Xanthones are a photochemical (found in plants) family of antioxidants.
There are over 200 known Xanthones in nature, but most of these are found in small microscopic organisms and various forms of wood. None of these would be very enjoyable to consume. The Mangosteen fruit has over 40 known Xanthones and more being discovered monthly.
This makes Mangosteen the highest concentration of Xanthones in nature!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Mangosteen - the Queen of Fruit
What is a mangosteen?
The mangosteen fruit, although well known in tropical and subtropical climates, is a relative stranger to most other countries. Given its name, the mangosteen may be easily confused as a hybrid of the mango. Although the mangosteen and the mango are of the same family and grow in the same areas, these two fruits not only look different, they have a much different taste.
A mangosteen fruit is approximately the same size as an orange, but with a deep purplish-colored skin. The outer rind of a mangosteen is very leathery, with scars, and serves to protect the delicious inner pulp. Found on each mangosteen fruit is a scar at one end, displaying remnants of the flower that once grew there. Interestingly, based on the number of flower segments still found in the scar, one can tell how many segments of fruit will be found inside.
The taste of a mangosteen has been likened to that of no other fruit, hence the nickname "Queen of Fruits" or "Food of the Gods" on some Caribbean islands. While it's difficult to describe its taste, many people compare it to a cross between strawberries and oranges, with just a touch of acidity. However, the texture of the rich inner pulp is much like a ripe plum. Traditionally, the mangosteen is a fruit best experienced fresh and unprocessed. However, as it begins to gain popularity in countries all over the world, mangosteen can be found canned or frozen, and is made into syrup, preserves, and, most popularly, juice.
The Origin of Mangosteen
While Chinese and ayurvedic practitioners have known of the high nutritional and medicinal value of the mangosteen for hundreds of years, it was first "discovered" by the French explorer Laurentiers Garcin in the 1700s. It is from him that the scientific name for mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, comes.
The mangosteen tree does not grow well as a "wild plant," and fares best if it is cultivated in the perfect climate. Most of the plants are found in Thailand, a country so enamoured of the mangosteen, it adopted it as its national fruit.
Although efforts have been made to grow orchards, because of their finicky growth patterns and unpredictable harvest times, mangosteen trees are mostly found along the banks of rivers or lakes, as the tree roots need almost constant moisture.
Because of governmental regulations, import of the fresh mangosteen fruit into the United States is illegal. Fears of introducing the devastating Asian fruit fly into the country have mainly kept the fruits themselves from crossing the borders, although occasionally one may find a mangosteen fruit on the shelves of a small Asian grocery store. And because mangosteen trees only grow in certain climates, attempts to cultivate the fruit within the country have yet to "fruitfully" succeed.
Making it additionally difficult to mass-produce mangosteen, a tree takes many years after planting to begin producing fruit. From the time of planting a mangosteen seed, the growing tree will take ten years or more to start producing fruit. Uncharacteristically for a tropical fruit tree, the mangosteen tree will only grow to about 10 to 20 feet in height. Once it matures to full growth, one average tree will produce approximately 500 mangosteen fruits per harvest. However, the longer a mangosteen tree stands, the higher the yield. There have been reports of 30-year-old mangosteen trees producing up to 2000 fruits in one season.
Enjoying Mangosteen
As mentioned, the import of mangosteen into the United States is currently illegal due to health regulations. However, fresh mangosteen can be found in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, sparingly in Puerto Rico, and scattered around the West Indies.
Care should be taken when eating a fresh mangosteen. The outer rind is quite hard and leathery, and the deep purple-red juice of the rind stains nearly anything it comes into contact with. Traditionally, the shell of the mangosteen should be broken by hand, not cut with a knife. As the rind begins to crack, the delicious inner fruit segments may be peeled away. To enjoy mangosteen to its fullest, one should avoid the hard, leathery outer shell by pulling the segments out before eating, as the sap from the shell is quite bitter and unpleasant.
It may be possible to find canned mangosteen; however, it is widely known that through the process of canning, much is lost in terms of the fruit's flavor. In the Philippines, many of those who attempt to preserve the fruit will boil them first in a heavy brown sugar syrup.
Other Uses of Mangosteen
While the rind of mangosteen is sometimes used in tanning leather, and the twigs from the trees are favorite "chewsticks" for those in Ghana, the most popular alternative use of mangosteen is nutritional and medicinal.
From Singapore to China, different aspects of the fruit are used to treat and heal a wide variety of medical afflictions. From dysentery to eczema, it appears that scientifically the mangosteen has a multitude of beneficial uses.
It is believed that much of the reason why mangosteen is such a powerful curative is because of its high level of xanthones, which are biologically active plant phenols that are somewhat similar to flavonoids. While most fruits contain xanthones, the mangosteen appears to encompass at least 40 of the currently discovered 200 types of xanthones, making it incredibly rich in its nutritional properties. Indeed, it is somewhat of a "wonder fruit," in that it is the only fruit as yet known to science to contain such a high percentage of xanthones.
In addition, mangosteen is also high in several other necessary nutritional properties, including fiber, calcium, iron, and thiamine.
Given its delicious taste and exponential nutritional value, the mangosteen is truly deserving of its nickname - "Queen of Fruits."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Russell
The mangosteen fruit, although well known in tropical and subtropical climates, is a relative stranger to most other countries. Given its name, the mangosteen may be easily confused as a hybrid of the mango. Although the mangosteen and the mango are of the same family and grow in the same areas, these two fruits not only look different, they have a much different taste.
A mangosteen fruit is approximately the same size as an orange, but with a deep purplish-colored skin. The outer rind of a mangosteen is very leathery, with scars, and serves to protect the delicious inner pulp. Found on each mangosteen fruit is a scar at one end, displaying remnants of the flower that once grew there. Interestingly, based on the number of flower segments still found in the scar, one can tell how many segments of fruit will be found inside.
The taste of a mangosteen has been likened to that of no other fruit, hence the nickname "Queen of Fruits" or "Food of the Gods" on some Caribbean islands. While it's difficult to describe its taste, many people compare it to a cross between strawberries and oranges, with just a touch of acidity. However, the texture of the rich inner pulp is much like a ripe plum. Traditionally, the mangosteen is a fruit best experienced fresh and unprocessed. However, as it begins to gain popularity in countries all over the world, mangosteen can be found canned or frozen, and is made into syrup, preserves, and, most popularly, juice.
The Origin of Mangosteen
While Chinese and ayurvedic practitioners have known of the high nutritional and medicinal value of the mangosteen for hundreds of years, it was first "discovered" by the French explorer Laurentiers Garcin in the 1700s. It is from him that the scientific name for mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana, comes.
The mangosteen tree does not grow well as a "wild plant," and fares best if it is cultivated in the perfect climate. Most of the plants are found in Thailand, a country so enamoured of the mangosteen, it adopted it as its national fruit.
Although efforts have been made to grow orchards, because of their finicky growth patterns and unpredictable harvest times, mangosteen trees are mostly found along the banks of rivers or lakes, as the tree roots need almost constant moisture.
Because of governmental regulations, import of the fresh mangosteen fruit into the United States is illegal. Fears of introducing the devastating Asian fruit fly into the country have mainly kept the fruits themselves from crossing the borders, although occasionally one may find a mangosteen fruit on the shelves of a small Asian grocery store. And because mangosteen trees only grow in certain climates, attempts to cultivate the fruit within the country have yet to "fruitfully" succeed.
Making it additionally difficult to mass-produce mangosteen, a tree takes many years after planting to begin producing fruit. From the time of planting a mangosteen seed, the growing tree will take ten years or more to start producing fruit. Uncharacteristically for a tropical fruit tree, the mangosteen tree will only grow to about 10 to 20 feet in height. Once it matures to full growth, one average tree will produce approximately 500 mangosteen fruits per harvest. However, the longer a mangosteen tree stands, the higher the yield. There have been reports of 30-year-old mangosteen trees producing up to 2000 fruits in one season.
Enjoying Mangosteen
As mentioned, the import of mangosteen into the United States is currently illegal due to health regulations. However, fresh mangosteen can be found in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, sparingly in Puerto Rico, and scattered around the West Indies.
Care should be taken when eating a fresh mangosteen. The outer rind is quite hard and leathery, and the deep purple-red juice of the rind stains nearly anything it comes into contact with. Traditionally, the shell of the mangosteen should be broken by hand, not cut with a knife. As the rind begins to crack, the delicious inner fruit segments may be peeled away. To enjoy mangosteen to its fullest, one should avoid the hard, leathery outer shell by pulling the segments out before eating, as the sap from the shell is quite bitter and unpleasant.
It may be possible to find canned mangosteen; however, it is widely known that through the process of canning, much is lost in terms of the fruit's flavor. In the Philippines, many of those who attempt to preserve the fruit will boil them first in a heavy brown sugar syrup.
Other Uses of Mangosteen
While the rind of mangosteen is sometimes used in tanning leather, and the twigs from the trees are favorite "chewsticks" for those in Ghana, the most popular alternative use of mangosteen is nutritional and medicinal.
From Singapore to China, different aspects of the fruit are used to treat and heal a wide variety of medical afflictions. From dysentery to eczema, it appears that scientifically the mangosteen has a multitude of beneficial uses.
It is believed that much of the reason why mangosteen is such a powerful curative is because of its high level of xanthones, which are biologically active plant phenols that are somewhat similar to flavonoids. While most fruits contain xanthones, the mangosteen appears to encompass at least 40 of the currently discovered 200 types of xanthones, making it incredibly rich in its nutritional properties. Indeed, it is somewhat of a "wonder fruit," in that it is the only fruit as yet known to science to contain such a high percentage of xanthones.
In addition, mangosteen is also high in several other necessary nutritional properties, including fiber, calcium, iron, and thiamine.
Given its delicious taste and exponential nutritional value, the mangosteen is truly deserving of its nickname - "Queen of Fruits."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Russell
Cancer free after 10 months – personal experiences from the Mangosteen juice:
http://205.234.239.246/CancerFree.htmwww.mangosteenexperiences.com
http://205.234.239.246/CancerFree.htmwww.mangosteenexperiences.com
Read the summaries of just a few XanGo mangosteen xanthones research articles below.
You be the judge.
http://www.healthyprostate.net/ResearchSummary.html
You be the judge.
http://www.healthyprostate.net/ResearchSummary.html
What are anti-oxidants? (read more: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-antioxidants.htm)
The prefix "anti" means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. In order to understand antioxidants, it helps to learn what exactly these agents oppose and correct.
Within the human body, millions of processes are occurring at all times. These processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease.
Oxidants, commonly known as "free radicals," are also introduced through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution. Other mediums include stress, as well as things that people put into their bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.
In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events weakens immunological functions as well as speeding up the aging process, and is also linked to several diseases such as cataracts, various forms of cancer, and heart disease. Some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and several other chronic conditions.
Antioxidants, or anti-oxidation agents, reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants can also help repair damage already sustained by cells.
Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most commonly recognized of these naturally occurring antioxidants are Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione. Superoxide Dismutase changes the structure of oxidants and breaks them down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase in turn, breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and tiny oxygen particles or gasses. Glutathione is a detoxifying agent, which binds with different toxins to change their form so that they are able to leave the body as waste.
Other antioxidant agents are found in foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables. Items high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are believed to be the most beneficial. These nutrients are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, those with the strongest colors being healthiest. Orange and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are examples.Choosing raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption of antioxidants. Dietary supplements are also available for those that do not consume enough antioxidant-producing foods.
The prefix "anti" means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. In order to understand antioxidants, it helps to learn what exactly these agents oppose and correct.
Within the human body, millions of processes are occurring at all times. These processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease.
Oxidants, commonly known as "free radicals," are also introduced through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution. Other mediums include stress, as well as things that people put into their bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.
In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events weakens immunological functions as well as speeding up the aging process, and is also linked to several diseases such as cataracts, various forms of cancer, and heart disease. Some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and several other chronic conditions.
Antioxidants, or anti-oxidation agents, reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants can also help repair damage already sustained by cells.
Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most commonly recognized of these naturally occurring antioxidants are Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione. Superoxide Dismutase changes the structure of oxidants and breaks them down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase in turn, breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and tiny oxygen particles or gasses. Glutathione is a detoxifying agent, which binds with different toxins to change their form so that they are able to leave the body as waste.
Other antioxidant agents are found in foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables. Items high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are believed to be the most beneficial. These nutrients are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, those with the strongest colors being healthiest. Orange and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are examples.Choosing raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption of antioxidants. Dietary supplements are also available for those that do not consume enough antioxidant-producing foods.
What are Xanthones? (read more: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-xanthones.htm)
Xanthones are chemical compounds that occur naturally in various organic materials. For much time, xanthones were derived from salicyliate and used in insecticides. Now, the most common use for xanthones is through natural preparations derived from the mangosteen fruit which are said to reduce cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, as well as naturally combat cancer.
Xanthones derived from the mangosteen are extracted from the rind or pericarp. They are packaged in a wide variety of natural food supplements available on the Internet and in natural foods and health food stores. Some manufacturers also make mangosteen juice, which is combined with other juices to provide a source of xanthones. However, unless the pericarp is used in the juice, these juices will not significantly increase one’s intake of xanthones.
Xanthones from mangosteen vary in price, ranging from 4-15 US dollars (USD) a bottle. Mangosteen juice is significantly more expensive. A 24-ounce bottle can cost as much as 30-40 US dollars (USD). Some products, both in capsule and juice form, claim to be certified organic, while others do not.
Manufacturers of xanthones claim that a daily dose of these compounds will lower cholesterol. Other claims suggest that xanthones promote overall heart health, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and help prevent atherosclerosis. Xanthones are also praised for their antioxidant properties.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these claims, because xanthones are packaged as nutritional supplements, not medications. Most sites on the Internet that market mangosteen juice or supplements claim vast amounts of scientific research supporting all of the above claims. However, this evidence is primarily based on one study by Dr. James Duke, who felt mangosteen might have some antibacterial properties.
Beyond this sidebar listing in Dr. Duke’s article, there are no approved clinical studies on mangosteen, and certainly none that support claims of reducing cholesterol or promoting heart health. Dr. Chet Moss, in an article on CancerDecisions.com, calls mangosteen an “overpriced fruit drink.” Dr. Moss is particularly concerned with those suffering from cancer who may be bilked into spending an excessive amount of money on something that will have no benefit.
Given the lack of clinical evidence on the value of xanthones derived from mangosteen, it makes excellent sense to consult one’s doctor, cardiologist or oncologist before trying them. There is little evidence that the xanthones present in mangosteen are harmful. However, pregnant and nursing women should probably not use them as little is known about effects on the fetus or newborn. Using xanthones in place of other cardiac medicines is potentially disastrous, and xanthones may interact with other medications one is taking.
Xanthones are chemical compounds that occur naturally in various organic materials. For much time, xanthones were derived from salicyliate and used in insecticides. Now, the most common use for xanthones is through natural preparations derived from the mangosteen fruit which are said to reduce cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, as well as naturally combat cancer.
Xanthones derived from the mangosteen are extracted from the rind or pericarp. They are packaged in a wide variety of natural food supplements available on the Internet and in natural foods and health food stores. Some manufacturers also make mangosteen juice, which is combined with other juices to provide a source of xanthones. However, unless the pericarp is used in the juice, these juices will not significantly increase one’s intake of xanthones.
Xanthones from mangosteen vary in price, ranging from 4-15 US dollars (USD) a bottle. Mangosteen juice is significantly more expensive. A 24-ounce bottle can cost as much as 30-40 US dollars (USD). Some products, both in capsule and juice form, claim to be certified organic, while others do not.
Manufacturers of xanthones claim that a daily dose of these compounds will lower cholesterol. Other claims suggest that xanthones promote overall heart health, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and help prevent atherosclerosis. Xanthones are also praised for their antioxidant properties.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these claims, because xanthones are packaged as nutritional supplements, not medications. Most sites on the Internet that market mangosteen juice or supplements claim vast amounts of scientific research supporting all of the above claims. However, this evidence is primarily based on one study by Dr. James Duke, who felt mangosteen might have some antibacterial properties.
Beyond this sidebar listing in Dr. Duke’s article, there are no approved clinical studies on mangosteen, and certainly none that support claims of reducing cholesterol or promoting heart health. Dr. Chet Moss, in an article on CancerDecisions.com, calls mangosteen an “overpriced fruit drink.” Dr. Moss is particularly concerned with those suffering from cancer who may be bilked into spending an excessive amount of money on something that will have no benefit.
Given the lack of clinical evidence on the value of xanthones derived from mangosteen, it makes excellent sense to consult one’s doctor, cardiologist or oncologist before trying them. There is little evidence that the xanthones present in mangosteen are harmful. However, pregnant and nursing women should probably not use them as little is known about effects on the fetus or newborn. Using xanthones in place of other cardiac medicines is potentially disastrous, and xanthones may interact with other medications one is taking.
Order the Original Mangosteen Juice from here
Deliveries within all countries where Xango is available
The Mangosteen fruit contains the most concentrated source of natural polyphenols there is: the antioxidant group of Xanthones, which is even richer in antioxidant properties than vitamin C and E.
Laboratory tests (ORAC) show that 100g of Mangosteen fruits have
up to 125 times the total antioxidant potency compared with
100g of most fruits and vegetables.
ORAC scores of some fruits and vegetables per 100 gr
(the higher ORAC score the more antioxidant power)
Mangosteen 25 000
Pomegranate 3 307
Bananas 210
Kiwis 610
Broccoli 890
String Beans 200
Red Grapes 739
Tomatoes 195
Apples 207
Carrots 200
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