From Myth to Medicine: Why Mangosteen Is Changing the Health GameThe Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, it has been dubbed the "Queen of Fruits" due to its unique flavor and many health benefits. The Mangosteen tree grows up to 100 feet tall and can take over 7 years to begin fruiting. Its thick purple rind surrounds soft, seed-filled white segments that taste subtly sweet with notes of citrus.
Nutritional Profile of Mangosteen
Mangosteen is low in calories at only 43 calories per 100g serving, but packs a nutritional punch. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over 50% of the Daily Value. Mangosteens also contains reasonable amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid. The fruit is also a good source of various antioxidants including xanthones, catechins, and phenolic compounds which give it many of its health-promoting effects. One of the most studied antioxidants in mangosteens is gamma-mangostin, a type of xanthone found almost entirely in the pericarp of the fruit.
Health Benefits of Mangosteen
Antioxidant Power
Mangosteens high antioxidant content has led researchers to study its effects on reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Ongoing studies suggest eating Mangosteen may help protect cells from free radical damage linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging. Its xanthones appear to scavenge harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging at the cellular level.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Mangosteen's xanthones have also shown anti-inflammatory properties. Some research indicates that gamma-mangostin in particular helps reduce inflammatory markers in the body by inhibiting the release of cytokines and enzymes involved in inflammation. This may make mangosteen useful for supporting joint health and reducing pain from inflammatory conditions.
Anticancer Potential
Studies of the individual components in mangosteen, including its xanthones, show promising anti-tumor effects. Research suggests these compounds can help induce cancer cell death, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, prevent new blood vessel growth that feeds tumors, and reduce chronic inflammation linked to cancer risk. However, more research is still needed to fully understand mangosteen's potential effects on human cancers.
Heart Health Support
Population studies show diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Mangosteen's antioxidants may contribute to this effect by reducing oxidative stress on LDL (bad) cholesterol and protecting arterial health. Some test tube studies also show mangosteens may help regulate blood pressure and prevent clot formation by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing inflammation in the circulatory system.
Growing and Harvesting Mangosteen
Ideal Climate
The Mangosteen tree grows best in tropical climates with consistent warm weather year-round, abundant rainfall, and humidity between 60-80%. It thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F and needs at least 40 inches of rainfall annually. The trees cannot withstand frost or extended dry periods.
Cultivation and Care
Mangosteens need rich, well-draining soil to thrive. They grow best when planted 10-20 feet apart with partial shade. Young trees require regular watering, while established ones only need water during dry periods. Light pruning maintains the tree's shape but disturbing the roots can damage it. Mangosteens begin to fruit after 7-10 years but become more productive as they mature, yielding 100-200+ fruits annually.
Harvesting Mangosteens
Mangosteens ripen from June through September depending on the variety and climate. Ripe fruits will feel softened with flexibility at the stem when gently pushed. Their thick purple rind will be deep purple/black in color. Mangosteens do not continue to ripen after harvesting so should be tree-ripened. To open, score the rind with a knife then press on both sides to separate. The soft, seed-filled white segments inside can then be eaten raw or used in recipes.
Using and Preserving Mangosteens
Eating Fresh
Fresh mangosteens are typically consumed raw, savoring its soft juicy segments and subtle sweet-tart flavor profile. Seeds are small and edible but not essential to eat. Mangosteens refreshing flavor pairs well with yogurt, smoothies, salads, or simply as a fresh snack on their own.
Processing and Preserving
Mangosteens delicate texture means they don't preserve well fresh for long. Options include freezing the fruit, canning mangosteen segments in syrup or juice, or making jam, chutney, or drying its slices. Mangosteen juice and concentrate are also commercially available to enjoy its health benefits throughout the year.
The exquisite Mangosteen has rightly earned its royal moniker. Found almost exclusively in Southeast Asian cuisines, its subtle sweet flavor and array of antioxidants give it promising health properties while remaining low in calories. With its rich cultivation history across the region, mangosteens are an exotic superfruit that offer a delicious way to boost antioxidant intake when seasonally available fresh. Further research continues to unravel more benefits of this rainforest queen. Identify the language that you favor Japanese KoreanGet More Insights On Mangosteen https://articlescad.com/from-myth-to-medicine-why-mangosteen-is-changing-the-health-game-451114.htmlAbout Author:Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137)
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