Sweet and fresh, these are 12 health benefits of mangosteen
KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. The mangosteen fruit is a tropical fruit that is rich in benefits. This is the benefit of mangosteen fruit for health.
Mangosteen fruit is a fruit that is found in many Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia.
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In Indonesia, the mangosteen fruit has a number of local names, such as manggu (West Java), manggus (Lampung), manggusto (North Sulawesi), or manggista (West Sumatra).
The mangosteen fruit is loved by many people because of its refreshing taste, sweet and sour.
However, behind that, mangosteen is also rich in nutrients that are beneficial to health.
Mangosteen fruit nutritional content
Launching the Health Line, mangosteen is a fruit that stores many important nutrients for the body.
Mangosteen fruit is also a low calorie healthy food. The following is the nutritional content of mangosteen in 1 cup (196 grams) of ingredients:
- Calories: 143 calories
- Carbs: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 9 percent of the total daily vitamin C requirement
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): 15 percent of the total daily requirement for folic acid
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 7 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 6 percent of the total daily vitamin B2 requirement
- Manganese: 10% of the total daily manganese requirement
- Copper: 7% of the daily total requirement for copper
- Magnesium: 6% of the total daily requirement for 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 fruit provides nearly 14% of the daily amount of fiber that is good for the body.
Benefits of mangosteen for health
Due to its nutritional content, mangosteen is considered to have many health and beauty benefits.
The following are the various benefits of mangosteen that you can get if you eat them regularly.
1. Source of antioxidants
Mangosteen is a source of antioxidants. Just so you know, antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize the damaging effects of potentially dangerous molecules called free radicals, which are linked to various chronic diseases.
Mangosteen fruit contains several nutrients with antioxidant capacity, such as vitamin C and folate.
Apart from that, mangosteen fruit can also provide xanthones, a unique type of plant compound known to have powerful antioxidant properties.
In several studies, the antioxidant activity of xanthones has resulted in anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, and antidiabetic effects.
Thus, the xanthones in the mangosteen fruit may be responsible for many potential health benefits. However, much research is still needed on the benefits of mangosteen.
2. Has anti-inflammatory properties
The xanthones found in mangosteen can play a role in reducing inflammation.
Test-tube and animal studies have shown that xanthones have anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
The mangosteen fruit is also rich in fiber, which offers various benefits. For example, some animal studies have shown that a diet high in fiber can help reduce the inflammatory response in the body.
While these data are encouraging, more research is needed to better understand how the mangosteen fruit affects inflammation and disease progression in humans.
3. Has an anticancer effect
Population studies show that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits such as mangosteen is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer.
Specific plant compounds in mangosteen, including xanthones have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help fight the development and spread of cancer cells.
Several studies have shown that xanthones can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, including those in the breast, stomach and lung tissue.
Likewise, a small number of studies have observed that these compounds can slow the progression of colon and breast cancer in mice.
Although these data are encouraging, more research is needed to better understand how mangosteen has anticancer effects in humans.
4. Helps weight loss
In the health and wellness industry, one of the mangosteen fruit’s biggest claims to fame is its potential to aid in weight loss.
One study found that mice on a high-fat diet that received a supplemental dose of mangosteen gained less weight than a group of mice not given the supplement.
Similarly, in a small 8-week study, people who supplemented their diet with 3, 6 or 9 ounces (90, 180, or 270 ml) of mangosteen fruit juice twice daily tended to have lower body mass index (BMI) than who didn’t do it.
Meanwhile, some experts theorize that the anti-inflammatory effects of mangosteen fruit may play a role in increasing fat metabolism and preventing weight gain.
6. Controlling blood sugar levels in the body
Test-tube and animal studies have shown that the xanthones in mangosteen can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Meanwhile, a recent 26-week study of obese women found that those who received 400 mg of mangosteen extract daily had a significant reduction in insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes.
This condition was different from the group that was not given mangosteen extract. Mangosteen fruit is also a good source of fiber, a nutrient that can help stabilize blood sugar and improve diabetes control.
The combination of xanthones and fiber in mangosteen can help balance blood sugar. However, more research is needed for these benefits.
7. Increase endurance
The fiber and vitamin C found in mangosteen are important for a healthy immune system. Fiber in between can support the work of healthy bacteria in the gut which have an important role in immunity.
On the other hand, vitamin C is needed for the function of various immune cells and has antioxidant properties.
In addition, some research suggests that certain plant compounds in the mangosteen fruit may have antibacterial properties that can benefit health, including boosting immunity by fighting potentially harmful bacteria.
In a 30-day study of 59 people, it was found that those who took mangosteen supplements experienced a significantly greater reduction in inflammatory markers and an increase in the number of immune cells compared to those who did not take the supplement.
The immune system requires many different nutrients to function optimally. Mangosteen fruit may be a healthy choice to include along with other nutrient-dense foods as part of a balanced diet.
8. Helps maintain healthy skin
Skin damage from sun exposure is a common occurrence worldwide and is a major contributor to skin cancer and signs of aging.
A study on mice treated with mangosteen extract found a protective effect against ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation on the skin.
What’s more, a small 3-month human study found that people treated with 100 mg of mangosteen extract daily experienced more skin elasticity and reduced accumulation of certain compounds known to contribute to skin aging.
Researchers confirm that mangosteen’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the main reasons for its skin’s protective effects, but more research is needed on these benefits.
9. Healthy heart
Animal studies have shown that mangosteen extract effectively reduces risk factors for heart disease such as bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
10. Brain health
A study shows that mangosteen fruit extract can help prevent mental decline, reduce brain inflammation, and improve symptoms of depression in mice.
However, more research is needed on the health benefits of mangosteen for brain health.
11. Supports digestive health
Because it is packed with fiber, mangosteen fruit is a good food to consume to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Fiber is essential for digestive health, while a high-fiber diet can help improve bowel regularity. While these results are promising, human studies on these benefits still need to be improved.
It’s too early to make definitive claims regarding the benefits of mangosteen in supporting brain, heart, and digestive health in humans.
12. Regulate blood pressure
Launching NDTV Food, the abundant amount of potassium, copper, magnesium and manganese in mangosteen can help regulate a person’s blood pressure.
Potassium especially, can eliminate the negative effects caused by excess salt intake (sodium).
Taking this mineral is also beneficial for improving heart health by maintaining a normal heart rate and keeping the risk of heart attack at bay. (Irawan Sapto Adhi)
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This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “12 Benefits of Mangosteen for Health”,