Mangosteen: Nutritional Facts & 18 Amazing Health Benefits of Mangosteen

We all know that fruits are very healthy for human health. There is one fruit known as Mangosteen that is really a powerful tropical fruit having tremendous health benefits. Mangosteen is reddish or deep purple in color having white and juicy flesh and is most popular in Thailand. Mangosteen being loaded with antioxidants and xanthones, and having an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties in it, is greatly beneficial to health. Know more about the health benefits of mangosteen.

Mangosteen is rich in anti-oxidants, especially the xanthones, which are found in the white pulp of the fruit. These xanthones are polyphenols having anti-inflammatory and also anti-carcinogenic properties.⁽¹⁾ Mangosteen is also loaded with vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamin C, and minerals like potassium, folate and zinc, along with some other minerals including magnesium, calcium, sodium, carotene, phosphorus and cryptoxanthin.^{(2, 3)}

1. Helps Treat Diarrhea & Dysentery:

   One of the most noted health benefits of mangosteen is its benefit in treating diarrhea and dysentery.⁽⁴⁾ This fruit is effective in providing relief from several stomach issues like dysentery and diarrhea and is used as a traditional remedy for diarrhea.⁽⁴⁾ The dried fruit of mangosteen and the rind is powdered and taken for treating dysentery.

2. Mangosteen Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

   One of the most important properties present in mangosteen is its anti-inflammatory property. The extracts of mangosteen are known to posses anti-allergy, as well as anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the release of prostaglandin and histamine, which are known to be associated with the inflammation in the human body.⁽⁵⁾

3. Mangosteen Has Anti-Cancer Properties:⁽⁶⁾

   Being loaded with xanthones, which posses anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; mangosteen can be used to inhibit the cancer cell growth in colon cancer in humans.⁽⁷⁾ The xanthones found in Mangosteen exhibit the power to be developed as agents for preventing cancer and can also be used in combination along with anti-cancer medications for added beneficial effects.⁽⁸⁾

4. Gum Health Benefits of Mangosteen:

   The bark as well as the leaves of mangosteen tree has astringent properties, and thus are beneficial in curing aphtha or thrush, which is small and a shallow sore appearing at the base of the gums. Mangosteen can also prevent gum diseases like periodontitis.

5. Enhanced Immune Function Benefits of Mangosteen:⁽⁹⁾

   Mangosteen is known to posses potential antioxidant properties and is thus useful in proper functioning of the immune system as well as the entire body. The antioxidants found in Mangosteen contain cell boosters or the Xanthones, which have several medicinal values. Thus, Mangosteen is known as a healing fruit, as it can reverse many diseases.⁽¹⁰⁾ Moreover, because of the presence of xanthones, minerals, vitamins in Mangosteen, it is also known to enhance immune system’s function. These nutrients present in Mangosteen prevent the body from various ailments that weaken the immune system.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure Levels:

   One of the best known health benefits of Mangosteen is that it controls high blood pressure or hypertension. Mangosteen contains minerals like manganese, copper and magnesium. The potassium present in Mangosteen protects against heart strokes and coronary heart diseases, as it is a crucial component of the cell and body fluids and also help controls heart rate as well as the blood pressure.

7. Promotes Blood Flow:

   Mangosteen benefits health by promoting RBCs and thus preventing anemia. Mangosteen improves the flow of blood by causing dilation of the blood vessels, which aids in protecting us against several diseases like high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, heart congestion as well as severe chest pain. By increasing the blood flow to the eyes, the vitamin C found in Mangosteen is quite effective against cataracts. It is said that 1000 mg of vitamin C per day can be effective in curbing cataracts and also improving your vision.⁽¹¹⁾

8. Mangosteen is Beneficial for Tuberculosis Patients:⁽¹²⁾

   Mangosteen contains strong antifungal and antibacterial properties in it, besides being greatly effective in enhancing weak immune systems. The inhibitory action of Mangosteen against harmful bacteria is quite effective for those suffering from tuberculosis.

9. Speeds Recovery Period of Wounds:

   Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, Mangosteen is helpful for quick healing of wounds.⁽¹³⁾ The leaves and the barks of the Mangosteen tree can be mixed along with some other medicinal herbs and be applied to the wounds for a quick recovery. Even a medicinal drink can be prepared by boiling the bark and the leaves of the Mangosteen tree.

10. Helps Relieve Menstrual Symptoms:

    The roots of mangosteen help in regulating the menstrual periods in women. Mangosteen also helps in easing the symptoms that usually occur before periods and make it tough for women in carrying out their regular routine.

11. Heart Health Benefits of Mangosteen: ^{(14, 15, 16)}

    Benefitting heart health is yet another health benefit of Mangosteen. Mangosteen is known to be great for your heart and it helps in reducing the risk of heart stroke or myocardial infarction.

12. Mangosteen Controls Diabetes:⁽¹⁷⁾

    It is also believed that Mangosteen can effectively manage and maintain the body’s blood sugar levels and thus help in curing or improving the symptoms of diabetes.

13. Weight Loss Benefits of Mangosteen:⁽¹⁸⁾

    If you are looking for a fruit that can help you in your weight loss mission, then Mangosteen could be one of the best choices. Mangosteen can be effective in weight loss and the various nutrients present in Mangosteen also ensure good health.

14. Beneficial in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Helps Improve Brain Function:^{(19, 20)}

    Mangosteen is effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s. Symptoms such as confusion, difficulty remembering and perplexity are experienced in Alzheimer’s disease. Adding Mangosteen to your diet can help in improving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

15. Increase Your Body’s Energy with Mangosteen:

    Mangosteen can also make you feel refreshed and well energized all day long. The nutrients found in Mangosteen help you look more youthful and energized and also offers a boost of energy to your body.

16. Mangosteen Fights Against Viral Infections:

    Mangosteen is known to fight against viral infections. This occurs because of the presence of Xanthones in Mangosteen that has a natural ability to attack viral and fungal infections. They help even in getting rid of some carcinogens from attacking the skin too.

17. Mangosteen has Anti-Aging Benefits:⁽²¹⁾

    Aging is a natural process; however, oxidation also causes aging. Mangosteen is rich in antioxidants, like catechin, which helps in fighting free radicals that cause aging. Thus, consuming Mangosteen on a daily basis can make you look younger for longer.

18. Skin Health Benefits of Mangosteen:

    Mangosteen contains natural antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds that are beneficial in treating several common skin problems like acne, oily skin, dry skin and skin blemishes.⁽²²⁾ Mangosteen can be beneficial in curing acne by consuming it on a daily basis. Apart from this, the xanthone compounds found in Mangosteen can also cure skin diseases as well as repair the damaged cells of the body along with protecting against further skin damage.

It is true that Mangosteen is beneficial for health and has got some wonderful health benefits. However, if you are trying to add Mangosteen to your diet, you need to note down some of the important tips regarding consumption of this fruit, such as:

• Pregnant women must avoid consuming Mangosteen.
• The juice prepared from Mangosteen peel can make your skin quite tight.
• Make sure you wash Mangosteen thoroughly before eating it.
• Purchase fresh Mangosteen that feels heavy and has a bright purple skin.
• Place the ripe Mangosteen in cool and dry places.

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