You may be shocked when you hear about how eating exotic Mangosteen fruits can benefit a variety of health conditions with its health-enhancing properties.
Doing your research on this amazing fruit for the health benefits it may provide your family and friends is time honestly well spent. As you take a closer look at Mangosteen, you’ll find substantial scientific evidence behind the fruit’s many healing properties.
Medical Practitioners Tout the Benefits of Mangosteen
Experienced health professionals – who understand why it helps their patients and how it heals their bodies – have written extensively about the health benefits of the Mangosteen fruit.
Some of these health practitioners, who have experienced the benefits of this fruit in their own lives and their patients’, have these to say:
“Mangosteen provides powerful support for every organ system in the human body. This fact is being confirmed on a daily basis by clinical experience… I am convinced that Mangosteen will, without a doubt, be the most successful food supplement ever.”
– J. Frederic Templeman, M.D., a primary care physician for more than 20 years and board certified in both the United States and Canada.
Why does Your Health Benefit from Mangosteen?
Mangosteen contains more than 40 biologically-active, natural chemical compounds called Xanthones. While all these Xanthones have similar molecular structures, each one has the unique chemical composition that permits it to perform a specific function.
Alpha-mangosteen, for example, is a very potent antioxidant. Gamma-mangosteen is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Garcinone E is a robust anti-tumor agent.
These and the other Xanthones found in the Mangosteen provide a virtual medicine chest of natural healing compounds that address a wide variety of health issues.
Mangosteen’s Many Uses
Medical professionals have become very good at treating diseases, but we know they don’t have all the answers.
There also are times when they have used a drug or treatment that later was found to have done more harm than good, or that have done enough damage which far outweighed the benefits the medication or therapy provided. Drugs like Vioxx, Celebrex and Phen-fen are a few that come to mind.
Here’s a simple question: Why use drugs — with their harmful and sometimes fatal side-effects — when fruits can do the job?
Natural remedies provide health benefits without the harmful side-effects of drugs.
However, some who hear or read about the many health benefits of Mangosteen for the first time may be inclined to say that it’s just too many and too good to be true for one exotic fruit to be able to provide them all.
Mangosteen Health Benefits
Mangosteen has been a part of the traditional medicine of various Asian countries for a very long time and was once brought all the way around the world so that Queen Victoria could sample it. The health benefits of mangosteen are known since the 18th century, and it has been proven that these benefits are not just mythical. It is a storehouse of essential nutrients which are required for healthy growth, development and overall nutritional well being. Different parts of the fruit and plant are used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. Here are some of the mangosteen fruit health benefits.
1. Antioxidants
Scientific Research has revealed that Mangosteen contains a class of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds known as xanthones. There are two types of xanthones in this fruit – alpha mangosteen and gamma mangosteen. Xanthones and their derivatives have been shown to have several benefits, including anti-inflammatory. Xanthones are an effective remedy against various cardiovascular diseases. These antioxidants have healing properties which heal cells damaged by free radicals, slow down aging and ward off degenerative diseases and physical and mental deterioration.
2. Low Calories
This fruit is very low in calories (63 calories per 100 g) and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, it is rich in dietary fiber (100 g provides about 13% of RDA), which can be very important for individuals who are concerned about putting on excess body weight.
3. Vitamin C
Mangosteens are rich in vitamin C and contain about 12% RDA per 100g. Being a potent water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C provides resistance against flu-like infectious agents and scavenge harmful pro-inflammatory free radicals. Therefore consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C is vital for developing resistance against diseases. Folate plays an essential role in fetal development and evolution of new cells in the body. This particular vitamin is necessary during pregnancy and protects neural tube effects.
4. Blood flow
Mangosteen aids in promoting red blood cells and prevents against anemia. It improves the blood flow by causing dilation of blood vessels which helps to protect us against certain diseases like atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, heart congestion, and severe chest pains.
By increasing the amount of blood flow to the eye, Vitamin C in mangosteen is effective against cataracts. 1000mg Vitamin C per day is said to be effective in curbing cataracts and improving vision.
5. Reduces Cholesterol
Diet abundant in mangosteen is helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol in the human body. It also helps to control the level of triglycerides to take care of the proper working of the human heart.
6. Tuberculosis
Mangosteen fruit contains strong antibacterial and antifungal properties besides being highly effective in boosting weak immune systems. Its inhibitory action against harmful bacteria is useful for patients suffering from tuberculosis.
7. Cancer
The antioxidants found in mangosteen help to prevent cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. It is a powerful and effective antioxidant that protects our body from free radicals that cause oxidative stress, or” cellular rust” that can lead to a host of severe medical conditions.
8. Blood Pressure
Mangosteen also contains high amounts of minerals like copper, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium protects against strokes and coronary heart diseases as it is an essential component of cell and body fluids and controls heart rate and blood pressure.
9. Anti-inflammatory
Mangosteen contains anti-inflammatory properties which are highly beneficial for people who suffer from sciatica pains which cannot be controlled by drug treatment. Consuming mangosteen two to three times a day will help to relieve pain through its anti-inflammatory and cox-2 inhibitor effects.
10. Alzheimer’s
One of the significant health benefits of mangosteen is its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is accompanied by symptoms like confusion and perplexity and difficulty in remembering things.
Not just mangosteen fruit, Mangosteen rinds, and other parts also contain many health benefits.
- While the dried powder of mangosteen rind is used in the treatment of dysentery, its paste can be used to treat eczema and some other skin disorders.
- A decoction made of mangosteen rind can be used to treat diarrhea, whereas a decoction made of mangosteen roots is used for regulating menstruation.
- A decoction made of mangosteen leaves and bark is beneficial in bringing down body temperature and also to treat thrush and urinary disorders.
Benefits of Mangosteen for Skin
11. Acne
Mangosteen has natural antibacterial properties and antimicrobial compounds, which are highly effective in treating many common skin problems. The consumption of mangosteen can cure Acne, skin blemishes, oily skin, and dry skin.
12. Repairs cells
Xanthone compounds present in this fruit’s surface are the highest when compared to other fruits. These can cure skin diseases, repair the damaged cells in your body and protect them.
13. Body weight
Intake of mangosteen is a widely used orthodox method for losing weight. Mangosteen helps in the prevention of weight gain, by burning down fat. Xanthones included in the mangosteen peel help to aid weight loss.
14. Gum disease
Mangosteen acts as a weapon to fight against the gum disease known as periodontitis. The gel of mangosteen helps to cure gum problems.
15. Menstruation
Mangosteen can be very useful in reducing premenstrual symptoms like dizziness, mood swings, hypertension, etc. In Malaysia, a mangosteen root decoction is consumed to regulate menstruation.
16. Stomach disorders
In the state of Philippines, the mangosteen is widely cultivated. They use its leaves and barks for treating diarrhea, dysentery, treat thrush and urinary disorders.
17. Anti – Ageing
Aging comes about due to oxidation. Mangosteen is filled with antioxidants such as catechin (the antioxidant found in green tea). This helps in fighting free radicals. Hence, start consuming mangosteen to look younger forever.
18. Boosts your energy
This fruit can help you feel refreshed and energized all day long. Its nutrients will help you look more refreshed and youthful. It provides a boost of energy.
19. Viral infections
Xanthones present in mangosteen have the natural ability to attack fungal and viral infections. They even help to get rid of certain carcinogens from attacking your skin.
Some essential tips for you:
- Juice made out of the mangosteen peel can make your skin feel tighter.
- Pregnant women should avoid consuming this since it can be harmful to the fetus.
- Wash the mangosteen fruit thoroughly under running water and wipe it with a soft towel to clean it.
- Mangosteens are available fresh during the summer months.
- Injury to the fruit can make the whole fruit bitter and inedible.
- Always buy fresh fruits that feel heavy and have a bright purple colored skin. Dry and blotched skin indicates an old stock.
- Ripe fruits should be placed in a cool and dry place. They can even be stored in the refrigerator.
More prolonged exposure to warm conditions can cause the skin of the fruit to become dry and hard.
Mangosteen Nutritional Value
Mangosteen fruit is beneficial because of its high nutritional value. Besides having a delicious taste, it is a rich source of fibers and carbohydrates. It also has high contents of vitamin A and vitamin C as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. This fruit is a cheap source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates. These vitamins act as cofactors which help the body to metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Most importantly mangosteen fruit is an excellent source of xanthones. A one-cup serving of canned mangosteen has 143 calories.
Xanthones in Mangosteen
Our immune system tries to keep trillions of cells in our bodies protected from disease-causing toxins, free radicals, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other harmful agents.
At times, though, our immune system gets overwhelmed. Our bodies get sick, often because of free radical damage.
A free radical is an unstable atom with an unpaired electron. When a free radical comes in contact with a stable molecule, it steals the electron it needs from the stable atom. This leaves the once stable particle irreparably damaged and prone to succumb to the disease.
Antioxidants counteract free radicals. They have an extra electron that they can share with free radicals. Because of this ability, they can prevent free radicals from attacking healthy atoms or cells.
Mangosteen contains powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters called Xanthones, natural chemical compounds which were proven to possess a variety of potent medicinal properties.
Xanthones occupy a special place in the Mangosteen’s arsenal of healing compounds. They have been shown to have more potent antioxidant activity than vitamin E, one of nature’s most powerful known antioxidants.
A laboratory test is known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), for example, showed that an ounce of Mangosteen juice provides 20 to 30 times more capacity to absorb free radicals than an ounce of most fruits and vegetables.
Mangosteen’s Other Natural Compounds
Mangosteen also contains other potent natural compounds like catechins, polysaccharides, quinones, stilbenes, and polyphenols.
Catechins were discovered to be five times more potent as antioxidants than vitamin C.
Polysaccharides are highly potent anti-cancer and anti-bacterial plant compounds. They help block a mutated cell’s ability to stick to healthy cells to help stop the spread of cancer and are especially effective against intracellular bacteria.
Quinones are known for their anti-bacterial properties and also are strong oxidants.
Stilbenes in plants defend these plants against fungi. Interestingly, stilbenes also maintain their anti-fungal properties even when ingested. They also are potent antioxidants.
Polyphenols were found to be far more potent as antioxidants than vitamin E, considered one of the most powerful known antioxidants.
Long List of Mangosteen Healing Properties
To sum it all up, here’s a partial list of the 200-plus, mind-boggling Mangosteen medicinal benefits and properties from the catalog of prominent ethnobotanist, Dr. James Duke.
- Anti-aging – helps prevent aging
- Anti-allergenic – helps prevent allergic reactions
- Anti-arthritic – helps prevent arthritis
- Anti-atherosclerotic – helps prevent the hardening of the arteries
- Antibiotic – prevents or modulates bacterial infections
- Anti-calculitic – helps prevent kidney stones
- Anti-cataract – helps prevent cataracts
- Antidepressant – helps with depression
- Anti-diarrheal – helps with diarrhea
- Anti-fatigue – helps relieve fatigue
- Antifungal – prevents or modulates fungal infections
- Anti-glaucomic – helps prevent glaucoma
- Anti-Inflammatory – helps with inflammation
- Anti-lipidemic – helps lower blood fat
- Anti-neuralgic – helps in nerve pain
- Anti-obesity – helps in weight loss
- Anti-osteoporosis – helps prevent the loss of bone mass
- Antioxidant-rich – rich in antioxidants
- Anti-oxolytic – anti-anxiety
- Anti-Parkinson – helps with Parkinson’s disease
- Anti-periodontic – helps prevent gum disease
- Antipyretic – helps lower fever
- Anti-tumor and cancer-preventive
- Anti-vertigo – helps prevent dizziness
- Antiviral – prevents or modulates viral infections
- Cardio-protective – aids in the protection of the heart
- Hypoglycemic – helps stabilize blood sugar
- Hypotensive – maintains lower blood pressure
- Immunostimulant – improves the immune system fight infection
The final thought about Mangosteen
This exotic fruit, used in traditional medicine for centuries, contains some of the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds in nature.
Independent scientific research studies and clinical experience all show the remarkable health benefits of Mangosteen.
Don’t miss this great benefit of mangosteen share this to your family and friends.
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