"Efusjon Breeze Spotlight Fruit: Mangosteen"

Mangosteen Fruit

Though it’s been around for literally thousands of years, the mangosteen fruit is not commonly known the world over.

Typically grown in southeast Asia and other tropical climates, its taste is beyond compare. Containing a dark purple rind and boasting a sweet white pulp, it is roughly about the size of a tangerine. Delicious as it is functional, the mangosteen fruit is rich in xanthones, which may promote healthy bodily function.

In addition, each serving of mangosteen contains up to 5 grams of fiber.

"The mangosteen outranks in delicacy, if not all other fruits in the world, certainly all others of the tropical zone. I admit it is a joy to the eye as well as to the palate to feast on mangosteens." — David Fairchild, PhD., agricultural explorer, botanist and author.


Among the powerful phytonutrients found in the rind of the mangosteen, xanthones stand alone in their impressive benefits. Scientific studies suggest xanthones may promote healthy bodily function. The whole mangosteen fruit, packed with naturally occurring xanthones, may help:

• maintain intestinal health*
• support the immune system*
• neutralize free radicals*
• support cartilage and joint function*
• promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system*
• 
  

Xanthones in Mangosteen
Researchers have identified dozens of biologically active xanthones in the mangosteen fruit. Today, researchers are just beginning to uncover the powerful scientific properties behind the mangosteen fruit.

What are Xanthones? Xanthones are:

• A unique class of biologically active compounds possessing numerous bioactive capabilities — such as antioxidant properties.
• A restricted group of plant polyphenols, biosynthetically related to the flavonoids.
• polyphenol – a group of plant chemical substances characterized by the presence of more than one phenolic group. Polyphenols are responsible for the color of some plants and are considered strong antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• flavonoid – over 5,000 naturally occurring flavonoids have been characterized from various plants. The beneficial effects of plant-derived food are often attributed to flavonoid compounds, rather than known nutrients, as they show a wide range of biological effects.
• Chemically speaking, planar-six carbon molecules in a conjugated ring system consisting of a backbone molecule and various chemical groups attached to it. The backbone consists of two benzene rings bridged through a carbonyl group and oxygen. Each ring is connected in a fused formation not allowing free rotation about the carbon-carbon bonds. This unique backbone along with type and position of the attached chemical groups define specific functionalities (properties) of xanthones.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

PHYTONUTRIENTS

Derived from the Greek word phyto (plant) and nutrient (a constituent of food necessary for normal physiological function), phytonutrients—also known as phytochemicals—are natural, bioactive compounds found in plant foods. Fruits and vegetables rich in phytonutrients include the mangosteen, papaya, spinach and others.

Most phytonutrients overlap and complement one another, boasting complete benefits that include antioxidant effects and immune system support*. In short, specific phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables work together with other nutrients to protect your health.
More than 900 different phytonutrients have been found in plant foods. Many have been just recently isolated, while others remain undiscovered. These protective plant compounds are an emerging area of health and nutrition.The strongest and most researched phytonutrients of the mangosteen are its xanthones.

Antioxidant Properties

The whole mangosteen fruit contains powerful antioxidants—compounds that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides. Antioxidants are known for their ability to protect the body from the deteriorating effects of free radicals.

Free Radicals: A constant in our food, air and environment, free radicals invade our bodies every day. Free radicals (or compounds that seek an electron in order to become atomically balanced) attack our cells, stealing electrons from any substance they come in contact with. By removing electrons from healthy compounds, free radicals inflict damage—often known as oxidation—which is irreversible.

Antioxidants Can Help

The good news? Antioxidants, like the ones every mangosteen fruit has, preempt free radical damage by donating the needed electron and balancing the substance, rendering the free radical harmless.



MANGOSTEEN TREE

While the name hints at the well-known mango, the mangosteen and its corresponding tree should not be confused with that popular fruit. The tree that bears the mangosteen is as unique as its fruit. Here, then, are some fast facts to back that up:

• Grows 20 to 80 feet tall.
• Its bark is a dark brown (nearly black) color.
• Has short, thick and leathery evergreen leaves and 12" wide flowers that grow in clusters of 3-9 at its branch tips.
• Takes two or more years for the tree to reach 12" in height.
• Widely believed that they originated in the islands of Sunda and Molucca (in the East Indies).
• The first fruit harvest may take place 7-9 years after planting, but most take place in the first 10-20.
• The average yield of full-grown trees is 500, but some trees yield as many as 5,000 ripe mangosteens.
• Some trees provide fruit for up to 100 years.
• The mangosteen tree is "ultra-tropical" and can't tolerate temperatures below 40°F or above 100°F. All attempts to grow the trees in locations north of 20° latitude have failed.