Mangosteen, commonly known as the "Queen of Fruits", is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a rich deep purple rind and sweet, soft white segments inside that tastes like a blend of peach, mango and pineapple. Beyond its delicious flavor, mangosteen offers tremendous health benefits due to its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutritional Profile of Mangosteen
Mangosteen is low in calories but high in essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. A single mangosteen fruit provides:
- Vitamin C: Nearly 30% of the daily recommended value per fruit. Vitamin C is essential for immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
- Manganese: Excellent source with over 15% DV per fruit. Manganese supports bone health and protein metabolism.
- Copper: Good source with around 10% DV per fruit. Copper plays roles in energy production, nerve signaling and iron absorption.
- Fiber: Around 2 grams per fruit to aid digestion. Dietary fiber is important for bowel regularity.
Health Benefits of Mangosteen
One of the major health benefits of mangosteen is its powerful antioxidant activity. Xanthones in mangosteen have been shown to:
- Reduce inflammation: Studies suggest Mangosteen may help reduce inflammatory markers implicated in diseases. The xanthones exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
- Protect brain health: Animal research links mangosteen intake to reduced age-related cognitive decline and better memory retention. Xanthones may prevent neurological damage.
- Support heart health: Test tube studies indicate mangosteen may help reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol oxidation and protect cardiovascular health. However, human trials are still needed.
- Fight cancer: Preliminary cell and animal research points to mangosteen's potential as an anticancer agent effective against various tumor cells. However, more research is required.
- Boost immune function: Mangosteen's high vitamin C content and xanthones are thought to improve immune defenses against pathogens. This may shorten duration of illnesses.
Growing and Harvesting Mangosteen
Mangosteen is primarily grown in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia,Indonesia, and the Philippines, which jointly produce over 90% of the world's mangosteen supply.
The mangosteen tree grows to 33–100 ft tall. Its fruiting season varies by location but generally spans April to September in the Northern Hemisphere. Mangosteens are rain-forest trees that require high humidity, rainfall and fertile soil to thrive.
Ripe mangosteens have a purplish-black rind and yield to gentle pressure when ready to be picked. The segments inside are surrounded by a whitish, thick pith that is usually discarded before consuming the segments. Mangosteens have a storage life of 1-2 weeks when kept in the refrigerator.
For more details on mangosteen cultivation, harvesting practices, post-harvest handling and commercialization, refer to the article published on Coherent Market Insights.
Beyond being eaten fresh, mangosteens are also processed into various value-added products such as juices, concentrates, extracts, freeze-dried powders and supplements to leverage its health benefits.
The global mangosteen market is growing steadily driven by rising consumer awareness about its nutrition and medicinal properties. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market with Thailand as a major producer. However, increasing demand from Western countries is driving accelerated production in other tropical regions as well. While the fresh fruit market grows moderately, processed mangosteen products especially supplements are gaining widespread popularity worldwide supported by clinical research on its therapeutic potentials. Though still in early stages, the promising health attributes of mangosteen position it for sustained market expansion in the future.
Get More Insights On Mangosteen
https://www.exoltech.us/blogs/242762/The-Global-Rise-of-Mangosteen-From-Tropics-to-Superfood-Stardom
About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
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