Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a South Asian fruit, also known as the "queen of fruits". It is used to treat many health problems in Asia. Its benefits include high fiber, low calories and good amounts of vitamin C.

Studies show that the tropical fruit boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation and, according to some, even helps fight cancer. It has antimicrobial and antitumor abilities and helps treat infectious diseases and cancer.

Mangosteen is purple in color with a sweet taste and a consistency that melts in the mouth like ice cream. It looks like lychee.

Nutritional value

100 grams of fruit contain:

• 63 calories;
• 15.6 grams of carbohydrates;
• 0.5 grams of protein;
• 0.4 grams of fat;
• 5.1 grams of fiber;
• 7.2 milligrams of vitamin C (12% of the daily dose);
• 0.32 milligrams of iron (2% of the daily dose);
• 50 IU vitamin A (1% of the daily dose);
• 10 milligrams of calcium (1% of the daily dose).

Health benefits

Although it has no high nutritional value, the fruit contains some impressive substances, which are responsible for its great health benefits.

One of its most characteristic properties, which is promoted around the world. Can It Really Cure Cancer? Mangosteen has been studied many times and various benefits have been proven in the fight against cancer. The fruit itself is said to contain at least 20 known xanthones, most of which are found in the bark and pericarp.

A study conducted in 2008 at the Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology in Japan showed that mangosteen xanthone, known as alpha-mangosteen, has a preventive effect against cancer in animals. The study concluded that xanthones should be used as a means of preventing and treating cancer, in the latter case, in combination with adjunctive therapies.

A 2012 study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine also showed that xanthone extracts had a positive effect on colon cancer and slowed the development of prostate cancer.

The research does not stop there, in 2016 a study was published in the International Journal of Oncology, which examined the activity of alpha-mangosteen and mangosteen on human breast cancer cells. Studies have shown that alpha-mangosteen induces cell death in cancer cells and thus concludes that the substance in question can be used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of breast cancer.

Skin cancers are also affected by the fetus.

In general, research confirms that the fruit has serious anti-cancer properties and has potential as an anti-cancer drug.

Studies show that mangosteen extract has both anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. The main cause of anti-inflammatory effects are again assigned to alpha and gamma-mangosteen, two specific bioactive substances found in the fetus.

As is well known, most fruits are contraindicated for consumption in diabetes because they can raise blood sugar. Mangosteen in turn normalizes it and helps it stay normal. This ability is due to tannic acid, the oligomeric complexes of proanthocyanidin (OCP). OCPs are natural plant metabolites that are widely available in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

OKP also have antioxidant properties, they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiviral effects.

Mangosteen is a proven home remedy for acne. A study conducted in Thailand compared the fruit with other plants, finding that it has the most significant antioxidant activity and reduces the appearance of acne.

Not only does it cleanse from free radicals, the fruit also fights the causes of acne directly.

Increased oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiency are one of the main causes of heart attack. Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract them and neutralize their negative effects.

A study in India, at the Center for Advanced Studies in Botany at the University of Madras, on animals found a protective effect of alpha-mangosteen on heart health. Powerful antioxidants are useful in reducing the risk of heart attack.

Mangosteen supports many of the vital functions in the body, stimulating immunity.

In addition, it is a good source of Vitamin C, which is one of the most important vitamins for optimal health - fights free radicals, stimulates the production and function of leukocytes, protects the body from infectious diseases.

Mangosteen aids digestion, thanks to the fiber that is part of it. They are an excellent choice if you have digestive problems such as constipation.

The fruit also contains probiotics, which are especially important for increasing the good bacteria in the gut. Do not underestimate the intake of foods that take care of the health of the digestive system.

Contraindications

If you eat fruit, keep in mind that some of them may have hard and bitter seeds.

Do not start taking mangosteen as a supplement without consulting your doctor.

Side effects from supplements may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding in people who are prone to it. It also prevents the blood from clotting, so it is not appropriate to use it before surgery (it is good to stop taking it two weeks in advance).

During pregnancy and lactation there is no reliable information about the effect on the fetus and baby, so avoid consumption.