Mangosteen, or Garcina mangostana, is a tropical fruit of the size of an apple. The fruits possess a sweet pulp which is eaten fresh, but also used in processed form. It was reportedly the favorite fruit of Queen Victoria.
Many people consider it as the finest fruit of the world with exquisite, incomparable, appealing taste and flavor.
Mangosteen contains vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, potassium, iron and calcium. Total sugars amount to 17.46% which reducing sugars contribute 10.27 – 13.8%.
Historically, the mangosteen has been used for centuries in Asian countries as a traditional remedy for many health problems. Today, its use continues in developed and undeveloped nations as both a delicacy and a medicine.
Mangosteen is known as mangostanier in French, mangostan in Spanish, mangostao in Portuguese and mangostane in German.
Mangosteen has been described as antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-allergic, antibacterial, and antifungal food.
It is believed to be effective in preventing diseases like arthritis, cataracts, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, kidney stones, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, neuralgia and more.
Mangosteen fruit is the richest known source of natural xanthone compounds, which have tremendous medicinal values.
One of the most important mangosteen health benefits is its effect on the cardiovascular system. The xanthones in mangosteen keep LDL from sticking to the blood vessels, which reduces risk for atherosclerosis.
Fruit hulls contain five polyoxygenated xanthones, mangostin 4, B-mangostin, nor-mangostin, gartamin and 8-desoxy gartamin.
Xanthones are a type of phytochemical and show promise in helping to strengthen immune system.
Mangosteen also contains catechins, polyphenols and polysaccharides. Mangosteen contains lycopene, a member of the carotenoid group of antioxidants.
Queen of tropical fruits - mangosteen
