Mangosteen is typically found in Southeast Asia and other tropical areas. It is purple on the outside but white on the inside. In some regions, it is eaten as a dessert and made into jams. Nowadays, mangosteen juice is a very popular drink, and people enjoy it a lot.

Mangosteen's benefits are sometimes overlooked, but they are not to be ignored. Mangosteen can treat skin conditions, improve immunity, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. So, if you want to enjoy all these remarkable health benefits, add it to your fruit basket. But before having it, don't forget to learn its health benefits in detail here!

Nutritional Profile of Mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a small tropical fruit that is hard on the outside but sweet, white, and juicy on the inside. Its taste has been described as a mix of strawberry peach, pineapple, and lychee. The fruit is sometimes called purple mangosteen due to its deep purple skin color but has white, juicy inner flesh. Farmers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka tend to grow mangosteen. People in these countries eat it as a fruit, in traditional medicine, or as fresh juice. Mangosteen is low in calories and full of nutritious. One cup of mangosteen can provide you with:

1. Calories: 143kcal
2. Carbohydrates: 35 grams
3. Fat: 1 gram
4. Fiber: 3.5 grams
5. Protein: 1 gram
6. Magnesium: 6% of the DV (daily value)
7. Vitamin B1: 9% of the DV
8. Vitamin B2: 8% of the DV
9. Vitamin B9: 15% of the DV
10. Vitamin C: 6% of the DV
11. Copper: 15% of the DV
12. Manganese: 9% of the DV

These vitamins and minerals are important in maintaining overall body health, including muscle contraction, immunity, DNA production, etc. Besides that, fruit is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or slow down cell damage by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules with an uneven number of electrons that cause inflammation. The body naturally produces antioxidants while we consume some from our diet. Mangosteen contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C. It also contains xanthones, a unique plant compound with antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that xanthones’s anti-oxidative properties may promote anticancer, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

What Are The Health Benefits of Mangosteen?

So, for now, you know the nutritional value of mangosteen, let’s learn its health benefits here:

May Help In Weight Loss

Mangosteen is considered a fruit with potential weight loss in the health and wellness industry. In a study, mice on a high-fat diet and supplemental mangosteen dosages gained less weight than those in the control group. In an 8-week study, people were dosed with mangosteen juice twice daily with 3, 6, and 9 ounces. It was noted that they had a lower body mass index than the control group. Other research on obesity is limited, but the anti-inflammatory effect of mangosteen is undoubtedly helpful in fat metabolism and weight loss.

Promotes Immune Health

Vitamins and fiber in mangosteen play important roles in promoting immune health. Vitamin C helps various immune cells function and has anti-oxidative properties. Conversely, fiber supports healthy gut bacteria, which is an important component of immunity. Some researchers suggest that some plant compounds in mangosteen have antibacterial properties. They promote immune health by fighting harmful bacteria. In a study, people taking mangosteen supplements were found to have increased immune cell numbers compared to the other group. Hence, mangosteen is a healthy choice for your diet and other nutritious foods.

Reduce Inflammation and Risk Of Chronic Diseases

Mangosteen contains xanthones, which are responsible for anti-inflammatory properties. In a study conducted in 2015, they deduced the anti-inflammatory effect in mangosteen by measuring C-reactive protein. It is a substance that signals inflammation levels. At the end of the study, the level of this protein in the mangosteen group was reduced by 46%. Animal studies and test-tube studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of mangosteens may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, such as:

1. heart diseases
2. Cancer
3. Diabetes
4. Depression
5. Alzheimer’s disease
6. Arthritis

Promotes Blood Sugar Control

Irregular blood sugar levels can cause serious health conditions like diabetes. According to test-tube and animal studies, xanthone compounds in mangosteen may help maintain a balanced blood sugar level. Mangosteen is also a good source of fiber, which can help maintain blood sugar and increase diabetic control. In a study, researchers gave 400mg of supplemental mangosteen extract to obese women daily. Compared to the control group, the women experienced significantly reduced insulin resistance. The combination of fiber and xanthone may help maintain blood sugar levels. More research is needed to support this.

Other Health Benefits

Mangosteen has many other potential health benefits, including maintaining healthy skin, heart health, and the brain and digestive system:

1. Healthy Skin: Sun exposure is a common cause of sun damage, skin cancer, and signs of aging. Researchers suggest that mangosteen's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity can have skin-protective effects, but more studies are needed.
2. Heart Health: Studies have suggested that mangosteen extract significantly decreased heart disease risk factors like triglycerides and bad cholesterol while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
3. Brain Health: Studies indicate that mangosteen extract helps prevent brain inflammation and mental decline and improves symptoms of depression in mice. Human studies in this area are needed.
4. Digestive Health: Fiber is vital for digestive health, and high-fiber diets help promote healthy bowel movements. Mangosteen is best for this because it is packed with fiber.

Conclusion:

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit in Southeast Asia packed with minerals, vitamins, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. These combine and provide amazing health benefits, making mangosteen a superfood. Mangosteen may help in weight loss, promote the immune system, promote healthy blood sugar levels, promote brain, digestive, and heart health, and much more. Many perceived benefits still need thorough research to prove the benefits scientifically. In contrast, some benefits have been revealed through proper research on animals and test-tube studies.