MANGOSTEEN: QUEEN OF FRUITS

This fruit can be found in Southeast Asia. An exotic and delicious fruit.  It has a bitter, purple rind. It contains phyto-nutrient and the so-called xanthones. Inside the rind is the sweet, white pulp (aromatic) in several segments. Estimated size of the fruits is not more than 3 inches in diameter. It has a mouth-watering flavor of sweetness. Its purple skin can stain the clothes. It has an oval seeds. It grows abundantly and harvested 2 times a year. It grows up to 80 feet tall or more. The first harvest is less than 20 years after the planting. It has slightly acidic flavor.

Properties: xanthone, flavonoids, phytonutrients, alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, garcinone B, garcinone E, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, tannin, amibiasine, gartanin, 8-desoxygartamin, normangostin, mangostin – e, 6-di-o-glucoside.

The presence of xanthones gives mangosteen its high value. It has an anti-oxidant properties to prevent the proliferation of free radicals to become a cancer cells. Xanthones inhibit serotonin-receptor binding and inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO). A bark extract called amibiasine is good for the treatment of amoebic dysentery.

It can eliminate minor muscle pain. It is very supportive to the normal function of our immune system. It helps to have a flexible muscles (not stiff). It promotes a healthy body to be more functional. It maintains a better intestinal health. A prepared ointment is good for skin rashes.

It is good for the treatment of bladder infection. Has good antiseptic and astringent properties. Xanthone interferes the normal blood-clotting. It controls diarrhea. Dried fruits is good for dysentry and eczema. Used for urinary disorders. Root decoction regulates menstruation.

It was found to be good assistance in the treatment of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic diseases. The xanthone mostly found in the pericarp (rind and pulp). It has a large concentration of flavonoids. The presence of tannin is the reason why mangosteen has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It has the ability to control irritable bowel syndrome.

Uses: Rind were sliced and dried, grounded to powder. The powder were steeped in water overnight to serve as tea. Rind made into an ointment. It serves as lotion, for internal application, the rind was used as leather, mangosteen twigs as chopsticks.

The side effects of mangosteen are: It may interfere with normal blood-clotting. High doses may depress the central nervous system in animal and causes sedation based on the research. It should not be combined with other medication to avoid excess sedation.

PAPAYA: GOOD FOR INDIGESTION

It has a soft, butter-like consistency. It is deliciously sweet to eat. It can be found in the market a whole year round. It is spherical or pear-shaped with measurement of more or less 20 inches. The flesh has rich orange in color with yellow or pink hues. It contains papain, good for indigestion. It can be found in raw fruit. It came from Central America. It grows in clusters drawn by a tuft of leaves on long footstalks. It has thick rind and black seeds. Used as meat tenderizer (raw) by using juice or slice raw fruits. It has hollow cavity with numerous small seeds.

Properties: Rich source in anti-oxidant like carotenes, vitamin C, flavonoids. Has vitamin B, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Paraoxonase, an enzyme that inhibits LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol oxidation. Has homocysteine, cysteine, methionine, papain, chymopapain, chitinases, tonic, stomachic, stimulant, laxative, digestive and rejuvenative. Has pepsin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and benzyl isothiocyanates, tocopherols.

Good in the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. The presence of plaque may cause heart attack or strokes. Good source of fiber. Good in lowering high cholesterol level. It has the capacity to prevent colon cancer by binding the toxin of the colon.

It has a protein-digesting enzymes to lower inflammation and improve the healing of skin burn. It helps for the proper function of a healthy immune system. It is proven to control ear infection, colds and flu. It can lower the risk of aged-related macular degeneration that cause vision loss in adults. Can protect rheumatoid arthritis because of its anti-oxidant that can protect inflammation of the joints.

It has vitamin A that can help to prevent disease due to secondhand smoke or being a smoker. By smoking, it can cause lung inflammation and emphysema. Due to its lycopene properties, it can control prostate cancer. Good alternative for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Useful in relieving digestive disorders and stomach troubles.

It has pepsin properties, a powerful protein digesting enzyme that has a digestive action in the stomach. When the natural juice in the body reduced or decline, it can cause incomplete digestion and further the presence of gas, bloating, stomach discomfort and heartburn.

It has an active blood clotting agent to control bleeding. Good in the control of intestinal worms. The juice of raw fruit can prevent skin diseases (corns, wart, pimples, horny skin). It removes freckles and make the skin smooth and delicate in appearance. A paste of seeds is good for ringworm. Alternative treatment of chronic diarrhea. Good in the stimulation  to secret more milk of mother during childbirth. Vitamin A accelerates formation of new cells. Vitamin C builds capillary strength.