If the mango is the king, then mangosteen is popular as the queen. Hence, it has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is widely available in South-East Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It has a deep purple color that makes the fruit nutritious. The inside has white meat with seeds. This fruit has many uses in home cooking and health. However, mangosteen fruit was not allowed in the United States because of fruit flies. In 2007, the country accepted the fruit coming from Asian countries.
1. Rich in Nutritional Value
Mangosteen fruit is low in calories even if it has a sweet taste. Hence, it can offer lots of important nutrients and vitamins. One can get vitamins like A, C, and B vitamins. Also, it has minerals that are important for different body functions. Additionally, a cup of the fruit can offer 14% of the daily need for fiber.
2. Antioxidants
Moreover, the fruit is very famous because of its unique ingredients. It is rich in antioxidants that can bring back the balance inside the body. Hence, it can fight off free radicals. It has a unique plant compound. Many studies show that it is effective in fighting illnesses.
3. Helps Decrease Swelling
Swelling inside the body means that there is something wrong. Therefore, it is a sign that you are sick. This fruit can stop swelling from heart illnesses, cancer, and diabetes.
Other mangosteen benefits are for digestive health. Hence, it is because of fiber content. Therefore, eating the fruit can help the stomach stay away from inflammation.
4. Anticancer
It is already proven that a diet with lots of fruits vegetables can help fight cancer. It is especially true with this fruit because of its unique antioxidant. Using different test tube studies shows that it stops cancer cells’ growth in the stomach, breast, and lungs. These studies come up with successful results. However, more studies in humans are important to prove mangosteen benefits to fight cancer.
5. Helps Lose Weight
One of the reasons why this fruit rose to fame is because of its weight loss promise. Hence, there are some studies to prove it. A study in mice and mangosteen supplement shows weight reduction than those in the control group. Another study in people who take mangosteen juice shows lower body mass index than the control group.
6. Helps Control Sugar
Another mangosteen health benefits are controlling the sugar level. Hence, different animal and test-tube studies show its effectiveness in maintaining a normal sugar level. Also, a 26-week study in overweight women and 400 mg of mangosteen supplement shows a positive result. As a result, they show a decrease in the need for insulin.
Furthermore, the fruit is very rich in fiber that can bring back a normal blood sugar level. However, more studies are important to know how the fruit can help people with diabetes.
7. Boost Immune System
What makes the fruit healthy for the immune system is its vitamin C and fiber. These two substances are useful for gut health. A healthy gut is important in fighting diseases. Also, these nutrients can kill harmful bacteria inside the stomach. Additionally, it does not affect good bacteria. However, it is good to eat a well-balanced meal and stay away from overeating.
8. Glowing Skin
Mangosteen health benefits the skin. Hence, glowing skin means it is healthy inside and outside. Harmful sun rays cause skin damages. Also, it is one of the reasons for skin aging and cancer. Therefore, a study about fruits is very popular, especially for skin health.
Moreover, a 3-month study in humans and 100 mg of mangosteen extract shows a positive result. At the end of the study, they saw an increase in skin elasticity and decrease wrinkles
9. Heart Health
In animal studies, it shows that eating the fruit can decrease bad fat and increase good fat. Therefore, the fruit is good for overall heart health.
10. Improve Brain Health
In older adults, eating the fruit can decrease mental issues. The extract from the fruit can stop swelling and signs of mental problems in animal studies.
Mangosteen is no doubt a very healthy fruit, but eating it in moderation is very important. Also, ask your doctor if you have another health problem before adding it to your diet.
How to Eat the Fruit
The fruit is very easy to prepare and eat. However, one might not enjoy eating it any time of the year. It is one of the fruit with the shortest season. If you want to eat the fruit, then you can choose dried or canned products. It is cheaper but might not have the same health benefits. The best choice is fresh fruits to get the benefits from is a purple color. One can make a healthy drink out of it or eat the fruit alone.
