Why the Fuss About Mangosteen?

Everywhere you look today, there seems to be buzz about the mangosteen fruit. It is no wonder there is such buzz going on, as the mangosteen is the latest nutritional supplement to hit the market, and, if that's not enough, mangosteen is supposed to be beneficially effective in curing everything from common hives to serious cancers, from asthma to pimples. So, what are mangosteen?

The Tropical Mangosteen Fruit

Mangosteen is a fruit that is produced by a slow growing ultra-tropical evergreen tree. The people in Asia have grown and utilized the mangosteen fruit for centuries, but it is not as easy to grow in the Western world. On average, the mangosteen tree will begin to produce this small purplish fruit at about ten years, and it is these sweet tasting mangosteen fruits that have stirred quite a buzz.

The mangosteen fruit has an exterior shell that encases the inner fruit. The exterior, or hull, is thick, reddish purple and not as hard as it looks, while the inner fruit is white in color. It is the inner fruit that is treasured for its unique and delicate flavor, hence the name "The Queen of Fruit." However, believe it or not, it is the mangosteen fruit's outer shell that contains the most health benefits.

The outer hull of the mangosteen fruit is said to have a bitter taste and is not as good as the sweetness of the fruit it holds inside. The exterior hull also excretes a permanent purple dye. It is this permanent purple dye that has made some Eastern hotels forbid the mangosteen fruit from being on premises. Nevertheless, the mangosteen hull is where you will find the beneficial and richest source of xanthones.

What are Xanthones?

Xanthones are organic compounds that work as powerful antioxidants. It is these antioxidants that repair cellular damage and improve the function of cells. Xanthones are not selective; they are able to interact and work on all the systems of the body. The brain, the heart, the lungs, the immune system, joints and muscles and digestive system all reap the goodness that comes from xanthones. Since xanthones are able to work at a cellular level, they do have strong health effects and are able to work on all bodily cells.

The Benefits of Xanthones Contained in the Mangosteen

The latest buzz and rave is all about the wonderful benefits derived in the mangosteen, but on the flip side, there is an equal amount of skepticism. There are studies and research being conducted in order to separate the scientific evidence from the buzz. Though the results are still in preliminary stages, the early studies are indicating that there is more scientific evidence for the positive benefits of the mangosteen than there is hype. The individual reports that are coming out are clearly reflecting that the mangosteen fruit truly does have powerful and healthy benefits. Since the mangosteen fruit has an anti-allergic effect, it only seems more plausible that it would be helpful for treating hives. There is also an indication that mangosteen may be beneficial in preventing or treating cancer because reports have suggested that people with cancer who have ingested the fruit in some form have shown signs of improvement. There are other conditions that seem to respond well to the benefits of mangosteen and the xanthones they contain like respiratory related ones such as asthma and even allergies. Ointment made from the fruit has been used in the East to treat different kinds of skin conditions such as pimples.

Remember, these claims are still under preliminary testing phase, and though the evidence yielded so far seem to be positive, they have yet to be proven conclusively. At this time, there is still uncertainty with regards to whether or not mangosteen can cure the common cold or cancer. However, there is so much positive information out there reflecting the healthful benefits contained in the high concentration of antioxidants in mangosteen, and this in itself could make you feel healthier.