Mangosteen is a tropical fruit widespread in Southeast Asia and renowned for its virtues. Discover the beneficial properties and contraindications of mangosteen.
The properties of mangosteen are well known to Asians. Mangosteen (Gracinia mangostana L.), also known by the English name of Mangosteen, is a tropical fruit that has been used for centuries for its healing properties and health benefits.
The Mangosteen plant can reach 20 meters in height, is native to Southeast Asia where it is widely spread and consumed by local populations.
Its fruit is recognizable due to its purple skin and fleshy pulp. The size is about that of a mandarin. But what are its properties and nutritional values of this fruit? Let’s find out below.
Nutritional values of mangosteen
From the point of view of macronutrients, mangosteen, like all fruits, is rich in water, has a fair amount of fiber and contains very little fats, mainly “good fats” in the form of unsaturated fats. The protein intake is also poor. As for energy intake, 100 grams of edible fruit provide about 73 calories.
Regarding the micronutrient content, on the other hand, mangosteen has a good amount of vitamin C, B vitamins (niacin and thiamin), minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and a good amount of calcium and potassium. For greater clarity, the table with the nutritional values of this exotic fruit follows.
Nutritional values per 100g of mangosteen:
- Waterfall: 80.94 g
- kcal: 73
- Proteins: 0.41 g
- Fat: 0.58 g
- of which saturated: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.91 g
- Fibers: 1.8 g
- Soccer: 12 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 g
The beneficial properties of mangosteen
✓ Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Mangosteen contains a particular type of antioxidant molecules, called xanthones, which seem to be the basis of its beneficial properties. As mentioned, these are powerful antioxidant substances that perform a strong contrasting action against free radicals and oxidative stress. The high presence of antioxidants, then, makes the mangosteen a good ally in countering inflammatory states of various types.
✓ Beneficial for the skin
This fruit also offers benefits to the skin: thanks to its antioxidant virtues, in fact, mangosteen is a valid ally as it prevents the formation of wrinkles, improves the elasticity of the skin and keeps it hydrated. Furthermore, mangosteen extract appears to be useful in protecting the skin from damage caused by UVB rays.
Mangosteen juice, with good anti-inflammatory properties, helps our body to relieve inflammatory phenomena affecting the skin, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
✓ Ally of the immune system
Mangosteen, as we have seen, is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, substances that promote the health of the immune system, strengthening it. Furthermore, the presence of fibers promotes good intestinal bacterial flora health, another fundamental element for having a strong immune system. Additionally, some research has seen mangosteen extracts have antimicrobial effects that can help counter potentially harmful bacteria.
✓ Regulates blood glucose
Thanks to the presence of xanthones, mangosteen helps to regulate the concentration of sugars in the blood, thus making it an ally in the management of blood sugar. Furthermore, mangosteen extracts would be useful in reducing insulin resistance in obese subjects.
✓ Beneficial for the gastrointestinal system
One of the main virtues of mangosteen is found on the gastrointestinal system. In particular, this fruit is able to improve intestinal functions and rebalance the bacterial flora. For this reason, mangosteen bark juice or decoction has been used by Asian populations for centuries to combat diarrhea, intestinal bloating and constipation.
✓ Helps in weight loss
The consumption of this fruit would seem to be a potential aid in weight loss, as long as it is inserted in a context of healthy nutrition and physical activity. Specifically, in one study it was found that people who supplemented their diet with mangosteen juice twice a day tended to have a lower BMI than those who did not take it.
In addition, another study in mice found that those with a high-fat diet who also consumed mangosteen gained significantly less weight than mice who did not eat the fruit. Recall, however, that studies in this regard are still limited and that further research is needed to confirm this property.
✓ Useful for the nervous system
Mangosteen also appears to have beneficial effects on the brain and nervous system: it would help prevent degenerative diseases and depression. In this regard, however, further supporting studies are needed.
How to eat mangosteen
If you are lucky enough to find fresh fruit, before buying it check its consistency, which must be firm but soft enough, while the outer skin must be smooth and dark purple.
Once purchased, to eat the mangosteen it is necessary to open it in half (you can do it with a knife) and, with your fingers or the help of a teaspoon, take the white wedges inside, which can be eaten fresh, or used for the preparation of compotes or fresh juices.
The flavor of fresh mangosteen is quite delicate, balanced between sweet and sour, and can remind you of a cross between a peach and a lichi.
To get the benefits of the juice, you can drink two or three tablespoons of pure juice diluted in a little water once or twice a day. In any case, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. To have a more powerful effect, papaya and / or Lime juice can be added to the mangosteen juice. If you find the fresh fruit instead, the quantities are the same as for our fruits, so one or two fruits a day will be enough to guarantee us all the benefits.
Where to buy it
Mangosteen is a fruit that is still not very widespread in our country. The best places to buy fresh fruit are ethnic shops or specialty online stores. As for mangosteen juice and supplements, on the other hand, they can be found in bio-shops, even online. There are also preparations based on this plant on the market. For example, a good remedy for rashes is mangosteen-based ointments.
Contraindications of mangosteen
Currently, no side effects have been tested in humans. However, it seems that an overdose of xanthones can cause drowsiness and interfere with normal blood clotting. Consult your doctor if you are following a drug treatment and avoid using it if you are taking anticoagulant drugs. Also contact your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
