Mangosteen Exploration: Its Identity, Advantages, Proper Consumption Methods
Mangosteen, a small, purple fruit native to Southeast Asia, has gained recognition for its potential health benefits. Despite its tropical climate requirements, making it hard to find fresh mangosteen in the United States, the fruit is grown in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Mangosteen is rich in bioactive compounds such as xanthones, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, which contribute to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. A 2015 study suggested these properties, while a separate study found that consuming a mangosteen-based beverage daily for 30 days increased antioxidant levels in the bloodstream compared to a placebo group.
The antioxidants found in mangosteen help combat oxidative stress, contributing to reduced inflammation and potential cancer prevention. Mangosteen also shows promise in antibacterial action against pathogens. Its antioxidant properties make it useful in skin health, protecting skin cells from damage.
However, it's important to note that manufacturers may remove some of the substances that give mangosteen its potential health benefits when they make it into juices or supplements. Some mangosteen juices may contain added sugars. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with a bleeding disorder, and those scheduled for surgery should avoid mangosteen-based medicines, as there is not enough evidence to say they are safe in these situations.
Mangosteen is low in fat, sodium, and calories, making it beneficial for maintaining a moderate weight. It's also a good source of nutrients that are often lacking in American diets, such as potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. Fresh mangosteen is hard to find in the U.S., but mangosteen-based products, including supplements and juices, are available.
While traditional medicine has celebrated the benefits of mangosteen, current research highlights the need for further studies to optimize extraction methods and expand pharmaceutical and functional food applications for maximum health gains. Despite this, the confirmed health benefits of consuming mangosteen, supported by extensive scientific research, are undeniable.
References:
[1] Mangosteen: A Review of Its Medicinal Uses and Biological Activities. Phytotherapy Research. 2015. [3] Xanthones from Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Marine Drugs. 2016. [5] Xanthones: A Review of Their Occurrence, Chemistry, and Biological Activities. Journal of Natural Products. 2008.
Science has recognized Mangosteen, a tropical fruit, for its potential health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds like xanthones, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. However, these beneficial compounds may be partially lost in products like mangosteen juices or supplements made by manufacturers.While consuming a mangosteen-based beverage daily for 30 days increased antioxidant levels in a study, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with a bleeding disorder, and those scheduled for surgery should avoid mangosteen-based medicines due to a lack of sufficient safety evidence. Additionally, Mangosteen's low fat, sodium, and calorie content and its rich nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin C make it ideal for health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, contributing to a balanced food-and-drink lifestyle and potential weight management.
