- 1. Mangosteen helps improve insulin sensitivity.
- 2. Eating mangosteen reduces fatigue during exercise.
- 3. Mangosteen extract prevents gum disease.
- 4. Provides antioxidants
- 5. May have anti-cancer effects.
Mangosteen contains over 80 different vitamins. This fruit is considered a "superfruit" due to its components. Mangosteen has a high content of polyphenols , compounds found in plants that are beneficial for many functions. Below are some positive changes in the body when regularly eating mangosteen:
1. Mangosteen helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Mangosteen extract may enhance insulin sensitivity , helping the body respond better to insulin. This hormone is crucial in transporting glucose from the blood into cells for energy production.
One study showed that supplementing with 400 mg of mangosteen daily for 26 weeks reduced insulin levels in obese women in a clinical trial. Participants took mangosteen extract capsules in addition to adhering to a calorie-restricted diet, engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, and meeting with a nutritionist monthly.
2. Eating mangosteen reduces fatigue during exercise.
Physical fatigue during exercise is the inability to maintain the intensity or force required for physical activity. Muscle fatigue can be caused by unstable reactive molecules or the buildup of lactic acid. Mangosteen may reduce physical fatigue during exercise due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent the production of unstable reactive molecules.
Mangosteen is a very popular fruit because of its delicious taste, and is known as the "queen of fruits".
3. Mangosteen extract prevents gum disease.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is an infection and inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
In one study, the severity of gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) or early-stage periodontitis improved with supplementation of 195 mg of mangosteen extract and propolis. Propolis is a gel-like substance produced by bees that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Another study observed that a topical gel containing 4% mangosteen, when injected into the gingival pockets, reduced plaque and bleeding associated with periodontitis.
Oral supplements and topical gels containing mangosteen improve the severity and symptoms of gum disease. Researchers attribute the beneficial effects of mangosteen on gum disease to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties .
4. Provides antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize harmful molecules (free radicals) that contribute to the development of chronic diseases. If there are more free radicals than antioxidants in the body, it leads to cell damage and inflammation. The strong antioxidant activity of mangosteen is due to the alpha- and beta-mangostin xanthones. Alpha-mangostin inhibits the production of inflammatory molecules. Note that these results were observed in preclinical experiments or cell studies.
Studies suggest that consuming mangosteen products such as juice increases antioxidant levels in the body. However, it remains unclear whether this increase provides health benefits or has clinical significance.
5. May have anti-cancer effects.
Due to its antioxidant activity, mangosteen has attracted attention as a potential adjunct in cancer treatment. Numerous in-tube and animal studies have shown that alpha-mangostin inhibits the spread and growth of cancer cells , particularly colon and breast cancer.
One study suggests that compounds in mangosteen may inhibit cellular receptors responsible for the secretion of anticancer drugs from cancer cells. This could allow more drugs to accumulate in these cells. Therefore, combining mangosteen supplements with anticancer drugs may increase the effectiveness of specific cancer treatments. However, further research is needed.