Mangosteen, touted as "Queen of the Tropical Fruits" has extraordinary flavor and appearance. It is mostly found in tropical rainforests in countries including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and is also raised in cultivated orchards in India and Sri Lanka.
Mangosteen is known to serve numerous health benefits that all of its parts- bark, juice, rind, twig and the fruit are utilized as medicine for treating various medical complications. It is reported to treat eczema, osteoarthritis, UTI's, tuberculosis, trush, cancer, gonorrhea, menstrual disorders and diarrhea.
Although this fruit has been recognized in Asian countries, in Hawaii and Canada, it has been banned in entering the United States for reasons that it can bring certain flies to the country.
As Bon Appetit reported, this Southeast Asian fruit is not allowed to enter U.S. until in 2007 when ban has been lifted, but still the fruit needs to be irradiated.
According to Nutrition and You, mangosteen is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C that provides striong resistance of the body to fight flu-like infections, and free radicals.
It is also high in B complex vitamins- niacin, thiamin, and folates as well as good amount of minerals including copper, manganese and magnesium.
The use of mangosteen as treatment for many diseases also include its use for treating cancer and it is also noted for its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Do you have anemia or problem with your blood flow? This miracle fruit has the power to improve blood flow by promoting dilation of the blood vessels that avoids debilitating diseases such as high cholesterol, heart congestion, atherosclerosis, and severe chest pains.
Mangosteen is also been known for lowering cholesterol in the body. It also decreases triglycerides thus making your heart healthy.
Most of the health benefits of this fruit are accredited to its antioxidant component xanthone. However, it also contains tannins found in the rind that is known to cure irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and skin problems.
Aside from its health benefits, mangosteen is also low in calories, as it only contains 63 calories in every 100 grams and is a source of fiber providing 13 percent of daily RDA for every 100 grams so it is very healthy to eat.
