The Health Benefits of Purple Mangosteen Fruit

The mangosteen plant is an evergreen, erect tree reaching about 20- 60 ft in height a tree that belongs to the family of Clusiaceae.

Each tree bears several deep purple coloured round shaped fruits, capped with light green calyx at the stem end native to Southeast Asia but also grows in South America and other consistently warm climates.

The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, and somewhat fibrous, with an inedible, deep reddish-purple coloured rind when ripe. In each fruit, the fragrant edible flesh that surrounds each seed is botanically endocarp, which is the inner layer of the ovary.

Mangosteen contains high amounts of several B-vitamins, such as niacin, folate, riboflavin and thiamine and other vitamins and minerals essential for health.

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Mangosteen is a great weight loss food because it is highly fibrous, one serving (100 grams) of fresh mangosteen contains 5.1 grams of dietary fiber, or 20 percent of an adult’s recommended daily intake.

Fiber helps us absorb water from the colon, which makes us feel fuller for longer and as such curb the appetite. It is a natural energy booster, making exercise sessions easier, more enjoyable and potentially longer-lasting.

Diet rich in mangosteen is also helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol in the human body. It helps to control the level of triglycerides to take care of proper working of human heart.

Mangosteen has natural antibacterial properties and antimicrobial compounds, which are highly effective in treating many common skin problems. Acne, skin blemishes, oily skin and dry skin can be cured by the consumption of mangosteen.

It is also beneficial in reducing fever, overcome food poisoning, heal the wounds of the throat, help heal canker sores, fights against bad breath, help reduce migraines (headaches), alleviate toothache, it is a natural sleep aid, improved ability to cope with stress, improves mood and reduce depression, aids muscles and joints.

To get the full health benefits of this wondrous fruit, try juicing the purple skin (this is where most of the health benefits lie).

Note that the taste of juiced mangosteen peel is extremely sour and astringent and thus you will need to juice lots of carrots and apples along with the mangosteen to make it consumable.