Mangosteen Juice – The Natural Health Drink

Mangosteen Juice

The fruit Mangosteen belongs to the family Guttiferae. The juice of this fruit is a lot more recognised as a health drink in countries of North America and Europe. Most of the species found in the Guttiferae are tropical shrubs and trees. They all secrete a yellow resinous juice and Mangosteen is no different. A lot of times people do tend to confuse the Mangosteen with that of a Mango. However they are absolutely unrelated.

The wild Mangosteen fruits are abundantly found in the Malaysian forests. Some historians say that they were probably first domesticated in Burma or Thailand. The seedlings of this tree are extremely sensitive and so are grown only in some parts of Asia and not in the rest of the world although the demand is very high. This fruit is about the size of an apple and is purple in colour. The rind on the outside is quite hard but on the inside is a segmented pulp which is very juicy and delicious to taste.

Uses

For several centuries, Mangosteen has been constantly utilised to make some powerful traditional medicines. Not just the pulpy bit but the entire fruit including the rind was being used for to relieve several diseases and their symptoms. The diseases that were being treated using Mangosteen include dysentery, cystitis, urinary disorders, gonorrhoea, eczema and several more. A decoction made using the root was used to regulate menstruation.

The mangosteen was also used and in several is still used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and several more. What is surprising is that unlike most fruits, the rind of the Mangosteen fruit is a lot more nutritious as compare to its pulp. The primary reason why this fruit is utilised so much is because of the wide variety of antioxidants present in it.

Where to find it?

Mangosteen juice is found in a lot of stores that sell health drinks. A lot of supermarkets stock up on these too. If you can’t find it there and if you live in close proximity of Chinatown then you will definitely find it there. If you still have no luck finding it then you can always get it on several online stores which sell organic juices. A lot of these also give you some great discounts and deliver it right to your home.

What kind of juice to choose?

There are several companies which produce the Mangosteen juice and market them under several false pretexts. Be wise when you choose them. Always do check the ingredient list and make sure that the juice contains minimal added sugar as a lot of companies add a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners to make it a lot more desirable.

A lot of companies do mix the Mangosteen juice with several different kinds of fruit juices as well and that is completely fine. It is basically done to improve the taste and nothing else. However if you do suffer from diabetes then do steer clear of the Mangosteen juice since it will harm you considering all the fruit sugar that it contains in it.

19 Benefits of Mangosteen for health and skin

Mangosteen is an evergreen tropical tree which is believed to have originated in Indonesia. It is also found in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and also in some of the African regions. This fruit has three parts in it. The first is the purple rind; the second is the white flesh which is edible, while the third part is the seed. The flesh has a sweet taste but the seeds are bitter and also inedible.

The health benefits of Mangosteen
The mangosteen juice has long been revered as the queen of all tropical fruits. Filled with nutrients, it helps in normal growth, overall well being and also development. Here are some of its benefits.

1. Antioxidants
Studies have shown that Mangosteen xanthones in them which are a naturally occurring polyphenols. The fruit contains two xanthones in them – gamma mangosteen and alpha mangosteen. These are very effective in the treatment of heart diseases and are also anti – inflammatory.

2. Low calories
Mangosteen contains just 63 calories for every 100 gm and also contains no cholesterol and saturated fats. It also is rich in dietary fibre and hence it may help in weight loss.

3. Vitamin C
Mangosteen is a very good source of vitamin C. Hence it helps in providing resistance against diseases like flu and cold. The folate present in it is very essential for the healthy growth of the foetus and is very vital during pregnancy.

4. Blood flow
Mangosteen helps in the prevention of anaemia. It dilates the blood vessels and hence promotes blood flow and may prevent diseases like heart congestion, atherosclerosis, severe chest pain and also high cholesterol. Due to the increased blood flow to the eye it also helps in the prevention of cataract.

5. Reduces cholesterol
Mangosteen is known to help in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. It also helps in controlling triglycerides and hence may improve the health of the heart.

6. Tuberculosis
Mangosteen contains strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also known to be highly effective in boosting the immune system. It inhibits the bacteria and hence can be helpful in the treatment of patients suffering from tuberculosis.                      

7. Cancer
Antioxidants present in the Mangosteen fruit helps in the prevention of cancer and also other cardiovascular diseases. It is an effective and powerful antioxidant which prevents oxidative stress caused by the free radicals.

8. Blood Pressure
Containing minerals like magnesium, copper and manganese, Mangosteen might help in the prevention of coronary heart diseases like blood pressure and increased heart rate.

9. Anti – inflammatory
Consuming Mangosteen just two or three times every day is known to help in relieving pain due to its cox – 2 inhibitor effects.

10. Alzheimer’s
This disease can lead to symptoms like confusion, difficulty in remembering and perplexity. Regular consumption of Mangosteen is known to aid in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

11. Acne
Consisting of natural antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds, Mangosteen is known to help in the treatment of oily skin, acne, dry skin, and also skin blemishes.

12. Cell repair
Mangosteen contains the highest level of xanthones as compared to any other fruit. Hence it can help in not just repairing the damaged cells but also in protecting them.

13. Body Weight
Mangosteen is helpful in burning fat in the body and hence it is widely used to lose weight.

14. Gum disease
The gel of the Mangosteen fruit is known to aid in the fight against gum diseases like periodontis

15. Menstruation
Consumption of the Mangosteen fruit is known to help in dealing with premenstrual symptoms like hypertension, mood swings, dizziness etc. It also helps in regulating menstruation.

16. Stomach disorders
The leaves and bark of the Mangosteen tree is widely used in the treatment of dystentry, urinary disorders, diarrhoea and thrush.

17. Anti – aging
Aging occurs due to oxidation in the body. Filled with antioxidants like catechins, Mangosteen is helpful in the fight against free radicals and hence prevents oxidation and keeps the body younger for longer.

18. Energy booster
Consumption of Mangosteen is known to increase the energy levels of the body. Its nutrients help in remaining refreshed and youthful.

19. Prevention of viral infections
The xanthones found in the Mangosteen has a natural ability to fight fungal and viral infections. They even help in getting rid of the carcinogens that attack the skin

With such a wide range of benefits, Mangosteen must and should be added to your diet.