Queen of Fruits: the Healing Power of Mangosteen

Rebecca Lewis May 04, 2013

Summer’s incomplete without refreshing your day with some tropical fruits. And what could be more revitalising than a glass of mangosteen juice? After all, this popular beverage is good for your health too.

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Asian countries. Just like other plant-based produce, mangosteen is a source of traditional medicine, and its health benefits have been recorded way back 18^th century! It was even brought all the way around the world to be sampled by Queen Victoria. But other than the anecdotal evidences, there are plenty of scientific studies that attest to the healing benefits of mangosteen.

Anti-Inflammatory

Scientists are beginning to understand the crucial role of inflammation in many diseases. Inflammation in the blood vessels for instance, has been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and other cardiovascular problems. It is also a pre-marker of cancer, as most tumours grow and develop from inflamed and damaged tissues. A growing body of research suggests that mangosteen has strong anti-inflammatory properties. In 2009, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition found that just eight weeks of consuming mangosteen juice has led to a significant reduction in the inflammation markers in obese individuals. However, the improvement was seen only among the participants who took high doses of mangosteen juice (18 ounces of juice per day) than those who took a lower dose.

Another study by the Tohoku University in Japan revealed that a compound present in mangosteen significantly reduces inflammation in the structural cells of the brain. The researchers concluded that the fruit may have a therapeutic potential in treating inflammation-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti-Cancer

Apart from berries, you may also want to add mangosteen in your regular diet if you’re looking to lower your risk of cancer. Several scientific studies have shown that this succulent fruit offers protection against life-threatening diseases, such as cancer. Taiwanese researchers found that garcinone E, a mangosteen xanthone derivative, induces death of cancer cells, particularly in the lungs, stomach, and liver. Another study by the University of the Ryukyus in Japan suggests that mangosteen may have powerful anti-tumour properties. Meanwhile, a different group of Japanese researchers showed that another derivative of the fruit, called xanthone alpha-mangostin, has the ability to inhibit growth of cancer cells in patients with leukaemia. Thai researchers also found that an extract from the pericarp of mangosteen fruit killed breast cancer cells.

Antioxidant

Mangosteen is a good source of antioxidants too. Antioxidants are needed by the body to remove free radicals that cause cell damage (which triggers the development of many diseases). Whilst the body produces its own antioxidants (such as glutathione), it still needs some of those that come from food sources. So far, scientists have identified 200 antioxidants in plant-based products. And guess what, 40 of those can be found in mangosteen! Just imagine getting all these essential compounds in just one small fruit. Antioxidants in mangosteen are known as xanthones which literally mop free radicals in the body, leaving it cleaner and healthier.

Immune Booster

Because of the high levels of antioxidants and xanthones, consuming mangosteen regularly can give you protection from most types of diseases. It boosts energy levels without supplying your body with harmful stimulants. Mangosteen may also help fight infection caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Researchers in Thailand discovered that the alpha- and beta-mangostins and garcinone B – xanthones in the fruit exhibited strong inhibitory outcomes against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB). The essential compounds in the mangosteen were also found to inhibit the replication cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to University of Antwerp in Belgium.

You really don’t have to travel all the way to Asia to purchase mangosteen or wait for its limited supply in the supermarket. This fruit readily comes in juice form. You can combine it with other fruit juices for a healthier and refreshing effect! Supplement manufacturers have also made it possible to reap the healing benefits of mangosteen by simply popping a pill.

But of course, nothing beats the goodness of fresh mangosteen. So if you get the chance, buy some! Other tropical fruits worth trying are star fruit, passion fruit, coconut, dragon fruit, acai berries, guava, and quince.