Mangosteen is a fruit native to the tropics that is sweeping natural supplement circles. This fruit is found in South America, Asia, Canada, and Hawaii. It is actually known as purple mangosteen. United States customs prohibit the introduction of this fruit in its natural state to this country. This reason is the likelihood of contamination from pesticides and insects indigenous to other countries.
Recent scientific studies conclude that there are health benefits in the consumption of mangosteen. The fruit contains potent antioxidants called xanthones. These antioxidants can be broken down to produce alpha and beta mangostin, and garcinones B and E. These properties are mostly found in the rind, which starts out, green, firm and rough to the touch. The rind or pericarp eventually ripens to a point when a deliberate twist will reveal the tangerine look and peachy textured insides.
It was not easy to find someone in America familiar with the mangosteen fruit until 2002 when a network-marketing outfit called XanGo introduced their product line. Not since the inception of the pomegranate craze and Noni juice made a splash on the mainland has a fruit been so popular. The result of a test tube study involving mangosteen yielded cancer destroying properties. More tests are required before concrete conclusions are made.
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Mangosteen Health Benefits People in countries where mangosteen trees grow used the fruit as a tonic for many years. The plant composition includes: Flavonoids Tannins Xanthonoids Astringents Phytonutrients Flavonoids are the same type of antioxidants ... more
People in countries where mangosteen trees grow used the fruit as a tonic for many years. The plant composition includes:
Flavonoids are the same type of antioxidants found in wine. The astringent properties protect the plant against bacteria, fungus, and plant infestations. However, the U.S. agricultural department had legitimate concern about the Asian fruit fly before 2007 when new techniques were developed to eliminate the concern.
In addition to the cancer claims, mangosteen is known for its alternative medicinal remedies. It is used and consumed in several forms for ailments such as:
In addition, mangosteen is good for the eyes, cardiovascular system, blood sugar and blood pressure. It is also an anti-fungal, and anti-depressant. The list just goes on; moreover, this is what makes it a superfood. Many benefits go hand and hand as connective body functions.
Mangosteen is now found in capsule extract form, in addition to
Manufacturers recommend two to three ounces (50-90 ml) per day for health benefits. Supplement retailers sell mangosteen as a liquid, and suggests one to two capfuls daily with meals. Juice liquids generally sell in 16-ounce bottles. Manufacturers suggest one-half to an ounce serving twice a day. XanGo is the most popular supplier of mangosteen juice.
Tried and true methods of using the “Queen Fruit” are ointments and steeped tea. Powder mangosteen is made from sliced, dried and grounded rind. Lotions and ointments are made for astringents and topical treatment. These are traditional uses familiar in Southeast Asia, in Thailand, Calcutta, Indonesia and surrounding areas.
Because mangosteen is new to the American public, there are not many reviews. On the other hand, this product is very much like acai, Noni, aloe vera and other super antioxidants. After one online researcher studied mangosteen and the data from scientific studies, he concluded that it is just another fruit juice. The problem is the cost charged by distributors.
Most available reviews relate to what distributors charge for mangosteen products. The common question is this: if mangosteen is very similar to pomegranate, then shouldn't there be a similar charge?
The average cost for a bottle of juice can run around $37.00. Network marketers have been accused of selling the product at inflated prices although the mangosteen juice is mixed with other juices. Of course, this could also be a legitimate issue of availability. Prices are often more reasonable on supplement websites.
People who are familiar with mangosteen will inform you of the importance of purchasing 100% organic products. This will eliminate the possibility of ingesting the pesticides so heavily used in Asian countries. Mangosteen ontains the same xanthones as St Johns’ Wort. This lowers serotonin levels as well as an MAO inhibitot. It also acts as a blood thinner and should not be used by those already taking prescribed blood thinners such as Coumadine or Plavix.
Mangosteen has no real side effects other than the possible serotonin and MAO inhibitors and blood thinning properties. Further studies are planned for mangosteen and possible unforeseen interactions. Just because there are no known drug interactive possibilities thus far, this does not override the need to inform your primary care physician if you are taking mangosteen or any other nutritional supplement. Find mangosteen and other nutrition enhancing options by using the comparison supplement finder now!
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