asian market. You can also find it frozen and canned. Buying the freshest mangosteens possible is crucial, as the flavor can vary. Look for mangosteen that has some give when squeezed but not too much. It's also helpful to look at the shape of the fruit. It has more sections at its bottom than at the top.
To prepare mangosteen for eating:
- Use a small, sharp knife.
- Carefully cut along the center of the mangosteen without slicing through the flesh. You can twist off the top half to reveal the white meat within.
- Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly afterward, as the fruit juice can stain clothes.
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that originates from Southeast Asia. Its flavor is sweet and sour, and its rich antioxidant content is known to improve overall health. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. However, it is essential to note that it should not be consumed by pregnant women or other individuals taking blood thinners.
