What is Mangosteen?

The mangosteen, scientific name Garcinia mangostana, is an evergreen tree which thrives in tropical climates. Nicknamed the "Queen of Fruits", the mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia, and grows most prolifically in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and the Philippines.

The mangosteen is a temperamental tree, requiring high atmospheric humidity, ample rainfall, and moderate temperatures. Attempts at cultivation in less than ideal circumstances have been largely unsuccessful, making the mangosteen's desirability that much greater. There is a story that Queen Victoria offered a cash reward to anyone who could deliver mangosteen to her. No one was able to fulfill her request.

The mangosteen tree can attain heights of 20 to 80 feet when mature, and bears tangerine-sized fruit. The reddish-purple rind is rather soft and easy to break apart. The edible part of the fruit is bright white and segmented, much like an orange, and may contain zero to 5 seeds. Highly revered for its exquisite taste, the fruit is said to be very sweet and tangy, with hints of strawberry, peach, and vanilla.

It is illegal to import fresh mangosteen fruit into the U.S. due to the threat of introducing the Asian fruit fly. Because of this, imported fruit can only be canned or processed. Unfortunately, it is believed that the canned fruit is not as flavorful as its fresh counterpart.

In the U.S., the fruit's juice and extract powder are steadily gaining popularity as powerful nutritional supplements due to its high antioxidant content. Mangosteen has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, Anti-histamine and anti-tumor properties, and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as antioxidant polyphenols, calcium, iron, phosphorous, polysaccharides, potassium, stilbenes, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Recommended Links:

Mangosteen Health Tree - Buy 100% Pure Mangosteen Tea and Capsules! Natural Health Supplements for Every Member of the Family - From hygiene, health, and wellness, we've got it all.

Disclaimer: Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.