Is Thai Mangosteen a Good Antioxidant?
Thai Mangosteen is a fruit that has been proven to have a high mineral and antioxidant content. The fruit can only be grown in Thailand's tropical climate. Attempts to grow it outside of Thailand have been met with limited success making it a rare find in the United States.
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Antioxidants in Thai Mangosteens
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Mangosteens contain one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any fruit. These antioxidants are created by 43 types of xanthone found in the fruit's rind.
Xanthones
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Xanthones are active plant phenols which produce antioxidants. They are known to strengthen the immune system, help with intestinal health and maintain a strong respiratory system.
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Availability
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Attempts to cultivate the fruit in the United States have failed, making the fruit rare in the Western Hemisphere. Mangosteen can be purchased over the Internet in the form of juice which retains its antioxidant qualities.
Other Health Benefits
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Not only is the mangosteen a good source of antioxidants, the fruit also provides a variety of minerals and vitamins such as vitamins A, B-carotene, C and E, potassium, protein, calcium and sodium. Mangosteen is used in Thailand to treat skin conditions like rashes and infections.
Unhealthy Aspect of Mangosteen
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The mangosteen is high in sugar content, which is why it is traditionally eaten as or with a dessert. Including it in a meal as a beverage or dessert is a great way to pair it with other healthy, antioxidant-rich foods.
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References
- Photo Credit boat full of fruit image by Simone van den Berg from Fotolia.com
