Mangosteen

Mangosteen Product Information

Mangosteen is a fruit almost unheard of in the United States, due to an agricultural ban on its importation because the plant can host pests that would wreak havoc on U.S. crops. However, this fruit is still sought after for its flavor and health benefits. People who do not have access to the fruit itself may purchase it in juice form, which can be found under many brand names.

Xanthones
The fruit is made up of two parts—the rind, or pericarp, and the inner fruit. The inner fruit is white and segmented, while the outer rind is thick and of a rusty red color. Both parts of the plant contain healthful benefits, though the rind contains the highest concentration of xanthones. Xanthones are powerful and rare antioxidants found in the mangosteen fruit—the fruit contains over 20 different xanthones. Xanthones promote the health of the immune system, help joints to be more flexible, and promote microbial balance in the body. Because mangosteen juices combine the two parts of the plant and making them available in an easy-to-take form, people interested in the health properties of mangosteen can get the highest benefits by drinking the juice.

Other Benefits
Besides xanthones, mangosteen fruit is full of other healthy substances, like polyphenols, polysaccharides, and catechins, all which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mangosteen has also been used for centuries to reduce inflammation in the body—scientific studies have demonstrated that this is, indeed, one good use of mangosteen.

The Fruit
It may be possible, in some cases, to find mangosteen in some Asian specialty stores. However, in order to get the most benefits from the fruit, it would be necessary to eat every part of it, including the rinds and seeds (which tend to be bitter). In shipment, the fruit can be damaged, which also damages the healthy properties of the fruit. In addition, the fruit must be picked at prime ripeness, otherwise it may not have the optimum amount of nutrients.

The mangosteen fruit is in the same family as St. John’s wort. However, this does not mean that they share the same health benefits. St. John’s wort has been used for ages as a cure against depression. Mangosteen may lift spirits due to its beneficial content, but it is not normally used to treat depression.

The Juice
The juice is produced when the healthful properties of the mangosteen fruit are at their peak. Then the fruit is flash frozen so it then can be processed into juice. One ounce of mangosteen juice is often the suggested amount to be consumed daily.