Information abut mangosteen facts

Introduction

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that originates from South East Asian countries and it often gets confused with mango. It comes from the family of guttiferae and it is a close relative of St. John’s Wort. Mangosteen grows on trees which grow up to 80 feet high. The fruit is purple with white flesh separated into 4 to 8 different segments. Mangosteen can be characterized by its sweet and somewhat tangy taste. It is very popular, due to the fact that it is provided many health benefits. The Mangosteen tree was domesticated in Thailand numerous centuries ago and it actually is its national fruit. It is also known by its botanical name of garcinia mangostana. The European colonists often transported mangosteen back to their homelands. Mangosteen has been an important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 30 centuries and it was a common remedy for various skin problems and infections.

Mangosteen and Health

Mangosteen is an excellent source of more than 40 different types of xanthones which are very rare active compounds that belong to the family of polyphenols. Xanthones are actually in charge of the potent anti allergenic and anti inflammatory properties which are among mangosteen’s most important qualities. Mangosteen is also jam packed with catechins, sterols, proanthocyanidins and polysaccharides which are known for slowing down the process of aging. Mangosteen is very efficient in enhancing the functioning of the lymphatic system because it is rich in flavonoids and flavones. Dried mangosteen rind powder can be used for the prevention and treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. Mangosteen rind contains tannins, it is an excellent astringent and it can be used for the treatment of numerous skin diseases. It also repels insects very efficiently. It can sometimes be purchased in a canned or frozen form.

Mangosteen Facts

Mangosteen is also very efficient in boosting the levels of energy, improving the digestion, promoting the metabolism and aiding the weight loss. It is only lately that the western civilization and medicine have started using mangosteen for numerous medicinal purposes as well. One should always consume mangosteen in its raw form, but fortunately enough, it can also be purchased in the concentrated form or as an ingredient of various food items and products.