Mangostan

Scientific name: Garcinia mangostana

The mangosteen fruit in Costa Rica taste amazing and contains a powerful compound known as a xanthone, which boosts the immune system, provides antioxidant protection, prevent cancer, and contains other powerful nutrients.

In Costa Rica, grows in parts of the country but is in season only 1-2 months a year.

Has achieved a reputation as a fruit or supplement capable of wonders and incredible health benefits, the information presented contains a practical approach to this fruit. Much of his fame comes from a substance which is called xanthone, which has been the subject of research as a cure for cancer.

General Information

The mangosteen tree is delicate after germination may last up to 8 years and over to see the first fruit of the tree, depending on the environment and conditions in which it has grown. When adult height can reach between 8 to 20 meters, it resembles a pyramid shape, densely populated by shiny dark green leaves. Each fruit usually weighs between 80 and 150 grams. With the portion of the fruit that is eatable can be done juice and is relatively small. When mature, takes a dark purple. The exterior is a fibrous material surrounding what is known as arils or the edible portion. Each fruit contains 4-8 aryl of a white color. Some of them contain a seed. There are only a few places in Costa Rica where it grows.

Health Benefits

Without doubt, what has made this fruit in the map above his amazing flavor, are xanthones found in the fruit peel. Is a compound found in few foods and the mangosteen fruit contains more than 40 of them.

While scientific evidence on the health benefits of mangosteen xanthone and is not extensive, just barely begin to discover and study the effects on the body. There are those who claim that xanthone acts as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are good to fight against the destructive effects of free radicals in the body and to fight diseases like cancer.

What other health benefits offered this extraordinary compound?

• It gives a boost to the immune system.
• Can help treat conditions such as allergies, migraines, fatigue, high cholesterol, back pain, infections, cancer and arthritis.
• The fruit has natural, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic and anticonvulsant properties.
• In folk medicine, the rind or pericarp have been used to treat dysentery, bladder infections and skin problems. In this case, is made in the form of powder or supplement and is mixed with a liquid for drinking or for application to the affected area.
• The leaves and bark of the tree have been used in folk medicine to treat sores and diarrhea.
• The fruit also contains good amounts of the following vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

The mangosteen has climbed to the top of the world of fruit and while evidence regarding the benefits to health is still being studied and has to become even more conclusive, this fruit will more and more become popular in the world.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. In all cases we recommend checking with your doctor, therapist or other qualified health professional.

Nutritional Information Mangostan