Excuse Buster: Eat your mangosteens

PHUKET: Mangosteen is often considered the powerhouse of tropical fruits, and for good reason.

According to an article in the March 2008 issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
“The mangosteen rind, leaves and bark have been used as folk medicine for thousands of years. The thick mangosteen rind has been and is used for treating catarrh, cystitis, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, fever, intestinal ailments, pruritis and other skin ailments. The mangosteen leaves are also used by some natives in teas and for diarrhea, dysentery, fever and thrush. It is also known that concentrates of mangosteen bark can be used for genito-urinary afflictions and stomatosis.”

ANTIOXIDANT POWER

Research has revealed that mangosteens contain a class of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds, known as xanthones. There are more than 200 known xanthones in nature and, amazingly, 20 of them are found in mangosteens, concentrated mainly in the rind. Xanthones and their derivatives have been shown to have several benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Xanthones are an effective remedy against cardiovascular diseases, and also have properties which heal cells damaged by free radicals. This can slow down the aging process, ward off degenerative diseases and prevent physical and mental deterioration.

Mangosteen is also a good source of Vitamin C. As most of us know, Vitamin C helps the body resist infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress, or “cellular rust” which leads to a host of medical conditions.

NUTRITIONAL STAR

Mangosteen contains a great number of minerals, such as copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and folate. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids and helps control heart rate and blood pressure; thus, it offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Folate plays an important role in fetal development and evolution of new cells in the body. This particular vitamin is vital during pregnancy.

Even for those who do not suffer from any health conditions, eating mangosteens and drinking mangosteen juice are great ways to continue a healthy lifestyle by providing delicious, low-calorie nutrition that is also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Mangosteen season is generally listed from May to October, which is the ideal time to enjoy them freshly picked, but for those wishing to benefit from this Thai superstar fruit, mangosteen is available all year-round in other forms, such as a powder.

Craig Burton is a nutritional expert with more than 15 years of experience at the forefront of the health and well-being field. He offers a high-level of his expertise in functional training and nutrition. For more information about Craig and his services, visit thevitruvianmethod.com