The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), is a tropical evergreen tree. The tree is cultivated in Southeast Asia, Colombia, India, and Puerto Rico. The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, fibrous, with fluid-filled vesicles like the flesh of citrus fruits. The reddish-purple colored rind is inedible when ripe.

Here are the 7 health benefits of purple mangosteen.

1.      Purple mangosteen may not spike your blood sugar levels

The glycemic index ranks food and drinks based on their blood sugar increase potential. Foods high on the glycemic index like white rice and white bread will break down easily and cause blood sugar and insulin level spikes after meals, which is followed by rapidly dropping blood sugar levels. Purple mangosteen is more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, which prevents sugar crashes, sugar cravings, and mood swings.

2.     Purple mangosteen can help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Purple mangosteen is loaded with potassium and a low content of sodium. They are well known because of its high potassium content. One purple mangosteen contains an amazing 63 milligrams of potassium, compared to just 16.5 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure.

3.     Purple mangosteen can help individuals fight infections.

One cup of purple mangosteen contains 12 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements per cup. Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

Purple mangosteen is also rich in xanthone, which helps in boosting the immune system. These nutrients protect the body from various health illnesses that weaken the immune system.

4.     Purple mangosteen can assist in antioxidant defense.

One cup of purple mangosteen contains 26 percent of the mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in several enzymes important in antioxidant defenses. For example, some enzymes disarm free radicals produced within the mitochondria, the energy production factories within our cells, which require manganese.

5.     Purple mangosteen is loaded with B-vitamin components.

Purple mangosteen is an excellent source of B-vitamin complex elements, riboflavin, and niacin. Niacin has been known to increase an individual’s “good” cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. A deficiency of niacin leads to Pellagra - a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, and insomnia, the inability to sleep.

Purple mangosteen is also a good source of folic acid. Folic acid helps the body to produce healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. It is also necessary for aiding rapid cell division and growth, such as during infancy and pregnancy. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns.

6.     Purple mangosteen may improve brain health.

Several components of purple mangosteen, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increased blood flow to the brain, and enhance cognition, sharpen concentration, and improve neural activity.

Also, purple mangosteen contains a considerable amount of vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor.

7.     Purple mangosteen can help alleviate menstrual problems.

Studies have suggested that purple mangosteen can help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.