Benefit of Mangosteen – Mangosteen, which has the Latin name Garcinia Mangostana Linn, is a tropical plant native to Indonesia. Most of the mangosteen trees in Indonesia are wild plants with a height of more than 10 meters. Mangosteen trees usually start to bear fruit after they are 8-10 years old. Ripe mangosteen fruit has reddish-purple skin while the contents are white. The level of maturity of the fruit is very influential on the quality and shelf life of the fruit. The more ripe, the shorter the shelf life.
Mangosteen Fruit Content
Since ancient times, mangosteen has been popular for its exotic shape and unique fruit taste, but it has not yet touched on its benefits. If we look at the nutritional content, mangosteen is no less competitive than popular fruits such as oranges and apples. The following is the nutritional content of the mangosteen fruit in 1 bowl (equivalent to 196 grams):
- Calories: 143 calories
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Proteins: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 9 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): 15 percent of the daily requirement of folic acid
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 7 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 6 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin B2
- Manganese: 10% of the daily requirement of manganese
- Copper: 7% of the daily amount of copper needed
- Magnesium: 6% of the daily requirement of magnesium
The vitamins and minerals in mangosteen are important for maintaining many body functions, including DNA production, muscle contraction, wound healing, immunity, and nerve signaling. In addition, one cup (196 grams) of mangosteen provides nearly 14% of the daily fiber requirement which is good for the body. Mangosteen fruit also includes low-calorie healthy foods.
Benefit of Mangosteen
After knowing the content of the mangosteen fruit, we will then discuss the benefit of the mangosteen fruit. Here are some of the properties of the mangosteen fruit.
1. As a source of antioxidants, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory
Mangosteen fruit contains a substance called Xanthones, which are phytochemical compounds that contain red substances typical of the mangosteen fruit which have properties such as anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, xanthones also have the potential to strengthen the immune system and nourish and support mental health and the body’s microbial balance and increase joint flexibility.
2. Pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy
One of the benefit of Mangosteen is contained high folic acid which is very good if consumed by pregnant women because folate is needed to prevent neural tube defects in babies
4. Good for digestion
Mangosteen fruit is a food that when consumed can maintain the health of the digestive system. Mangosteen fruit contains fiber which is very important for digestive health, while a high-fiber diet can help promote bowel regularity.
5. Control blood sugar levels
The content of xanthones in mangosteen fruit was found not only to be anti-cancer but also to control blood sugar levels. There are studies that reveal that consuming 400 mg of mangosteen extract every day can significantly reduce insulin resistance. As we know insulin resistance is one of the main causes of diabetes.
Conditions of People Not Allowed to Eat Mangosteen Fruit
1. On an Empty Stomach
According to nutritionists, the best advice for this fruit is not to eat it on an empty stomach due to its high lactic acid content. It is best to eat mangosteen only after eating it as a dessert. Everyone should only eat about 2 to 3 times a week. Each meal should not be more than 1 kg to ensure health.
Eating too much mangosteen can cause some mild allergic reactions like hives, skin redness, swelling, itching, and rashes in sensitive people. It may even cause more serious symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, lips, throat, or chest tightness.
A study by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (USA) found that consuming mangosteen daily for 12 months can cause severe lactic acidosis. This condition occurs due to an abnormal buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea and weakness, which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
2. People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Some research shows that mangosteen can affect chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This happens because some chemotherapy drugs depend on the production of free radicals to destroy tumors. The strong antioxidants present in mangosteen will remove these free radicals and reduce the therapeutic effect of the drug.
3. People with digestive diseases
Some studies show that eating more than 30 grams of mangosteen can cause diarrhea. In addition, eating too much mangosteen can make the symptoms of constipation in people with irritable bowel syndrome worse and cause complications of gastroparesis in people with diabetes.
3. People with polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera is a disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, which increases the number of red blood cells in the blood. Patients with this disease should limit their intake of mangosteen because it can increase the volume of red blood cells.
4. Pregnant and lactating women
This fruit is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. Side effects are insomnia, abdominal pain, muscle aches, lightheadedness, joint pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness. When you notice these symptoms, you should stop eating mangosteen immediately.
5. Benefit Bleeding disorders
Xanthones in mangosteen can interfere with normal blood clotting. It can also interact with blood thinners such as warfarin and cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Due to slow blood clotting, doctors advise patients not to eat mangosteen 2 weeks before surgery as there may be an increased risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Mangosteen can slow blood clotting. Consuming mangosteen might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
6. People who will perform and after surgery
Mangosteen can slow blood clotting. Eating mangosteen might increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Stop consuming mangosteen 2 weeks before surgery.
