Believe it or not, the answer to this question is actually yes. In fact, mangosteen has been shown to boost the body’s metabolism and burn calories more efficiently than many other fruits and vegetables. This star ingredient is often found in Asian grocery stores and supermarkets, and it can be a great addition to your diet if you’re looking to shed a few pounds.
Why Is It Good For You?
Unlike other types of fruit, mangosteen does not contain high levels of sugars or starch. Instead, it’s full of antioxidants and nutrients that support your body’s health. One cup of the fruit contains about 80% of the daily value of vitamin C and 25% of the daily value of vitamin A. In addition, it offers sizable amounts of vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and B6 (pyridoxine). Thiamin helps to maintain good heart health, while vitamins B1, B2, and B6 play a crucial role in the body’s energy metabolism. This means that as you eat more mangosteen, you’ll experience increased energy levels and a corresponding boost in your physical fitness.
Mangosteen is also a great source of fiber and carbohydrates. A single cup of the fruit offers 5.5 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of fiber. Together, these nutrients provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods may also help to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and fight against the development of heart disease and diabetes.
How Many Cups Should You Eat?
According to research, approximately 16 oz. of fresh or frozen mangosteen should be consumed daily. However, you may eat as much as you want without worrying about weight gain. Just keep in mind that large quantities of this fruit can cause digestion issues for some people. If you have allergies or sensitivities to fruits, you may want to avoid eating large amounts of mangosteen.
When Should You Eat It?
Mangosteen should be eaten daily or every other day, to maintain its nutritional value. You can also opt to eat this fruit after workouts, as it has been shown to increase the body’s metabolism and help to speed up the digestion process. Simply slice the fruit and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables or grill it on a steak.
The Differences Between Fresh And Frozen
If you decide to purchase mangosteen in its frozen form, it will retain all of its nutrients. However, you should thaw the fruit prior to cooking, as it will otherwise become difficult to break down the large amounts of complex carbohydrates found within. Another convenient option is to buy bottled or packaged mangosteen fruit juice, which you can drink as an afternoon pick-me-up or a refreshing beverage after a strenuous workout. In both cases, it’s important to note that you should consume the product within a few days, as its nutritional value quickly diminishes once it begins to spoil.
More About The Research.
This fruit has been the subject of numerous health studies, which have examined its effect on the human body. Overall, the results of these studies have been quite positive, with mangosteen proving to be a beneficial addition to your diet, as discussed above.
In some cases, patients with Type 2 diabetes have been given mangosteen treatment and seen improvements in their HbA1c and cholesterol levels. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, subjects with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia (a precursor to Type 2 diabetes) had a reduction in their cholesterol levels after just two weeks of consuming the fruit. The authors of this study attributed this effect to mangosteen’s action on the liver, as well as its modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in this organ. The fruit has also been shown to improve the eyesight and night vision of patients with diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, respectively.
A Final Word.
As you may have guessed from the above discussion, mangosteen is actually a valuable food commodity, and it’s been shown to boost the human body’s health, both directly and indirectly. Its bright orange color alone makes it an attractive addition to your diet, as it provides your skin with a healthy spectrum of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. This mixture of nutrients supports the body’s immune system and helps to keep it youthful-looking.
Consuming this fruit daily may also prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease. Further research is needed to confirm this, but early indications are quite promising, especially considering that it’s relatively affordable, easy to find, and safe to consume.