Mangosteen: What it Is, its History + 7 Amazing Health Benefits
Mangosteens, or Garcinia mangostana, are tropical trees native to Southeast Asia and members of the Clusiaceae family. A thick tree with glossy, large, dark-green leaves and rose-pink flowers, the mangosteen yields fruit that is both sweet and tart with a deep purple color when ripe.
The fruits are round or flattened at the ends, about the size of a small orange. Mangosteens are distinguished by their thick, hard, deep red rind surrounding the white flesh, which is segmented like mandarin orange segments.
The taste of the fruit has been described as a combination of lychee, strawberry, peach, and pineapple (1)
In Southeast Asia, mangosteen has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues.
Today it is considered a “superfood” with the potential to decrease inflammation, defend against cancer, improve immune function, and more.
Read on to learn about its history, plus its fantastic tea health benefits.
History of Mangosteen
It is believed that this fruit was first introduced to the Western Hemisphere in 1855 when it was grown in English greenhouses.
Eventually, it spread throughout several West Indian Islands (including Jamaica) and later to Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama on the mainland.
Queen Victoria is reputed to have awarded knighthoods to those who brought her fresh mangosteens from Asia during the 1800s.
There was a ban on mangosteen in the United States until October 2007 due to fears that it might harbor Asian fruit flies.
Top 7 Health Benefits
Here are 7 amazing health benefits of mangosteen.
Rich Souce of Antioxidants
The unique antioxidant profile of mangosteen may be one of its most notable characteristics.
Various chronic diseases are linked to free radicals, which are potentially damaging molecules. Antioxidants can neutralize the destructive effects of these molecules (2).
A number of nutrients in mangosteen have antioxidant properties, including vitamin C and folate. Additionally, it provides xanthones, a type of plant compound known to have powerful antioxidant properties (3).
It has been demonstrated in several studies that xanthones possess antioxidant properties that contribute to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic effects (4).
Studies like these indicate that xanthones may be the primary disease-fighting antioxidant in mangosteen. However, more research must be conducted on humans to verify these results.
May Reduce Inflammation
In addition to their antioxidant benefits, mangosteen fruit, like the kind found in 8th Wonder Sparkling Oolong Tea, may also help reduce inflammation.
It is normal for the immune system to cause inflammation. This is the body's way of eliminating foreign substances such as toxins, viruses, bacteria, and chemicals.
However, inflammation is sometimes unnecessarily induced. Or, it may persist after the body has neutralized the threat. This condition is called chronic inflammation, and it can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.
There are a couple of ways that mangosteen may help soothe inflammation.
Several studies in test tubes and animals indicate that xanthones have anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce your risk of inflammatory diseases, including the ones listed above (5).
In one study from 2015, 30 participants consumed mangosteen-based beverages every day for 30 days. During the study, the participants' blood was compared to that of 30 participants who had consumed a placebo or a non-mangosteen-based beverage (6).
At the end of the 30 days, researchers measured the C-reactive protein levels of both groups. The mangosteen group showed an average reduction of 46% in levels of this protein compared to the other group (7).
This means that the mangosteen fruit, combined with the other superfoods in 8th Wonder Sparkling Oolong Tea, may defend against inflammation and help support overall health.
Also, mangosteen is high in fiber, which may offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Animal studies indicate that a high-fiber diet may reduce inflammation in the body. However, research on humans is needed to verify these results and discover the exact mechanisms behind fiber inflammation-fighting properties (8).
May Combat Cancer
Mangosteen may also be a powerful cancer-fighting fruit due partly to the xanthone content. As mentioned above, xanthones possess considerable antioxidant properties that can help fight cancer and other diseases.
Mangosteen doesn’t just contain one type of xanthone. Incredibly, this fruit has a minimum of 20 different kinds of xanthones. Most of its xanthones are found in its fruit wall, also called the pericarp.
An animal study conducted by the Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology in Japan in 2008 found that alpha-Mangostin, a specific xanthone from mangosteen, had cancer-preventive properties. The conclusion of this study was that xanthones could be used as a cancer prevention and treatment agent in combination with other treatments to prevent and treat cancer (9).
Indeed, various studies demonstrate that mangosteen may effectively treat or prevent several types of cancer.
For example, according to a 2012 study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the xanthone extracts demonstrated anti-colon cancer effects, while another study conducted by the Department of Pharmacy Practice of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy revealed that mangosteen had been shown to slow prostate cancer growth (10, 11).
Another study published in the International Journal of Oncology in 2016 examined alpha-mangostin's anticancer properties in human breast cancer cells. The researchers observed that alpha-mangostin, an active compound in this fruit, triggered the death of breast cancer cells. At the end of the study, the researchers noted that this particular compound in mangosteen fruit (a-mangostin) might be utilized in treating breast cancer or as a food supplement to help prevent this disease (12).
Other studies indicate mangosteen contains substances that may help fight skin cancers (13).
Many research studies have shown that xanthones may prevent and treat cancer throughout the various stages of its development, including the inception, promotion, and progression stages. Additionally, xanthones have a demonstrated ability to control the division and growth of cancer cells, programmed cell death, inflammation, and metastasis of cancer cells.
May Help with Weight Loss
There is little doubt that mangosteen has the potential to aid weight loss, which is one of its most popular benefits shown in research.
For example…
The results of one study indicate that mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with mangosteen gained significantly less weight than their control group counterparts (14).
A small, eight-week study also showed that people who consumed 3, 6, or 9 ounces of mangosteen juice twice daily had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who drank no mangosteen juice (15).
There is just a small amount of research on mangosteen and obesity, but experts believe its anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to weight loss through increased fat metabolism (16).
More research is needed to determine how mangosteen may contribute to weight loss.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Mangosteen fruit like that found in 8th Wonder’s Organic Sparkling Oolong Tea may even help prevent and manage diabetes due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Several studies have indicated that it inhibits alpha-amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches into glucose.
Indeed, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, mangosteen contains compounds similar to those found in acarbose, a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes (17).
This fruit’s blood sugar-lowering properties are attributed to its tannic acid and, to a greater extent, to oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). Natural plant metabolites known as OPCs are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers, and bark of most plants.
May Improve Cardiovascular Function
Mangosteen fruit may even help with cardiovascular function.
Several animal studies indicate that mangosteen extract reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (18, 19, 20).
The reason for mangosteen’s positive effect on the cardiovascular system may be its antioxidants, especially regarding heart attacks.
Oxidative stress and a deficiency in antioxidants are believed to be contributing factors to the development of heart attacks. Oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize or detoxify their harmful effects through antioxidants.
Using animal subjects, the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany at the University of Madras in India demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative of mangosteen. It is believed that the presence of xanthones, highly potent antioxidants, in this fruit may reduce the risk of heart attacks (21).
May Improve Digestion
Mangosteen also has a positive effect on the digestive system. This fruit is an excellent digestive health food due to its high fiber content.
High-fiber diets promote the regularity of bowel movements and contribute to digestive health (22).
Consuming fresh mangosteen fruit can prevent constipation and all the digestive discomfort associated with it.
In addition, when you consume the fiber found in this delicious fruit, you are also increasing your intake of prebiotics, which are necessary for probiotics to flourish in your digestive system. So remember, taking good care of your digestive system can improve the overall health of your whole body, too, and mangosteen fruit can help.
May Boost Immunity
Mangosteen is a rich source of fiber and vitamin C, both vital to a healthy immune system.
Fiber is an essential component of immunity because it supports healthy gut bacteria, while vitamin C is vital for the function of several immune cells and has antioxidant properties (23, 24).
Mangosteen also appears to contain certain plant compounds that may have antibacterial properties, which could benefit your immune system by preventing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria (25).
Combining fiber and vitamin C may boost immunity, defending against numerous illnesses.
According to a 30-day study involving 59 individuals, those taking a supplement that contained mangosteen had lower levels of inflammation and significantly higher levels of healthy immune cells than those who took a placebo (26).
Nutritional Profile
One serving size (approximately 100 grams) of fresh mangosteen fruit contains an estimated (27):
- 63 calories
- 15.6 grams carbohydrates
- 0.5 gram protein
- 0.4 gram fat
- 5.1 gram fiber
- 7.2 milligrams vitamin C (12 percent DV)
- 0.36 milligram iron (2 percent DV)
- 50 IU vitamin A (1 percent DV)
- 10 milligrams calcium (1 percent DV)
How to Eat Mangosteen Fruit
You can prepare and consume mangosteen easily, although depending on where you live, you may need help finding it. Fruits of this type have a short season, which limits their availability.
You can find it at specialty Asian markets; however, fresh mangosteen can be costly. The frozen or canned versions may be more cost-effective and easier to find, but be aware that canned versions typically contain added sugars.
It is also available in juice or powdered form. 8th Wonder Sparkling Oolong Tea with Mangosteen is an excellent and tasty way to get your fill of this superfruit.
If you are fortunate enough to find fresh fruits, ensure that the outer rind is smooth and dark purple in color. A serrated knife can remove the rind, which is inedible but easy to remove.
Using a serrated knife, score along the center line of the fruit, taking care not to slice through the pulp.
To eat the fruit, just twist off the top half, and you will find the edible sections inside. Ensure that you do not let any juice from the purple rind stain your clothes since it can be difficult to remove.
When ripe, the flesh is white and incredibly juicy. In addition to eating the raw fruit, you can add it to smoothies or tropical fruit salads to enhance the flavor.
Potential Side Effects
In general, mangosteen in its whole form appears safe, and very few adverse health effects have been reported.
However, some risk is associated with more concentrated forms, such as supplements, juices, or powders.
Namely, the xanthones found in herbal supplements have been shown to slow the process of blood clotting (28).
In light of mangosteen's high concentration of xanthones, it may be wise to avoid concentrated forms if you are suffering from a blood clotting condition or are taking a blood thinner.
If you are planning to undergo surgery, you should cease taking mangosteen two weeks prior to the procedure due to its potential to slow blood clotting.
It is also best to avoid mangosteen supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is not enough research to indicate its safety profile for these conditions.
Summary
Mangosteens, or Garcinia mangostana, are tropical trees native to Southeast Asia and members of the Clusiaceae family.
It is highly regarded for its many health benefits, most of which come from its high nutritional profile and antioxidant content.
As a fairly obscure fruit, mangosteen may need help to locate fresh. However, canned, frozen, and supplemental forms are more prevalent.
Many potential benefits are associated with mangosteen fruit. For example, research suggests that mangosteen may help regulate blood sugar, promote weight loss, fight cancer, support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
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References
1- .https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mangosteen#what-mangosteen-is
2- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23675073/
3- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23649258/
4- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28842267/
5- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28842267/
6- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534161/
7- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534161/
8- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27496979/
9- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19325754/
10- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22818000/
11- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22159229/
12- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26892433/
13- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22705325/
14- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26452017/
15- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19843321/
16- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25520256/
17- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17960880/
18- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17994576/
19- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26968378/
20- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25187725/
21- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17994576/
22- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124841/
23- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30487459/
24- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19263912/
25- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25229510/
26- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19697997/
27- https://draxe.com/nutrition/mangosteen/