Mangosteen: The tropical fruit taking the health world by storm

The most popular variety of mangosteen has a hard purple skin. Beneath it is a white pulp that tastes different to everyone. Some say it resembles apricot, others orange, strawberry, pineapple, or lychee. Unfortunately, this fruit is quite demanding when it comes to transportation. Cold storage lasts only a few days, so if you find mangosteen in a store, consume it as soon as possible. Is it worth it? The biggest pharmaceutical companies are competing for mangosteen extract.

The fruit naturally occurs in Borneo and the southern part of the Malay Peninsula. However, the cultivation of this evergreen tree has spread to Southeast Asia and northeastern Australia. Fat is extracted from mangosteen seeds to produce soap. The wood is used in carving, and tannin is produced from the bark. This tannin is utilized in the food, medical, and industrial sectors, as well as leather tanning.

The pulp and peel of mangosteen contain antioxidants called xanthones, which have strong effects on cell renewal and slow aging. Extract from the peel mangosteen is used to produce cosmetics and dietary supplements that help with skin problems, soothe inflammation, and accelerate wound healing. Scientists also see potential for cancer treatment in it.

Consuming mangosteen pulp counteracts heart diseases by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The fiber it contains is also helpful for weight loss. Despite the high content of simple sugars, this fruit aids in synthesizing and storing glycogen in the liver. In the intestines, fiber forms a kind of gel that provides a feeling of fullness.

The fruit, rich in xanthones, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation is a common cause of joint pain and cartilage degeneration, some studies also indicate analgesic properties. Moreover, mangosteen contains a large amount of vitamin C necessary for collagen production. Collagen is the protein that builds connective tissue and is responsible for proper joint function.

The best fruits to eat are mature ones with nearly black skin that yields to the pressure of a finger. To access the sweet white pulp, gently cut the fruit halfway, splitting it into two halves. Then, separate the skin, careful not to damage the center. Remove the individual segments and discard the brown seed in the center.

The fruit is not suitable for thermal processing. It can only be eaten raw. It is excellent as a standalone snack and in colorful fruit salads. Add mangosteen to a smoothie or squeeze the juice out of it. If you like, combine it with other tropical fruits, like pineapple, papaya, or mango.