Mangosteen benefits for health have a lot. Mangosteen is a tropical fruit, native to the Southeast Asian region. It is often referred to as purple mangosteen because of the deep purple color that develops on its rind as they are ripe, while the inner flesh remains pristine white. This seasonal fruit has a shorter shelf and harvesting life and is full of nutrients and makes for a perfect drink as well. Scroll below to know about the benefits.
Mangosteen Benefits for Health
Promotes weight loss
As per a study, mangosteen has anti-inflammatory properties, that play a key role in promoting fat metabolism and preventing weight gain.
Controls blood sugar
The unique combination of xanthone and fiber helps balance blood sugar and as a rich source of good fiber, it helps stabilize blood sugar and improves diabetes control as well.
Boosts immunity
It has been found that the plant compound in mangosteen has antibacterial properties and it helps boost immunity. Also, it is rich in fiber and vitamin C, which promotes healthy gut bacteria and also helps in the functioning of various immune cells.
Source of Antioxidants
Mangosteen is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins. The special antioxidant found in abundance that gives the fruit a superior edge is a class of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds known as Xanthones. Mangosteen has two classes of Xanthones -alpha mangosteen and gamma mangosteen. The mangosteen fruit is said to contain at least 20 known Xanthones, the majority of which are found in the fruit wall or pericarp of the fruit. Xanthones work to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. By damaging the free radicals, these antioxidants protect the body from various diseases, ranging from common cold and flu, cancer risk, and heart disorders.
Boosts Immunity
The Xanthones coupled with vitamin C found in abundance in mangosteen work wonders for an enhanced and improved immunity system. While Xanthones do their bit in fighting the free radicals, Vitamin C promotes the production and function of leukocytes or the white blood cells, which are majorly responsible for good immunity. The more the count, the more you are protected against infections.
Helpful for Menstrual Problems
Mangosteen roots have been traditionally used in different parts of Indonesia for regulating the menstrual cycle in women.
Regulates Blood Pressure and Boosts Heart Health
The abundant quantities of potassium, copper, magnesium, and manganese-containing in mangosteen can help regulate your blood pressure. Potassium especially weeds out the negative effect infused by excess intake of salt (sodium). It also promotes heart health by maintaining a normal heart rate and keeping the risk of coronary attacks at bay. Mangosteen also reduces the cholesterol levels in your body, thus further checking the blood pressure and the consequent heart ailments.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Mangosteen has high anti-inflammatory properties. The inhibited release of Histamine and Prostaglandin helps in the anti-inflammation process. Inflammation can cause colds, flu, and increase pain in swellings.
Boosts Skin Care
Mangosteen’s high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and the star component Xanthone can bring down the risk of many skin diseases to a great extent by repairing the damaged cells. And who can overlook the high component of Vitamin C, which further boosts skin health? Mangosteen has also been used traditionally to treat acne. Its ability to scavenge free radicals coupled with the suppression of production of Cytokines (a major contributor to acne) can prevent your skin from developing acne. Mangosteen can also reduce signs of aging. The signs of aging are also brought about by oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are battled efficiently by the antioxidants of mangosteen. The antioxidant Catechin especially works wonders for your skin by preventing wrinkles and signs of aging.
A solution to Your Tummy Problems
Mangosteen is high on fiber, which makes it an effective aid to all your digestive problems. It can help ward off constipation. Consuming the pericarp and peel of the delicious fruit has been found effective in providing relief from diarrhea and dysentery. The high fiber composition of the fruit also increases your prebiotics intake, which is good for your intestines.
196g Mangosteen Nutrition
- Calories: 143
- Carbs: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 9% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Vitamin B9 (folate): 15% of the RDI
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 6% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Copper: 7% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 6% of the RDI
The vitamins and minerals in mangosteen are important for maintaining many bodily functions, including DNA production, muscle contraction, wound healing, immunity, and nerve signaling. Moreover, a single cup (196 grams) of this fruit provides almost 14% of the RDI for fiber — a nutrient often lacking in people’s diets.
Side Effects of Mangosteen
Mangosteen is not good for everyone. It has been found that mangosteen often increases the risk of bleeding. It is a rich source of xanthones, which is known for slowing the process of blood clotting.
