Mangosteen is Davao’s Queen of Fruits. It is a round fruit with thick purple colored skin which is opened to reveal a white sweet-sour fruit. Mangosteen season usually runs from May to November. Now is the right time to maximize this fruit’s health benefits while it is cheap and widely available. Here are 3 reasons why you should add Mangosteen into your diet:
1. It has unique anticancer properties. Mangosteen contains α-mangostin, a component of xanthone found in the mangosteen pericarp (the fruit’s thick skin) extract. It has anticancer properties against gastric, cervical, colorectal, liver and breast cancer cell lines. Its anticancer properties are attributed to its numerous antioxidants which may also aid in cancer and disease prevention.
2. It has antimicrobial properties which can help fight against skin infections and diarrhea. Mangosteen fruit extract has shown antibacterial properties against bacteria that commonly causes skin infections such as boils (pigsa) and diarrhea. Adding mangosteen into your diet may help in the prevention of bacterial infections or help you fight bacterial infections together with appropriate medical management.
3. It is low in sugar and has antidiabetic properties. A Phillippine survey in 2017 suggested that the consumption of mangosteen tea (pericarp) or raw fruit may potentially improve diabetes control. Two types of xanthones found in Mangosteen have prevented the formation of glycation end products which are formed due to high blood sugar levels. One serving of Mangosteen (2 pcs or 55 grams) only contains 46 calories or 10 grams of carbohydrates which is just ⅓ of the carbohydrates found in ½ cup of white rice. Thus, mangosteen is a suitable fruit for diabetic individuals.
In summary, Mangosteen is a low-calorie fruit that contains antioxidants that has anticancer, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties. Having a balanced diet with a variety of food choices will help you achieve your daily nutrient needs. Try having at least one serving or 2 pieces of Mangosteen in your next meal and take advantage of its health benefits!
References
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Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (1997). The Philippine Food Composition Tables of 1997.
Mina, E. C., & Mina, J. F. (2017). Ethnobotanical survey of plants commonly used for diabetes in tarlac of central luzon Philippines. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 16(1).
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