Mangosteen .doc

Mangosteen is rich in antioxidants and xanthones, and the powerful health benefits of the tropical fruit include its ability to fight cancer and boost heart health. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help in providing relief from diarrhea, dysentery, thrush, and urinary tract infections. Mangosteen also helps regulate the menstrual cycle, lose weight, and improve skin health. What is Mangosteen? Mangosteen is a reddish or dark purple fruit with white, juicy flesh, which is popular in Thailand. It is known as the queen of fruits because of its exquisite taste that has the notes of ripe strawberry, a fragrant peach, and creamy vanilla ice cream. The plant of the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) may have originated in Thailand or Myanmar (formerly Burma). [1] Over the years, it has been cultivated in other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and India. The fruit has cancerfighting properties and in many of the Southeast Asian countries, the bark and the leaves of the plant and the pectin-rich fruit rind are also used for their medicinal benefits. [2]

A closeup view of mangosteen fruits

Nutrition Facts Mangosteen, canned, syrup pack Serving Size : NutrientValue Water [g]

80.94

Energy [kcal]

73

Protein [g]

0.41

Total lipid (fat) [g]

0.58

Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 17.91 Fiber, total dietary [g]

1.8

Calcium, Ca [mg]

12

Iron, Fe [mg]

0.3

Magnesium, Mg [mg]

13

Phosphorus, P [mg]

8

Potassium, K [mg]

48

Sodium, Na [mg]

7

Zinc, Zn [mg]

0.21

Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] Thiamin [mg]

2.9

0.05

Riboflavin [mg] 0.05 Niacin [mg]

0.29

Vitamin B-6 [mg]

0.02

Folate, DFE [µg] 31 Vitamin B-12 [µg]

0

Vitamin A, RAE [µg]

2

Vitamin A, IU [IU]

35

Vitamin D (D2 + D3) [µg]

0

Vitamin D [IU] 0 Fatty acids, total trans [g] Cholesterol [mg]

0

0

Sources include : USDA [3] Mangosteen Nutrition Facts Mangosteen is an antioxidant-rich fruit, particularly known for the presence of xanthones in its white pulp. Xanthones are polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, according to research done by The Ohio State University, Columbus, US. The fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and zinc as per the USDA National Nutrient Database. [4] [3] Other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, carotene, and cryptoxanthin are also found in it. Mangosteen juice is a rich source of antioxidants and often had as an anti-aging drink.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen This queen of fruits has many health benefits, the best of which are mentioned below.

Anti-cancer Properties The pericarps of mangosteen contain xanthones which exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. [5] The xanthones inhibit the cell growth in human colon cancer and as per research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, they exhibit the potential to be developed as agents to prevent cancer or can be used in combination with anti-cancer drugs for beneficial effects. [6] [7]

Cures Diarrhea & Dysentery The mangosteen fruit and rind are effective in providing relief from stomach disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery. [8] A traditional remedy for diarrhea is steeping the fruit rind in water overnight. This decoction is given to adults and children who have chronic diarrhea. For relief from dysentery, the dried fruit and rind is powdered and taken.

Anti-inflammatory Properties It has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for many years in Southeast Asian countries. The extracts of mangosteen have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties and they inhibit the release of histamine and prostaglandin which are associated with inflammation in the body. [9] A study by Dr. Fabiola Gutierrez-Orozco, The Ohio State University, Columbus, confirms this property. [4]

Skin Care The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidant properties of mangosteen help in reducing the risk of various conditions such as skin inflammation, skin aging, eczema, allergies, and bacterial infections. [10] [11] Research has been carried out to ascertain the various benefits of this fruit on the skin. A study cited in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal suggests that mangosteen has properties which can prevent skin cancer. [12]

Boosts Immunity Mangosteen is rich in nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and xanthones which help in boosting the immune system. [13] These nutrients protect the body from ailments that weaken the immune system.

Antioxidant Properties Mangosteens are known to contain powerful antioxidants, which are useful to the immune system and the entire body. These antioxidants contain cell boosters that are referred to as xanthones, which contain various properties that have medicinal value. This is the reason why it is termed a healing fruit and can be used to reverse the effects of diseases. Dr. Zhuohong Xie et al., International Chemistry Testing, Massachusetts, in a study shows the daily consumption of mangosteen drink improves antioxidant levels in the body. [14]

Speeds up Healing Mangosteen, with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial as a medicinal drink and for quick healing of wounds. [15] The leaves and bark of the tree can be mixed with other medicinal herbs and applied to the wounds for a faster recovery. The medicinal drink can be prepared by boiling the leaves and the bark of the tree.

Alleviates Menstrual Problems Mangosteen root helps in regulating the menstrual cycle in women. [16] It also eases the symptoms that often occur before menstruation and make it tough for women to carry out their routine.

Astringent Properties The bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree exhibit astringent properties and are beneficial in curing thrush or aphtha, which is a small, shallow sore at the base of the gums. [8]

Protects Heart Health Mangosteens are helpful in reducing the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction. Findings of a study published in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology indicate the cardioprotective effect of mangosteen on antioxidant tissue defense system and lipid peroxidation during a stroke. [17]

Controls Diabetes

Dr. Dónal O’Mathuna, The Ohio State University, US, in his book Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook writes about the use of mangosteen to cure diabetes, as it is effective in managing and maintaining blood sugar levels in the body. [18]

Weight Loss Incorporating mangosteen in the diet may be effective in weight loss. [19] The various nutrients found in this tropical fruit also ensure good health and well-being.

Uses

Apart from the health benefits, mangosteen is useful for commercial purposes a well. In China, it is used for tanning leather and in Ghana, the tree twigs are used as chewsticks. The wood is also used for making rice pounders, handles and is also used in constructing furniture. [8]

Health benefits of mangosteen - infographic

How to prepare & eat Mangosteen? Preparations: Fresh mangosteen fruit is eaten as a dessert. Juice from the fruit’s flesh can be prepared at home and is also available as a health drink “Xango juice”. It is also made into jams and thus can be stored for a longer duration and can be consumed at any time of the year. Mangosteen products are available in tablet or capsule form. Mangosteen powder can be added to smoothies and juices for a nutrition boost.

Eating: The rind of the fruit is thick, so you would need a knife to cut it open though traditionally people also just lightly crush the ripe fruit with their hands. Here are the steps to cut open mangosteen:

Step 1: Hold the fruit with the stem-end down. Step 2: Take a sharp knife and cut cleanly through the rind around the middle of the fruit. Step 3: Lift the top half and you will see the white, delicious segments of the fruit.

Step 4: You can use a fork to lift the segments. Step 5: You can choose to remove the seeds; however, they are edible. Enjoy your mangosteen! EDITOR'S PICK

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13 Surprising Benefits of Cloves Note: The tropical fruit is best had fresh. It tends to lose its delicate flavor when kept open for a while or when canned. Also, the seeds can also be consumed after roasting or boiling. In Thailand, the pectin-rich rind is treated and made into a purplish jelly.

How to Select and Store? While buying mangosteen select those which have fewer seeds and more fleshy segments Choose the fruits which have the highest number of stigma lobes at the apex The fruits generally do not have a long shelf life. They can maintain their freshness for up to two weeks, after which they tend to lose their flavor and nutritional value. Placing these fruits in a cool place that has an adequate supply of fresh air is the best way to ensure that they stay fresh.

References

About the Author Meenakshi Nagdeve is a health and wellness enthusiast and started working on Organic Facts since 2012 and is currently responsible for managing it. She follows naturopathy and believes in healing with foods. She is currently pursuing Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

Read This Next:4 Best Benefits of Mangosteen Juice Rate this article Average rating 4.0 out of 5.0 based on 953 user(s). What do you think? | To comment, please sign-in with any of the social networks below

7 comments in this article's discussion Sort: by Oldest N Nenito Fernandez 12:26 amNovember 13, 2017 Nice and highly commendable. Very informative.

M Meenakshi Nagdeve 2:17 amNovember 13, 2017 Thanks Nenito!

P Peter Allen 8:35 pmSeptember 25, 2016 One of the best antioxidants is the Mangosteen Fruit. Nutrients called Xanthones are most prevalent in the mangosteen These Xanthones strengthen the cell walls, help fight against loose radicals and prevent infections from taking place. This process in turn enhances the immune system of the body and aids the metabolic activity. Xanthones may also help people maintain flexible joints and keep lungs healthy. The same anti-inflammatory benefits also contribute to reducing the problems associated with allergies.

With Mangosteen Fruit Powder you get a concentrated amount without all the work of processing fresh fruit yourself and it's great in smoothies.

N Niellyn Beltran 6:52 pmSeptember 23, 2015 What are the scientific studies to back up these claims? I need to see the references used by this article for confirmation.

d dina 8:51 pmJune 5, 2015 thanks for all the info but it costipate me badly

C Cheruto Marus 1:04 pmFebruary 28, 2018 how much

C Car 1:42 pmNovember 4, 2015 It is important to drink lots of good "clean"water (purified) while using mangosteen. You should also be ingesting recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables that have a lot of fiber.

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