Mangosteen

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WHEN you first hear about how the mangosteen benefits people on a variety of health conditions, you may be shocked by the number of health-enhancing properties this exotic fruit provides. As you take a closer look at this 'Queen of Fruits', you’ll find solid scientific evidence behind its many healing properties.

What makes the Garcinia Mangostana L. so versatile in addressing myriad health issues and in promoting health in so many ways?

The mangosteen contains more than 40 biologically active, natural chemical compounds called xanthones.

While they have similar molecular structures, each has its own unique chemical composition that permits it to perform a specific function.

Alpha-mangostin, for example, is a very potent antioxidant. Gamma-mangostin is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Garcinone E is a strong anti-tumour agent. These and the other xanthones found in the mangosteen provide a virtual medicine chest of natural healing compounds that address a wide variety of health issues.

Centuries of mangosteen use have helped Southeast Asians maintain or regain their health and cure their diseases. Traditional Asian healers use the fruit to stop infections, treat inflammation and increase one’s energy among others.

Modern scientists and a growing number of health practitioners now agree on the medical benefits of the mangosteen. They have found that the fruit is helpful in preventing and possibly even stopping a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other chronic ailments.

Those who have taken the time to do their own research on the validity of each health benefit of the mangosteen will find that there is real and solid science behind the 'Queen of Fruits', so-called because of Queen Victoria’s reported preference for this exotic fruit centuries ago.

Our immune system tries to keep trillions of cells in our bodies protected from disease causing toxins, free radicals, viruses, bacteria, fungi and other harmful agents. At times though, our immune system gets overwhelmed.

FULL BLOOM: The mangosteen tree adorned with flowers

Our bodies get sick often because of free radical damage.
Free radicals are unstable atoms with unpaired electrons. When a free radical comes in contact with a stable atom, it steals the electron it needs from the stable atom. This leaves the once-stable atom irreparably damaged and prone to succumb to disease.

Antioxidants counteract free radicals. They have an extra electron that they can share with free radicals. Because of this ability, they are able to prevent free radicals from attacking healthy atoms or cells.

Mangosteens also contain powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters called xanthones, natural chemical compounds which were proven to possess a variety of potent medicinal properties.

Xanthones occupy a special place in the mangosteen’s arsenal of healing compounds. They have been shown to have more potent antioxidant activity than vitamin E, one of nature’s most powerful known antioxidants.

A laboratory test known as Orac (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), for example, showed that an ounce of mangosteen juice provides 20 to 30 times more capacity to absorb free radicals than an ounce of most fruits and vegetables.

The mangosteen also contains other potent natural compounds like catechins, polysaccharides, quinones, stilbenes and polyphenols.

Catechins were discovered to be five times more potent as antioxidants than vitamin C.

Polysaccharides are highly potent anti-cancer and antibacterial plant compounds.They help block a mutated cell’s ability to stick to healthy cells to help stop the spread of cancer and are especially effective against intracellular bacteria.

Quinones are known for anti-bacterial properties and are strong oxidants. Stilbenes in plants defend these plants against fungi.Interestingly, stilbenes also maintain their anti-fungal properties even when ingested. They also are strong antioxidants.

Polyphenols were found to be far more potent as antioxidants than vitamin E, considered one of the most powerful known antioxidants.

List of mangosteen healing properties:
• helps prevent aging
• helps prevent allergic reactions
• helps prevent arthritis
• helps prevent the hardening of the arteries
• prevents or modulates bacterial infections

• helps prevent kidney stones
• helps prevent cataracts
• helps with depression
• helps with diarrhoea
• helps relieve fatigue
• prevents or modulates fungal infections
• helps prevent glaucoma
• helps with inflammation
• helps lower blood fat
• helps in nerve pain
• helps in weight loss
• helps prevent the loss of bone mass
• rich in antioxidants
• anti-anxiety
• helps with Parkinson’s disease
• helps prevent gum disease
• helps lower fever
• Anti-tumour and cancer-preventive
• helps prevent dizziness
• prevents or modulates viral infections
• helps in the protection of the heart
• helps stabilise blood sugar
• helps lower blood pressure
• helps the immune system fight infection

This exotic fruit, used in traditional medicine for centuries, contains some of the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds in nature.

Independent scientific research studies and clinical experience all show the remarkable health benefits of the mangosteen.