Research suggests that the nutrients and other plant compounds in mangosteen may contribute to optimal digestive, heart and brain function. Most fruits, including mangosteen, are low in fat, sodium and calories, helping people maintain a moderate weight. They're also free of cholesterol, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. What are the health benefits of mangosteen? Research reveals that this tropical fruit can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and even fight cancer.
Once again, the results are promising, but three small clinical trials are not sufficient to demonstrate the antioxidant effects of mangosteen in humans. More studies in larger populations are needed to validate these preliminary findings. Overall, mangosteen seems to reduce the inflammatory marker CRP, but there is not enough evidence to conclude that it can help people with inflammatory problems. More clinical trials are needed to determine its possible therapeutic application.
There are many mangostean-based products, including supplements and juices, available to people who want to get the health benefits of mangosteen but struggle to find fresh fruit. If mangosteen isn't eaten raw or in juice form, it's most commonly added to smoothie recipes for a wealth of nutritional benefits. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, there isn't much reliable information to indicate whether or not using mangosteen as a supplement is completely safe, so stay safe and avoid supplemental forms (such as a mangosteen capsule) of this tropical fruit. Since all of the trials tested mangosteen extract in combination with East Indian globe thistle, it is difficult to estimate the specific contribution of mangosteen to the observed effects.
The side effects of mangosteen when taking a mangosteen supplement may include an increased risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Unique nutritional benefits of chemicals extracted from mangosteen peels are being studied. The benefits of mangosteen include its high fiber content but low in calories, as well as having a good portion of vitamin C. With this in mind, you may want to add mangosteen juice to a smoothie or other juice to mask any bitterness and, at the same time, get the health benefits.
Although mangosteen is a relatively unknown fruit, it should not be overlooked, as it can offer many health benefits due to its rich supply of nutrients, fiber, and unique antioxidants. If this is your first time enjoying mangosteen and eating the fruit fresh, keep in mind that some sections may have hard and bitter mangosteen seeds that you will have to spit out. While the most pleasant way to eat a mangosteen is fresh and raw, you can find mangosteen extract in liquid form, in capsules and tablets, as well as in powder and juice. In addition, some research suggests that certain plant compounds in mangosteen may have antibacterial properties that could benefit immune health by fighting potentially harmful bacteria (1).
