Happy Tastebuds, Healthy Body February 17, 2010

Happy Tastebuds, Healthy Body. What Is a Mangosteen?

Hint: It's not a mango.

The mangosteen fruit (or Garcinia mangostana, as it is known scientifically) is exotic, delicious and packed full of xanthones and other phytonutrients that demonstrate impressive health benefits.

It is also:

* found mainly in Southeast Asia and other tropical regions
* roughly the size of a tangerine—about 2-3 inches in diameter
* often called the Queen of Fruits (Queen Victoria gave knighthood to anyone who brought it to her)
* has a bitter, purplish rind full of xanthones and other phytonutrients
* has a beautiful, white pulp with 4-8 segments of pure taste-bud bliss

Although the mangosteen has been touted for its splendid flavor, it has also been suggested that use of the whole mangosteen fruit can promote good healthwellness.

In fact, the whole mangosteen fruit—especially the xanthone-packed rind—has been utilized to treat a variety of health conditions. As early as 600 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia recorded the use of the mangosteen as a general remedy and healing agent.

The mangosteen rind was sliced and dried, then ground to a powder and administered as an herbal preparation. The mangosteen rind was steeped in water overnight and taken as a tea. The mangosteen rind was made in to an ointment and applied externally as a lotion.

It was through these popular uses that the benefits of mangosteen were passed down through history and several scientists and explorers took note.

When Europeans explored Southeast Asia folklore related to the mangosteen first spread to Western culture.

Now this delicious and beneficial fruit can be found in a category-creating beverage called XanGo® Juice!

Official Website: http://www.kimberleemcpeek.mymangosteen.com