Garcinia Mangostana: The Potential Benefits for Weight Management


Methodology

The use of natural plant extracts for health and wellness has grown in popularity thanks to compelling new research. One tropical fruit gaining attention for its medicinal abilities is Garcinia mangostana, commonly known as mangosteen. The unique phytochemical makeup of mangosteen provides science-backed benefits, especially related to weight management.

In this article, we’ll explore how mangosteen works in the body and its potential to support weight loss and maintenance when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.

What is Mangosteen Fruit?

Native to Southeast Asia, mangosteen is a tropical evergreen tree that produces a distinctive purple fruit inside a thick rind. About the size of a tangerine, the mangosteen fruit has a soft, juicy white inner flesh that is sweet and slightly tangy.

The purple mangosteen rind contains beneficial compounds like xanthones, tannins, and polyphenols. Xanthones are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents unique to the Garcinia mangostana species. Of the 50+ xanthones found in mangosteen, alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin are most abundant and therapeutic.

Extracts from the whole mangosteen fruit – rind, flesh, and seeds – have long been used in traditional medicine for conditions from skin infections to diarrhea. Today, mangosteen extracts are most often taken to support immunity, heart health, joint health, and weight management.

Let’s now look closer at the weight loss applications of this medicinal tropical fruit.

Mangosteen for Weight Loss and Maintenance

The mangosteen fruit contains properties that show promise for accelerating fat burning, curbing appetite, and preventing weight gain. Some key mechanisms include:

  • Metabolic Enhancer – Xanthones act as metabolic enhancers that amplify the breakdown of fat. They also optimize carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Fat Oxidation – Mangosteen stimulates fat oxidation and inhibits the formation of new fat cells for more effective fat loss.
  • Hunger Suppression – Compounds like gamma-mangostin help control appetite by slowing digestion and increasing satiety after eating.
  • Anti-Inflammatory – Xanthones’ anti-inflammatory effects can reduce fat storage that results from systemic inflammation.
  • Insulin Sensitivity – The fruit improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance to optimize fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

By attacking weight loss from multiple angles, mangosteen is an compelling supplemental aid. When combined with a calorie-controlled, low-carb diet and exercise, mangosteen can accelerate results.

Additional Wellness Benefits

Beyond weight management, increasing research shows mangosteen as an adaptogenic superfruit that serves the whole body through additional mechanisms like:

  • Antioxidant Protection – Xanthones neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting cells against oxidative stress and associated diseases.
  • Anti-Aging – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help slow cellular aging for youthful vitality in the skin, joints, brain, heart, eyes and whole body.
  • Immunity Booster – Antimicrobial and antiviral capabilities defend against various pathogens to fortify immune function.
  • Heart Health – Xanthones reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on cardiovascular tissue and improve circulation.
  • Joint & Skin Health – Powerful anti-inflammatory effects alleviate discomfort associated with arthritis, injuries, eczema, acne, and dermatitis.

With wide-ranging therapeutic actions, mangosteen supplements support total body wellness in addition to easier weight management.

How to Take Mangosteen

To access mangosteen’s benefits, supplements made from the whole fruit and rind are ideal. Some ways to take it include:

Capsules

Take 450-750mg mangosteen capsules once or twice daily. Look for a standardized xanthone content.

Powder

Mix 1 tsp mangosteen powder into water, smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt once daily.

Tea 

Steep dried mangosteen rind 5-10 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups per day.

Whole Fruit

Mangosteens can be hard to find but provide nutrients when fresh flesh and rind are consumed.

Always follow dosage directions and consult your doctor before using mangosteen for any health condition, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Harnessing mangosteen as part of an active, low-calorie diet and exercise regimen may help boost weight loss while providing a wide spectrum of additional wellness advantages.

Conclusion

With ongoing obesity rates, finding natural weight management aids is important. The tropical Garcinia mangostana fruit which is also found in weight loss supplements like LeanBiome, exhibits significant potential to help burn stubborn fat. Its highly anti-inflammatory xanthone compounds can speed up metabolism, reduce fat storage, optimize carbohydrate metabolism, and control appetite.

Plus, mangosteen acts as a broad adaptogen to enhance immunity, ease inflammation, supply antioxidants, and support heart health with its diverse nutritive profile. While more human research is still needed, the science indicates mangosteen supplementation can be a useful part of a multi-pronged weight loss protocol when combined with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

FAQs

1. How much weight can you lose taking mangosteen?

Individual results vary based on diet, exercise, medical history, etc. While mangosteen can accelerate fat burning, typical results are 1-3 lbs per week when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise.

2. Is mangosteen safe to take every day?

Up to 800mg daily of pure mangosteen fruit extract is considered safe for ongoing use. Those with bleeding disorders should avoid it. Exceeding 1,200mg may cause diarrhea or upset stomach.

3. How long does it take for mangosteen to work?

You may notice subtle benefits like increased energy within a week. But full effects on body composition, blood sugar regulation, and metabolism take 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

4. Can mangosteen raise blood pressure?

Mangosteen does not significantly impact blood pressure in most people. Its anti-inflammatory effects actually promote cardiovascular health. Those on BP meds should monitor changes.

5. Does fresh or frozen mangosteen work the same?

Dried whole mangosteen supplements ensure optimal concentrations of xanthones and other actives. Using fresh or frozen fruit provides nutrients but lower therapeutic levels.

Dr. Jun Ren is a dedicated and experienced registered dietitian and nutritionist who is committed to helping people achieve their health goals through personalized nutrition plans. With a passion for promoting healthy eating habits and preventing chronic diseases, Dr. Ren has been able to assist numerous clients in improving their overall quality of life.

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