Mangosteen and the properties of Garcinia mangostana

The mangosteen is a fruit native to Asia and some countries in the Americas. This exotic fruit is widely used for its various health and nutrition properties. It can be consumed as juice, used in different recipes, or purchased in the form of Garcinia Mangostana bark extract.

It is known as mangostino and mangostao. All these names refer to the same fruit.

Mangosteen, Garcinia Mangostana, or Mangostino

It is a guttiferous fruit native to Indonesia and Thailand, but it grows in Asia and South America. It belongs to the Garcinia Mangostana family and has nutritive properties, health benefits, and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mangosteen can be used for various purposes, but before consuming any products made from this type of Garcinia, it is important to understand its nutritional benefits.

Properties of Mangosteen

• Good source of carbohydrates.
• Contains a large amount of water.
• Rich in potassium.
• Contains fiber.
• Sweet flavor.

It is not one of the fruits with the highest carbohydrate content, but we can say it has a medium value. So, people who are looking for a food to lose weight should avoid Garcinia Mangostana or mangosteen. It provides a good number of calories that can be beneficial for children and athletes, but it should be considered by sedentary individuals.

Another of the characteristics of mangosteen is its high water and potassium content. This makes it effective if you want to counteract the effects of a diuretic. As these diuretics deplete potassium from the body, consuming mangosteen helps replenish the necessary levels for muscle health. The water helps balance the body’s cells, providing the necessary liquid both around and inside them. This property is beneficial for all organ functions, skin, tendons, etc. Potassium is essential for maintaining a balanced nervous system, ensuring normal function, and stable nerve impulses.

In terms of digestion, it helps improve intestinal transit. Its fiber content speeds up food absorption and ensures greater regularity, preventing constipation.

Uses

To take care of the health of the arteries, circulatory system, and heart. And all of this in a simple way. You can prepare different recipes. Some of them are sweet juices with a very rich exotic touch or add mangosteen to salads. It can also be cooked to appreciate other culinary qualities.

Children tend to like it a lot because of its flavor. Athletes benefit from an extra energy source, and in general, most people find both its flavor and scent pleasant.

Due to its nutritional properties, it is considered an optimal food for patients who need to improve their nutrient intake. Some of them have intestinal disorders due to the fiber it contains, and others need an extra nutrient boost and look for a easily digestible and simple-to-swallow product.

It can also be included in low-sodium diets as it contains very little sodium. You can consume it if you have high blood pressure or problems with blood vessels.

Garcinia for Weight Loss

Although it belongs to the same plant family and you might confuse them by name, it is important to differentiate the uses of garcinia cambogia plus and mangosteen. The first is Garcinia gummi gutta, which has the highest amount of hydroxycitric acid, and is used for other purposes like reducing appetite and aiding in weight loss. In contrast, incorporating mangosteen into your diet is for nutritional purposes or to improve health. Its high potassium content, fiber, and vitamins make it unsuitable for weight loss, and you should focus on its health benefits if you decide to purchase it.

Once we understand how beneficial it can be and the differences it has from other garcinias, let’s see who should consume it and who should avoid it.

Contraindications

• Kidney failure.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity or excess weight.
• Weight loss.

It is important to note that it contains a lot of natural sugars, which can interfere with the health of diabetic individuals. Additionally, since mangosteen has a high potassium content, if you suffer from kidney failure, you should avoid it, or at least be cautious.

If you’re on a diet, want to control your weight, lose weight, or are obese, it is better to consume other products with fewer calories. Although mangosteen juice is very delicious, it won’t be suitable if you’re looking for a low-carbohydrate source.

If you are using a supplement, it is always advisable to consult with a nutritionist or a health professional.

Mangosteen Juice, Capsules, or Fresh

You can consume it in different forms, and with each of them, you’ll discover a good reason to prepare it. If you have the option of buying fresh mangosteen, it’s worth trying it this way at least once, although in some countries it is hard to find.

On the other hand, buying mangosteen juice is much easier, more affordable, and more convenient. Nowadays, you can purchase it from various online stores that sell nutritional products and health care items. There are several excellent brands available at good prices and with great quality. Like the mangosteen juice we purchased for the blog.

The option of tablets or capsules can also work well, but of course, in this format, you lose all the organoleptic properties. However, it is a very simple, healthy, and convenient way to take it. That said, the properties are much stronger since mangosteen in capsules is commonly made with Garcinia Mangostana bark extract. So, consuming it this way provides much stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

In summary, if you want to enjoy the flavor, take it fresh. If you’re looking for a natural, organic product with properties like improving arteries and the circulatory system, protecting the heart, or relieving fatigue, you can try a delicious juice or, instead, opt for the tablets. Just remember to control the dosage when taking it this way.ts are needed!