Purple mangosteen or Garcinia mangostana is a South Asian tropical fruit, now available in Australia, with amazing health benefits. This super fruit has 50 (only 200 known) polyphenolic antioxidants called ‘xanthones’ that help protect the body from free radical damage at a cellular level. Free radicals are a major cause of chronic disease and they can occur from stress, medication, environmental toxins and poor diet. Purple mangosteen not only fights disease but is also packed nutrition and fibre as well.

Purple mangosteen has been used to treat the following conditions

• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia

What makes purple mangosteen so special?

1. Super antioxidants. Purple mangosteen has many antioxidants but the most effective ones are polyphenolic xanthones. They are said to be 5 times more potent than vitamin C or E. These unique antioxidants are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti- inflammatory, anti-allergen and anti everything but health. They are the main reason to consume this fruit.

2. Vitamins and minerals. Not only does it have great antioxidants but also its high in vitamin C. Purple mangosteen has B vitamins that help the body metabolize foods properly and boost serotonin levels. It also contains heart and body healthy minerals like: potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.

3. High in Fibre. Purple mangosteen has 1.8 grams of fibre per 100 grams of fruit. Fibre is essential for a healthy digestive tract and for the cardiovascular system.

4. Anti-inflammatory. Purple mangosteen has been studied and used to help fight inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. It does this by inhibiting the release of prostaglandin E-2 a known cause of inflammation.

5. Anti-bacterial. Purple mangosteen has Quinones that are anti-bacterial. They have been used for both wound healing and to treat acne. Purple mangosteen has also been used to treat malaria, tuberculosis and staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, an antibiotic resistant blood, bone and skin infectious agent).

6. Heart Healthy. This fruit helps restore elasticity to blood vessels as well as reduce inflammation and free radical damage that can cause heart disease. Its xanthones may also reduce the enzyme that triggers heart disease.

7. Cancer preventative. Due to certain xanthones in this fruit purple mangosteen has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It also has anti-tumour blocking ability.

How to add purple mangosteen to your diet

This fruit can be eaten in its natural form or taken as a capsule or liquid supplement. Purple mangosteen consists of an external inedible skin and an internal white fibrous sweet and tangy tasting fruit. In fruit form only the white part is eaten. A benefit to using a supplement form is that components of the outside rind are extracted for additional healing properties. 'Ask a naturopath' more about this amazing super fruit.