What is Mangosteen?
Garcinia Mangostana (mangosteen) is a tropical fruit with a slightly sweet and sour taste. Because of the deep purple coloration of the skin when fully ripe, the fruit is frequently referred to as purple mangosteen. The juicy inside flesh, on the other hand, is a dazzling white color. Though mangosteen is a relatively unknown fruit, it should not be disregarded because of its high nutritional value, fiber content, and unique antioxidants. Mangosteen is a plant that is used in the production of medication. The most common portion of the fruit is the rind, but other parts of the plant, such as the seeds, leaves, and bark, are also utilized. Obesity and bad gum infection are treated with mangosteen (periodontitis). It’s also used to treat muscle weakness, diarrhea, and skin disorders, but there’s no solid scientific proof to back up these claims.
Where it is found?
Its originally from Southeast Asia but can found in various tropical regions around the world.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 143 grams
Carbs: 35 grams
Fiber: 3.5 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin C: 9% of reference daily intake (RDI)
Vitamin B9 (folate): 15% of RDI
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 7% of RDI
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 6% of RDI
Manganese: 10% of the RDI
Copper: 7% of RDI
Magnesium: 6% of RDI
What are its Benefits?
- Highly nutritious
- Rich in powerful antioxidants
- It May have anti-inflammatory properties
- It May have an anti-cancer effect
- May promote weight loss
- Helps maintain healthy skin
- Decrease brain inflammation
- Digestive health.
How to grow it?
- Mangosteen should be spaced 35-40 feet (11-12m) apart.
- And planted in pits that are enriched with organic matter 30 days prior to planting.
- The tree requires a well-irrigated location.
- The Fruit set will be better if the weather is dry right before bloom time.
- Trees should be planted in shade.
How to include it in Your diet?
- Mangosteen is simple to prepare and eat, yet depending on where you live, it may be tough to locate.
- The season for this fruit is relatively brief, which limits its availability.
- It’s best to hunt for it in specialty Asian markets, but keep in mind that fresh mangosteen might be pricey.
- Frozen or canned versions may be less expensive and easier to locate.
- The fruit is also available as a powdered supplement or as a drink.
- If you can get your hands on some, look for fruits with a smooth, dark purple outer skin. The rind is inedible, but with a serrated knife, it can be easily removed.
- When ripe, the interior meat is white and highly juicy.
- For a delightful dose of flavor, consume this section of the fruit raw or add it to smoothies or tropical fruit salads.