13 Health Benefits of Mangosteen and Its Potential Treatments
Mangosteen, a purple fruit resembling a small round grape, offers numerous health benefits due to its abundance of nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances.
Native to Southeast Asia and thriving in tropical climates, mangosteen has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its esteemed therapeutic effects.
This fruit is a noteworthy source of antioxidants and vitamins, known to enhance immunity, combat inflammation, and safeguard against various diseases like cancer. Additionally, mangosteen is a rich fiber source, supporting gut health and regulating blood sugar levels.
1. Low-Calorie Fruit
Despite its low-calorie and low-fat composition, mangosteen provides vital nutrients like proteins, manganese, copper, magnesium, and fiber.
2. Nutrition-Packed
In a single cup (196 grams) of mangosteen, you can find 143 calories and several essential nutrients:
- 35 grams of carbs
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 1.14 grams of fat
- 0.804 grams of protein
- 23.5 milligrams of calcium
- 0.2 milligrams of manganese
- 5.68 milligrams of Vitamin C
- 25.5 milligrams of magnesium
These minerals and vitamins are crucial for maintaining optimal health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, shielding your cells from harm, while B vitamins fuel energy metabolism.
3. Rich in Fiber
Mangosteen facilitates bowel movement regulation, induces satiety, and supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
4. Abundant in Antioxidants
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, safeguarding against cell damage and inflammation. Mangosteen contains vital antioxidants like folate and Vitamin C.
In addition, mangosteen hosts xanthones, antioxidant plant compounds that confer various health advantages, inclusive of lowering inflammation, promoting heart health, and potentially combating cancer cells.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Excess inflammation inflicts tissue and organ damage, eventually culminating in chronic diseases such as heart conditions, arthritis, and diabetes.
Animal studies confirm that xanthones, present in mangosteen, possess anti-inflammatory properties, indicating potential benefits against diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer.
6. Potential Aid for Weight Loss
Preliminary studies suggest that mangosteen may contribute to weight loss. For example, one study showed that mice consuming mangosteen extract gained less weight than those on a high-fat diet. Nevertheless, more human studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
7. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties
Mangosteen’s xanthones exhibit potential in preventing cancer. In several test-tube studies, xanthones have hindered the growth of cancer cells in lung, stomach, and breast tissues.
Population studies have also shown that individuals consuming diets rich in xanthone-containing fruits and vegetables have a lower cancer risk. However, human trials are still necessary to solidify mangosteen’s role as a cancer-fighting agent.
8. Enhances Gut Health
Gut health greatly influences overall well-being, mood, and energy levels. Mangosteen, with its fiber-rich composition, boosts the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and may alleviate harmful gut bacteria with its antibacterial compounds.
Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory properties may also mitigate gut inflammation caused by poor diets, stress, and infections, thereby improving gut health.
9. Boosts Immune System
A 30-day study involving 59 participants showcased an increase in healthy immune cells among those taking a mangosteen supplement compared to those on a placebo.
Mangosteen’s immune-boosting potential stems from its Vitamin B’s, Vitamin C, and essential minerals.
10. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Mangosteen’s fiber and xanthones may aid in regulating blood sugar levels, preventing complications associated with irregular blood sugar.
In a 26-week study, obese women taking a 400-milligram mangosteen supplement exhibited reduced insulin resistance compared to the control group. Fiber and xanthones play a role in improving blood sugar control and stability.
11. Improves Skin Health
Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may protect the skin from the damaging effects of UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn and potentially skin cancer.
12. Enhances Digestive Health
Mangosteen’s fiber content promotes regularity and prevents constipation. Additionally, its fiber acts as a prebiotic, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
13. Supports Brain Health
By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, mangosteen extract may help maintain cognitive function as you age.
While many studies have explored mangosteen’s benefits using test tubes and animals, limited human research exists. Future studies will shed further light on mangosteen’s potential health advantages.
Sources:
Acta Cir Bras: "Evaluation of antimicrobial and antitumoral activity of Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) grown in Southeast Brazil."
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry: "Distribution of major xanthones in the pericarp, aril, and yellow gum of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana linn.) fruit and their contribution to antioxidative activity."
Can Fam Physician: "Health benefits of selected vitamins."
Current Molecular Medicine: "Xanthones from mangosteen extracts as natural chemopreventive agents: potential anticancer drugs."
Food and Chemical Toxicology: "Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.): A comprehensive update."
International Journal of Biomedical Science: "Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health."
International Journal of Molecular Medicine: "Protective effects of compounds from Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) against UVB damage in HaCaT cells and hairless mice."
Journal of Medicinal Food: "Effect of a mangosteen dietary supplement on human immune function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.", "Mangosteen Extract Attenuates the Metabolic Disorders of High-Fat-Fed Mice by Activating AMPK."
Metabolic Brain Disease: "Garcinia mangostana Linn displays antidepressant-like and pro-cognitive effects in a genetic animal model of depression: a bio-behavioral study in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat."
Nutrients: "Mangosteen Extract Shows a Potent Insulin Sensitizing Effect in Obese Female Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study."
US Department of Agriculture: "Mangosteen, canned, syrup pack."
US Department of Agriculture: "Mangosteen, canned, syrup pack."
