My Experience With The Amazing Mangosteen Fruit - Nutritional Facts & Fiction

Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Clusiaceae, of the genus: Garcinia. Scientific name: Garcinia mangostana.

So where does this unique and beneficial fruit come from? Mangosteen grows on a tree found predominantly in Southeast Asia, in countries like Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Mangosteen is an exotic fruit and is virtually unknown in North America because of its ultra-tropical growing conditions. One of the few places mangosteen does grow in North America is Hawaii, where it is extremely expensive. Occasionally, gift companies will ship frozen mangosteen in for use in exotic gift baskets; although, these companies charge a premium price for the fruit.

Unlike most fruits which are harvested several times a year, mangosteen is available to harvest only 2 times each year, making it more expensive and more difficult to obtain than other fruit.

The mangosteen fruit possesses the following three key components: The pericarp (rind), seeds, and the pulp (sweet inner fruit). Xanthones and polysaccharides (the medicinally active ingredients) are concentrated in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit and in very low insignificant concentrations in the pulp. Over 40 Xanthones have been identified in the pericarp.

Mangosteen fruit has been used for thousands of years by millions of people worldwide to control pain, protect against disease, increase energy, as a natural anti-inflammatory, to reduce fever and for a whole host of other medicinal uses.

Although not yet sufficiently proven with enough documentation and research, mangosteen has been used for many conditions. So far, there is not quite enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is truly effective for any of them.

There are many conditions that have said to be improved by supplemental mangosteen, however It is mostly significant in stimulating the overall immune system and improving mental health.

Benefits as a Dietary Supplement:

• High in Antioxidants
• Supports Healthy Immune System
• Promotes Overall Health & Well Being
• Boost Your Energy
• Reduce & Diminish Pain
• Lose weight
• Fight Heart Disease
• Fight Free RadicalsFight Hypertension
• Improve Digestion/Stomach
• Improve Urinary Tract
• Improve Oral Hygiene
• Ease Asthma
• Improve Mental Awareness
• Fight Allergies
• Fight Infections
• Fight Depression
• Female Menstrual Problems

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mangosteen for these uses. However, some people swear by the positive changes they have noticed with regular use.

Although I was interested in purchasing the mangosteen juice, my budget just would not allow it. I find the juice to be somewhat expensive, but it probably is one of the best ways to consume mangosteen nutrients. Right now I have decided to try the freeze-dried mangosteen capsules, as they are fairly cheap and supposedly contain beneficial xanthones just like the juice.

After only a couple of months taking freeze-dried mangosteen capsules, I have honestly noticed a few changes already in my overall health. I will start by letting you know of my poor immune system over the past five years or so. If someone sniffled, sneezed, or even walked by me with the flu, it seemed I would catch it. It was a struggling battle to fight the common cold and every other germ out there that even came within my vicinity. I was always hesitant to go to the grocery store without gloves on, to share paperwork with co-workers, to shake a person's hand. My dramatic success this past winter has been alarmingly noticeable! At one point, nearly everyone around me at work was with some sort of ailment. Doctor's offices were filled with sick patients. Yet, here I was with no viruses. For this reason alone, I will NOT stop taking my mangosteen.

As a chronic sufferer of depression and women's hormonal issues, I have also begun to notice a lower level of pmdd symptoms. However, until further experience while on mangosteen, I will not elaborate on whether or not this is a consistent result of the supplements and not something else. I will post more along that line with time.

My chronic fatigue / overall lack of energy has slowly seemed to show improvement as well, but again, until more time has passed, I will refrain from stating too much on how I believe the mangosteen has contributed.

So far, I have only been experiencing positive change lately, so that is definitely a plus. See for yourself if it helps for you, as this incredible fruit has helped many in its countries of origin.

_{Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of mangosteen during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.}

^{_{*The appropriate dose of mangosteen depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for mangosteen. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.}}

_{Do Your Homework:}

_{Make sure you do your research on where you purchase your mangosteen from. It should be grown without chemicals (no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers). Be sure the company is producing mangosteen that is 100% Pure, High Quality, Clean and Chemical Free.}