Mangosteen, or Garcina mangostana, is a tropical fruit of the size of an apple. It was reportedly the favorite fruit of Queen Victoria. Mangosteen contains vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, potassium, iron and calcium.
The edible part of the mangosteen is juicy, with a slightly acidic sweet taste, soft, fragrant and has a cream to white colored flesh, whereas the peel is dark purple.
Mangosteen has a long history of use in folk medicine because of its nutritional and medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to relieve the dehydration or diarrhea from dysentery, and as a poultice for cuts.
Mangosteen has been described as antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-allergic, antibacterial, and antifungal food.
One of the most important mangosteen health benefits is its effect on the cardiovascular system. It is believed to be effective in preventing diseases like arthritis, cataracts, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, kidney stones, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, neuralgia and more.
This tropical fruit is high in xanthones, a group of polyphenols at t is largely responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power.
The xanthones show promise in helping to strengthen immune system. Mangosteen also contains catechins, polyphenols and polysaccharides.
The fruit of mangosteen
