6 Surprising Health Benefits of Mangosteen Fruit

Mangosteen is not just an average fruit. It’s packed with essential nutrients and antioxidant, making it a venerable superfruit!

Mangosteen is a type of tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and South America. The tree bears edible fruits with purple rind and white, soft flesh. Mangosteen is not as popular as orange and apples in the west, but this fruit is just as nutritious. In today’s post, we are giving you 8 reasons to eat more mangosteen fruit:

1. Packed with Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect healthy cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are reactive molecules that trigger oxidation within the body. Oxidative stress is the precursor to chronic diseases including cancer.

Mangosteen contains a class of antioxidant called xanthones. In fact, the fruit contains two type of xanthones: alpha and gamma mangosteen. Both nutrients work to neutralize free radical damage and reduce inflammation. Xanthones promote a healthy cardiovascular system. These nutrients also cut the risk of degenerative diseases and physical and mental deterioration.

2. Filling but not Fattening

Mangosteen is extremely low in calories at just 63 per 100 grams. The fruit contains zero saturated fats and cholesterol. It’s also low in carbohydrates. Even better, mangosteen will satisfy 13% of your RDA of fiber! Fiber keeps the heart and digestive system healthy. It also promotes weight loss by prolonging the feeling of fullness. It works by expanding in the stomach, making you feel fuller for longer. And you know the drill, if you feel full, you don’t overeat!

3. A Rich Source of Vitamin C

That’s right, mangosteen is an excellent source of vitamin C. Just a 100 gram serving of this fruit satisfies 12% of your RDA of ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and protects from pathogens. When the immune system is strong, the body is more resistant to inflammation, infection and other diseases. Vitamin C also promotes luminous, youthful complexion. This nutrient triggers the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps the skin plump and wrinkle-free.

4. Improves Blood Flow

Did you know mangosteen keeps the red blood cells healthy too? This fruit improves blood flow and oxygenation by dilating the blood vessels. Research shows that improved blood flow cuts the risk of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, heart congestion and chest pains. The vitamin C in mangosteen also boosts blood flow to the eyes, reducing the risk of cataract and improving vision. Also, taking 1000 mg. of vitamin C per day is one of the most effective methods in curbing cataracts.

5. Lowers Cholesterol Level

A diet rich in mangosteen helps reduce the cholesterol level in the blood. The fruit contains beneficial compounds that minimize triglycerides in the blood. Mangosteen keeps the heart healthy, protecting the body from cardiovascular diseases.

6. Protects from Cancer

We’ve mentioned that oxidative stress is the precursor to chronic diseases such as cancer. Also known as “cellular rust,” oxidative stress breaks down healthy cells, turning them into mutated, malignant cells. Malignant cells rapidly reproduce, overtaking a specific organ. Eventually, the mutated cells form a tumor that steals nutrients from the body.

The antioxidants in mangosteen prevent all these from happening by neutralizing free radicals. Research shows that a diet rich in mangosteen helps curb the risk of cancer.