10 Interesting Facts about Mangosteen
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Exotic Superfruit: Mangosteen, hailed as the “Queen of Fruits,” is an exotic, tropical superfruit celebrated for its unique flavor.
- Purple Perfection: With a thick, purple rind, mangosteen houses segments of juicy, sweet, and tangy white flesh, creating a taste sensation.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Beyond its delicious taste, mangosteen packs a nutritional punch, containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health.
- Traditional Medicine: Revered in traditional medicine, mangosteen is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, contributing to holistic well-being.
- Limited Cultivation: Despite its popularity, mangosteen has limited cultivation outside tropical regions, adding to its allure as a rare and coveted fruit.
- Culinary Versatility: From refreshing juices to exotic desserts, mangosteen’s versatility in culinary creations makes it a prized ingredient globally.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits
- 2. Mangosteen is rich in powerful antioxidants
- 3. Mangosteen may have anti-inflammatory properties
- 4. Mangosteen may have anti-cancer properties
- 5. Mangosteen may have anti-diabetic properties
- 6. Mangosteen may have anti-obesity properties
- 7. Mangosteen may have anti-microbial properties
- 8. Mangosteen may have anti-allergic properties
- 9. Mangosteen may have anti-depressant properties
- 10. Mangosteen is good for various uses
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Introduction
Mangosteen is a fruit that may not be very familiar to many Singaporeans, but it deserves more attention for its amazing nutritional value and delicious taste. This purple fruit with white flesh is native to Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine. In this article, we will share 10 interesting facts about mangosteen that will make you want to try it for yourself.
1. Mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits
Mangosteen has earned the nickname of the queen of fruits because of its exquisite flavor and appearance. Some people say that it tastes like a combination of strawberry, peach, and vanilla ice cream. The fruit has a thick purple rind that protects the soft white segments inside. Each segment contains a seed that is bitter and inedible. The number of segments corresponds to the number of petals on the flower at the bottom of the fruit.
2. Mangosteen is rich in powerful antioxidants
One of the main reasons why mangosteen is considered a superfruit is because of its high content of antioxidants, especially xanthones. Xanthones are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic properties. They can help protect the body from oxidative stress, inflammation, and infections. Mangosteen also contains other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols.
3. Mangosteen may have anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to various diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Mangosteen may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and prostaglandins. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, asthma, and periodontitis.
4. Mangosteen may have anti-cancer properties
Cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can be caused by various factors, such as genetic mutations, environmental toxins, viruses, and chronic inflammation. Mangosteen may have anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, preventing angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) in tumors, and enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can inhibit the growth of breast, colon, prostate, and skin cancer cells in test tubes and animals.
5. Mangosteen may have anti-diabetic properties
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body cannot produce or use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It can lead to complications, such as nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease. Mangosteen may have anti-diabetic properties by improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar levels, and preventing oxidative damage to the pancreas. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) in people with type 2 diabetes .
6. Mangosteen may have anti-obesity properties
Obesity is a condition that occurs when the body stores excess fat, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Mangosteen may have anti-obesity properties by inhibiting the formation of new fat cells, stimulating the breakdown of existing fat cells, and suppressing appetite. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can reduce body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) in overweight or obese people .
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7. Mangosteen may have anti-microbial properties
Microbes are microscopic organisms that can cause infections or diseases in humans, animals, or plants. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Mangosteen may have anti-microbial properties by interfering with the growth or function of these organisms. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can inhibit the activity of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Escherichia coli, viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), fungi such as Candida albicans, and parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum (the cause of malaria).
8. Mangosteen may have anti-allergic properties
Allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, food, or drugs. They can cause symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, swelling, and rashes. Mangosteen may have anti-allergic properties by blocking the release of histamine and other mediators of allergic inflammation. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
9. Mangosteen may have anti-depressant properties
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. It can also affect appetite, sleep, energy, and concentration. Mangosteen may have anti-depressant properties by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that regulate mood, emotion, motivation, and cognition. Some studies have shown that mangosteen extract can improve depressive symptoms in people with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
10. Mangosteen is good for various uses
Mangosteen is not only a nutritious and delicious fruit, but also a versatile ingredient for various culinary and cosmetic purposes. The fruit pulp can be eaten fresh or processed into juices, jams, jellies, syrups, ice creams, yogurts, smoothies, and candies. The fruit rind can be used to make tea, vinegar, dye, soap, shampoo, lotion, and cream. The fruit seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack or ground into flour for baking3. The fruit flowers can be used to make perfume or honey.
Conclusion
Mangosteen is a fruit that has many benefits for your health and well-being. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It may help prevent or treat various diseases and conditions, such as inflammation, cancer, diabetes, obesity, infections, allergies, depression, and more. It is also a tasty and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I find mangosteen easily in Singapore?
A: While mangosteen is available in Singapore, its seasonal nature means availability may vary; check local markets for the freshest options.
Q: Are there specific health benefits associated with mangosteen in traditional medicine?
A: Mangosteen is traditionally valued for potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties; consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Q: How can I incorporate mangosteen into my diet?
A: Experiment with mangosteen in various recipes – from fruit salads to smoothies – to enjoy its unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
Q: Are there any local events or festivals in Singapore celebrating mangosteen?
A: Stay tuned for local fruit festivals or markets that may highlight mangosteen, providing opportunities to explore and indulge in this exotic fruit.
Q: Can mangosteen be grown in home gardens in Singapore?
A: While mangosteen trees thrive in tropical climates, cultivating them at home might be challenging; consider local gardening experts for advice.
Q: What’s the best way to select and store mangosteen for optimal freshness?
A: Choose mangosteens with a vibrant purple color and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and flavor.
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