Blog Archives

Mangosteen

9/23/2020

Image source: Isagenix Health

Southeast-Asia-originating fruit mangosteen really isn't much of a mango, taxonomically nor otherwise [the photo included in this article really shows it](1). "It is known as the queen of fruits because of its exquisite taste, which has notes of ripe strawberry, fragrant peach, and creamy vanilla ice cream." Fruits opened for a while or canned tend to lose flavor(2); indeed, they are delicate to where they need to be treated some way or other after picking. Arid and tropical areas can grow mangosteen, and yet it doesn't take too well to the US despite efforts, even in her more tropical portions as in California and Hawaii(1).
Besides vitamins and minerals, mangosteen has lots of antioxidants, but it really has a reputation as a source of xanthones: anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting(2) phytonutrients part of a phytonutrient family. At least 70 xanthones have been identified in mangosteen; the name comes from the Greek for "yellow."
Numbers of cultures have used mangosteen in various medicinal capacities(1,2). A study by Brazilian researchers showed improved insulin sensitivity in obese women(1). "The mangosteen fruit and rind can be effective in providing relief from stomach disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery." Its reported "anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidant properties" may further be of benefit in skin issues. Cardioprotective properties may help reduce the risk of stroke. Leaves and bark are utilized in wound healing and astringent capacaties(2).

Personal Product Favorite:
Whole-fruit mangosteen supplement

Sources:
1. "Ingredient Spotlight: Mangosteen." Isagenix Health, Isagenix Worldwide, Inc. 1 Jul. 2020. Web. 26 Aug. 2020. https://www.isagenixhealth.net/ingredient-spotlight-mangosteen/.
2. Nagdeve, Meenakshi. "12 Powerful Benefits Of Mangosteen." Organic Facts: Let's Get Healthy Together. Organic Information Sources Pvt Ltd. 28 Jul. 2020. Web. 26 Aug. 2020. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/mangosteen.html.

2 Comments

Monk Fruit: Natural Low-Calorie Sweet Alternative

9/9/2020

0 Comments

Image source: Health Benefits Times

Monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) is a gourd-family(1) climbing, entwining vine of up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) from parts of southern China and northern Thailand(1,2). Yes, monks used it: Buddhist(2) Chinese monks mentioned them in records from the 1200s. In the areas of greatest production in southern China, mists protect it from the sun though the weather is warm(1); otherwise it prefers "moist, humid and cool area and well drained or friable soil rich in organic matter." Mountainous/montane forest areas above about 600 meters (1,900-something feet) host it(2), and yet the plant doesn't occur so much in the wild(1); basic cultivation techniques have been necessary for it to survive otherwise(2). Its species name honors National Geographic Society president Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, who funded the 1930s expedition to locate a living plant in its realm of cultivation; fruits have come to America since the early 1900s(1).
Fruits can be eaten fresh, of green outer color when mature, and yet keeping fresh fruits is so difficult that they are typically dried, turning brown before sale, by Chinese herbalists in particular. This does bring out bitter and astringent flavors and so dried fruits are used more in teas, soups, and as a sweetener(1). Traditional uses as a remedy include using it for coughs, sore throats, stomach and intestinal issues, and constipation(2). China has long used monk fruit, furthermore, in cooling beverages(1,2) aiding with hot weather and fevers(1). It is now used as a low-calorie, natural sweetener extract which, when concentrated, is about 300 times sweeter than sugar(1,2).
It naturally regulates blood sugar, improves metabolism (which promotes improved body shape), has anti-inflammatory properties (including effectiveness with lung fibrosis), and promotes healthy bacteria. Leaves and fruit extracts combat numbers of pathogens as strep and candida which will cause gum disease and general bacterial infections. "The sugar to chemical sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame does not provide same effect as" they actually mess up gut bacteria and promote the general growth of bad bacteria(2).
Regular (not one-time) monk fruit use is linked to reduced histamine response and therefore provides allergy relief. Antioxidants in monk fruit help prevent bodily tissue and cancer-causing DNA damage. Improved blood sugar response and control of high-cholesterol side effects promote heart health. Note: monk fruit may cause various allergic reactions.

Personal Product Favorite:
Monk-fruit-sweetened, natural energy drink

Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Siraitia grosvenorii." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 25 Jul. 2020. Web. 12 Aug. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siraitia_grosvenorii.
2. "Health Benefits of Monk Fruit." Health Benefits Times. Health Benefits Times. Web. 12 Aug. 2020. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/monk-fruit/.

0 Comments

Now, for some very brief research articles about true health!

Mangosteen

Monk Fruit: Natural Low-Calorie Sweet Alternative

Archives

Categories