Schuetz

The mangosteen is an exotic fruit that comes from Asia. The fruit has many health benefits and has been nicknamed "the queen of fruits" due to its delicious taste.

An enormous amount of research has been done on the mangosteen fruit going back many years, in order to determine the benefits of this remarkable fruit. It contains an abundant amount of xanthones, which are very powerful antioxidants. There is a whole family of this antioxidant, and the most dynamic of these are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones are found in a few rain forest plants, but they are for the most part found in the mangosteen fruit, and over 40 have been identified.

The two most beneficial xanthones are known as Alpha Mangostin and Gamma Mangostin. These xanthones have been shown to have a variety of benefits, by supporting the immune system and are a natural antibitotic, antifungal, antiviral, and perhaps most importantly, anti-inflammatory.

Antioxidants help protect against free radicals. No matter how healthy a lifestyle we live, we are still exposed to free radicals from air, water and food pollutants. They also can be produced from infection and inflammation. Since we can't avoid them taking antioxidants each day can help protect us from the ill effects they can cause. It is for this reason that many healthy people take supplements, including mangosteen each day. It's far easier to address health challenges before they begin, with prevention, rather than after they have become apparent.

The mangosteen fruit has only recently become available in the United States, and is sold in Canada, although only at certain times of the year when the mangosteen is harvested, and it has sold for as much as 11 each! For this reason mangosteen supplementation is best taken in a juice form since it is readily available that way.

Mangosteen juice has become quite popular since it was first introduced in North America just a few years ago. When looking for a mangsoteen supplement it is important to get the whole fruit as it is in the rind where most of the health benefits are found. It's also a good idea to check labels as some juices have water as their primary ingredient, or many contain sugar or other unnecessary additives.

Mangosteen juice is a health supplement a person can take each day without any adverse side effects, and because it is a food it is safe for young children as well, although it is always suggested you consult with a doctor if you have any allergies or medical condition.

Joanne Ott is an entrepreneur from Canada. She writes more about the mangosteen at http://www.squidoo.com/itsjoanne and http://healthandwellnesseveryday.com