When you were growing up, did your mother make you eat your vegetables? Did she coax you to try “just a few bites” of your broccoli and spinach? Chances are that your mother never heard of antioxidants. As it turns out though, she was pretty smart after all. Medical and scientific research has shown that foods such as fruits and vegetables along with whole grain foods and nuts contain nutrients high in antioxidants, which may have the potential to delay the onset of many degenerative and inflammatory diseases.

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances naturally found in foods, which help protect against cellular damage caused by the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are the molecules produced when your body breaks down food or by environmental exposures to pollution or tobacco smoke. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in the formation of heart disease, cancer and other immune system dysfunctions. Antioxidants have the ability to act as scavengers, cleaning or mopping up existing free radicals. Consuming foods high in antioxidants may be beneficial in aiding the body to protect itself against infirmities such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes and even premature aging.

Unlike your mother, you probably have heard of antioxidants, but you may never have heard of a brand new class of phytonutrients called xanthones. What are xanthones? They are biologically active plant phenols found only in a few select tropical plants. Researchers believe that xanthones contain potent antioxidants. Scientists have discovered over 200 xanthones in nature. A few xanthones can be found in select foods such as blueberry, acai fruit, elderberry, wolf berry and pomegranate.

One of the richest sources of xanthones is found in the tropical fruit called the mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana) which contains over 40 different xanthones. The delicious mangosteen is known as the “Queen of Fruits” in South East Asia, where it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Local healers have been known to grind up the rind of the mangosteen to treat maladies such as fever, dysentery, catarrh (inflammation of the nose and throat), cystitis (inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder), dental and gingival infections and skin infections including eczema.

Some xanthones that have been studied from the mangosteen include the following: Alpha-mangostin, Beta-mangostin, Gamma-mangostin, Garcinone, Garcinone A, Garcinone C, Garcinone D, Gartanin and Mangostanol

It is important to note that research is still early in regards to the mangosteen. Clinical studies do however indicate that xanthones found in the mangosteen plant could exhibit the following beneficial activities and actions: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-rhino viral and anti-allergenic.

Conclusive studies have shown that the mangosteen is effective to:

1. Neutralize free radicals

2. Support a healthy cardiovascular system

3. Support cartilage and joint function

4. Strengthen joint function

5. Strengthen the immune system

6. Help maintain intestinal health

Inflammation in the body is thought to be one of the leading factors in the formation of disease, including heart disease and cancer. One recent study confirmed that gamma mangostin, a xanthone derivative, is a potent COX inhibitor. Suppressing the cellular production of cyclooxygenase or “COX” is an important factor in reducing inflammation which may also be beneficial in reducing the chance for disease formation.

Although the mangosteen fruit is only available in tropical areas of the world, the whole fruit in the form of juice is now being made available to people all around the world. Mangosteen extracts are also becoming popular in several health supplement products. The most beneficial are those which include the whole fruit including the xanthone rich rind or pericarp along with the pulp and seeds. More information about mangosteen can be found at http://www.mangosteenfruitinfo.com.

Mangosteen juice is gaining recent recognition for its apparent healthful benefits.

Mangosteen was recently lauded on the Oprah Winfrey Show by Dr. Mehmet Oz also known as “America’s Doctor” as an “ancient healing secret that has strong antioxidants to promote everything from sexuality to longevity.”

Readers Digest, March, 2006 article features mangosteen juice, by “XanGo” as “boosting immunities with its antioxidants”.

The cover of Sports Illustrated, January 15, 2007 shows Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints “pumping iron”. The article reveals how Drew loves to chug “XanGo” mangosteen juice to help him stay healthy.

NFL players Joe Norman and Ron Jefferson reportedly drink “XanGo” mangosteen juice.

World renowned Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Lewis drinks “XanGo” mangosteen juice.

As it turns out, Mother was pretty smart after all. Even though she probably never heard of antioxidants, she was pretty wise when she encouraged you to eat plenty of healthy foods now known to be rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against illness and harmful disease. If Mother had also known about xanthones with their health enhancing benefts, she might have wanted you drinking plenty of mangosteen juice as well.