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 a little smaller than tennis balls in size. The rind of this fruit is bitter and so, is not edible. The inner edible portion is in the form of wedged segments and is white in color. The largest among the segments may carry the seed. The flavor of mangosteen is very unique and delicate. It can be explained as sweet, laced with a slight sourness. However, it is not the taste of the fruit, which is valued, but the various health benefits associated with it.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen

Mangosteen has been a part of the traditional medicine of various Asian countries for a very long time. Different parts of the plant, including the fruit, were used for treating various diseases and disorders. While the dried powder of mangosteen rind was used in the treatment of dysentery, its paste was used to treat eczema and some other skin disorders. A decoction made of mangosteen fruit rind was used to treat diarrhea, whereas a decoction made of the roots was used for regulating menstruation. In Philippines, people used to make a decoction of mangosteen leaves and bark, which was beneficial in bringing down body temperature and also to treat thrush, dysentery, diarrhea and urinary disorders. By the eighteenth and nineteenth century, mangosteen was introduced to other parts of the world, but this tree in thrived in a very few regions, other than its native place. This fruit is sometimes referred to as the queen of fruits, due to its nutritional value.

Studies show that this fruit is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. These factors are said to be the reason behind mangosteen health benefits. 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. Even though, researches 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, anti fungal 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, neuralgia, etc. This fruit may prove beneficial for treating depression, aging, obesity, skin diseases, allergies, ulcers, diarrhea, fever, pain, etc.

However, it is the rind of this fruit, which is more beneficial, as far as mangosteen health benefits are concerned. So, juice is extracted from the whole fruit (including the rind) and this explains the health benefits of mangosteen juice. Though, very rare, over consumption of mangosteen may interfere with normal blood clotting and may also cause sedation, if taken with some other drugs. It is also said that excess use of this fruit for prolonged periods may result in acidosis.