Mangosteen, what some refer to as the “queen of fruits”, is a fruit that will have you at a glance and first taste. Within its thick purple skin is soft, sweet and juicy white flesh that also brings to the party a touch of tartness. From Southeast Asia, it is native to that region but is now a fruit that is very much a part of the world stage for what it does in the kitchen and also for its health benefits.
Mangosteen is a very interesting fruit, and it’s for the go-to plant compounds called xanthones that also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Though I don’t consider any fruit a cure-all, adding mangosteen to a mixed diet may also be a great way to include more plant-based nutrients.
Top Health Benefits of Mangosteen
Packed with antioxidants.
The mangosteen, contain xanthones and also other polyphenolic compounds, which in turn help the body to deal with oxidative stress. Also under study is the role these compounds play in the protection of cells from damage.
Supports the immune system.
Health of the immune system. Improves immune function.
The fruit is a source of vitamin C and other nutrients which play a role in the normal function of the immune system. Include a variety of fruits in your daily diet; this is an easy way to improve your nutritional health.
May reduce inflammation.
Mangosteen’s xanthones are reported to have anti-inflammatory action in the lab and at the preclinical level, which is very promising, although we still need more research in humans before we may use mangosteen as a therapy for inflammatory issues.
Improves digestive health.
The food based on the fruit has dietary fibre, which in turn supports regular digestion and healthy bowel movements. For me, this is one of the most practical benefits of whole mangosteen over concentrated extracts.
Supports Heart Health.
Its antioxidant properties are under study for what they may do for the heart. Also, mangosteen should be used in addition to a healthy diet, exercise, and proper medical care.
Supports healthy skin.
Antioxidants play a role in protecting cells against oxidative stress; also, vitamin C is involved in the normal production of collagen. Thus, including mangosteen in a fruit-rich diet may support overall skin health.
Interest in Metabolic Health.
Researchers have looked at mangosteen xanthones for what they do in terms of glucose metabolism and body fat issues. This is an interesting area of study, but we must bear in mind that we still have largely only laboratory or preclinical results; we need more human studies.
Conclusion
Mangosteen is a very different fruit from what you may expect in the tropical region. It’s also rich in fibre, vitamin C, and xanthones, which are naturally present in its composition and add value to a balanced diet. I prefer to enjoy it as a fresh fruit instead of what is made out of it to be a “superfood”. As research into mangosteen is still in the early stages, think of it as a healthful food, not a panacea.
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