Mangosteen Health Benefits

Even though the fruit is named mangosteen, it has nothing to do with mangoes. It is the fruit of evergreen mangosteen trees, which are natives to the southeast Asian countries. The fruits of purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) of the genus Garcinia, turn reddish purple, when ripe.

These fruits, which are almost round in shape, are slightly smaller than tennis balls. The rind of this fruit is bitter and so, is not edible. The inner edible portion is in the form of wedged segments that are white in color. The largest among the segments may carry the seed.

The flavor of a mangosteen is unique and delicate. It can be described as sweetness, laced with a slight sourness. By the eighteenth and nineteenth century, mangosteen was introduced to other parts of the world, but this tree thrived only in a few regions, other than its native place. This fruit is sometimes referred to as the queen of fruits, due to its high nutritional value.

Health Benefits

• While the dried powder of the mangosteen rind is used for treating dysentery, its paste is a home remedy for eczema and other skin disorders.

• A decoction of the rind is used to treat diarrhea, whereas a decoction made with the roots is used for regulating menstruation.

• In Philippines, people used to make a decoction of mangosteen leaves and bark. This decoction was used for bringing down body temperature, and also to treat thrush, dysentery, diarrhea, and urinary disorders.

• Studies show that mangosteens are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It is claimed that this fruit has been found effective in lowering the risk of various diseases, mainly due to the presence of antioxidants.

• The most prominent antioxidant in mangosteen is xanthone. There are two types of xanthones in this fruit - alpha mangostin and gamma mangostin.

• Though studies regarding the health benefits of xanthones are still underway, it is claimed that these compounds offer a lot of health benefits, and mangosteen is one of the 'super foods'. It is due to these xanthones, that mangosteen has antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• This fruit is said to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It is believed to be effective in preventing diseases, like arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, kidney stones, cataract, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, neuralgia, etc.

• Mangosteens may prove beneficial for treating depression, aging, obesity, allergies, ulcers, fever, and pain.

However, it is the rind that is more beneficial, as far as mangosteen health benefits are concerned. So, juice extracted from the whole fruit, including the rind, is said to be good for health.

Though very rare, over consumption of mangosteens may interfere with normal blood clotting. Excess intake of this fruit may also cause sedation, if taken with some drugs. The fruit may also cause acidosis, if consumed in large amounts, for a long duration.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.