Mangosteen Juice comes from the mangosteen, a fruit native to Southeast Asia. The mangosteen is known to be rich in antioxidants and xanthones, a chemical found in particular plants, and is therefore often touted as a natural way to help prevent or treat cancer. The fruit itself has an edible white pulp inside surrounded by a dark purplish rind, both of which are typically mashed and blended to make the juice.
Though there haven’t been any large-scale research studies showing that regular mangosteen juice consumption can be an effective cancer treatment, the fruit does exhibit a high level of antioxidants which can improve vitamin absorption and, in turn, boost your immunity. According to the American Cancer Society, early research into the mangosteen suggests that further studies should be done to see if the fruit, rind and all, can help prevent cancer. In vitro research, that is studies done on individual cells in a controlled environment, have shown mangosteen to slow the development of certain cancer cells, but this has not been tested extensively in humans.
Used traditionally as a folk medicine in countries such as Malaysia and Thailand for centuries, others also claim that the mangosteen can help steady an unbalanced digestive system, fight infections such as tuberculosis or dysentery, stave off acne outbreaks, act as an anti-inflammatory, or placate menstrual pain. Taken in many forms, herbal practitioners all over the world will make powder from the rind, create ointments from the pulp, or use the bark and leaves to make medicinal teas. Though little clinical research has been done regarding the effectiveness of the mangosteen fruit and its juices, it has been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce pain, as well as contain antioxidants, which can help battle infections.
The mangosteen and its juice are also famous for having plentiful xanthone extracts, particularily garcinol and mangostin. Preliminary research shows that both of these are effective anti-inflammatory agents, and may inhibit carcinogens, which are cancer causing substances. There are a number of ongoing studies into the effects of the various xanthones and phytochemicals found within the mangosteen fruit, but none of these have been thoroughly tested on humans on a large scale.
So, while there are no recorded ill side effects linked to the regular consumption of mangosteens or mangosteen juice, there also hasn’t been enough extensive research on humans to fully determine the potential health benefits of the mangosteen juice. At the moment, the fruit is noted for its delicious taste and its history as a noted traditional herbal medicine.
Xango – Andrew Goulding’s site contains comprehensive resources on Xango brand mangosteen juice.
Speak Your Mind