by Mike Vincent
A little known fruit from South East Asia may offer a natural remedy for a wide variety of diseases including arthritis, dyspepsia, asthma and eczema. The Mangosteen fruit, once prized by Queen Victoria who offered a reward for anyone who could bring a fresh supply to England, is now sought after by health food enthusiasts, gourmet food buffs, and scientists alike.
The Mangosteen – the scientific name is Garcinia mangostana – is not related to the mango, despite the similar name. It grows only in a small number of countries such as Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, Brazil and India, and attempts to cultivate it elsewhere in latitudes above 20 degrees have failed. Due to limited cultivation and a short shelf life, it is, pound for pound, one of the most expensive fruits in the world.
It’s great taste, which has been compared to a combination of vanilla, strawberry, peach, grapes and grapefruit, combined with its reputation as a healing fruit are behind its popularity among exotic fruit connoisseurs. However, now scientists have identified substances within the Mangosteen fruit that can help to explain why it has been prized as a natural remedy for several diseases.
Many research papers on the fruit have been written, and a particular class of substances, known as xanthones have been identified as the ingredient that may be behind the health benefits of the fruit. Xanthones are a family of nutrients that have been linked to improved health in a number of studies. Mangosteen fruit has around 40 different xanthones and research may help to validate and explain why the fruit has been effectively used by traditional healers to treat a variety of diseases.
Modern researchers are trying to see if the fruit can be used to maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, neutralize existing free radicals, fight minor muscle pain following exercise, support cartilage and joint function and promote a healthy respiratory system.
The key to the healing power of xanthones and Mangosteen fruit products may lie in their anti-oxidation qualities. Anti-oxidant substances inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides.
In the context of your body, any compound that can fight against oxidation protects you from wear-and-tear on a molecular level. According to the U.S. government website, www.cancer.gov, “considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer.”
In case you are wondering where you can pick up this miracle fruit, you will be disappointed if you try to find it in the fresh fruit section of your local supermarket. A limited range of cultivation and a short shelf life make it impossible to ship large quantities beyond the local areas where it is produced. However, you can purchase natural juice blends that contain effective amounts of Mangosteen extract. These Mangosteen products, such as Xango juice, are sold online and in health food stores.
Mike Vincent writes on a wide variety of health issues and manages the websites www.healthy4life.com and www.mangosteenrewards.biz
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