11 Health Benefits of Mangosteen (And How to Eat It)

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is an exotic, tropical fruit with a slightly sweet and sour flavor.

It’s originally from Southeast Asia but can be found in various tropical regions around the world.

The fruit is sometimes referred to as purple mangosteen because of the deep purple color its rind develops when ripe. In contrast, the juicy inner flesh is bright white.

Though mangosteen is a relatively obscure fruit, it shouldn’t be overlooked, as it may offer many health benefits due to its rich supply of nutrients, fiber, and unique antioxidants.

Here are 11 health benefits of mangosteen.

1. Highly Nutritious

Mangosteen provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. These nutrients are important for maintaining many functions in your body.

2. Rich in Powerful Antioxidants

Mangosteen contains vitamins with antioxidant capacity, as well as a unique class of antioxidant compounds known as xanthones.

3. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Plant compounds and fiber in mangosteen may have anti-inflammatory effects according to animal research. More studies are needed to understand how this fruit may reduce inflammation in humans.

4. May Have Anticancer Effects

Test-tube and animal research indicates that xanthones in mangosteen may protect against cancer. However, high-quality human research on this topic is lacking.

5. May Promote Weight Loss

Some animal and human research suggests that mangosteen may play a role in weight loss and obesity prevention. Still, more studies are needed.

6. Supports Blood Sugar Control

Plant compounds and fiber in mangosteen may contribute to reduced blood sugar. Still, current research is insufficient.

7. Promotes a Healthy Immune System

Research suggests that mangosteen may increase your number of immune cells and reduce inflammation — potentially boosting immune health.

8. Helps Maintain Healthy Skin

Research suggests that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in mangosteen may protect skin cells from damage associated with sun exposure and aging.

9–11. Other Potential Health Benefits Mangosteen may also have a positive impact on your heart, brain, and digestive system:

9. Heart health

10. Brain health

11. Digestive health.

Though these results are promising, human studies in these areas are lacking. It’s still too early to make definitive claims regarding mangosteen’s role in supporting brain, heart, and digestive health in humans.

How to Eat Mangosteen

Mangosteen is easy to prepare and eat — though it may be difficult to find depending on where you live. The fruit’s season is relatively short, which often limits its availability.

Your best bet is to look for it at specialty Asian markets, but be aware that fresh mangosteen can be quite expensive. Frozen or canned forms may be cheaper and easier to find — but be mindful that canned versions often contain added sugar.

The fruit can also be found in juice form or as a powdered supplement.

Ref: 11 Health Benefits of Mangosteen (And How to Eat It) (Healthline.com)