I was surfing the web for some anti-cancer foods when a mangosteen ad caught my eye. Known as the queen of fruit, Mangosteen grows in Southeast Asia and in other tropical countries. An exotic fruit, it comes a long way for us here at temperate countries.

A fruit for a Queen

Legend has it that Queen Victoria was desperate to taste mangosteen. She offered a reward of 100 pounds and even knighthood to anyone who can provide her the fruit. Despite the incentive, none of her subjects even the most enterprising was able to bring her mangosteen.

How it look like

This tangy fruit is colored deep purple, which makes it easily identifiable as an anti-cancer fruit. The edible part, the soft white aril is encased in a tough juicy rind. You’ll get your fingers stained purple when you pry it open. This hard rind or exocarp is where the anti-cancer chemicals are lurking. But it tastes insipid. So, how to get those anti-cancer chemicals? It is processed into candies, wine and juice.

Cancer researches behind

Mangosteen is a functional fruit. There had been 25 publications attesting to its anti-carcinogenic properties. This unusual fruit contains an array of xanthones – chemicals responsible for its anti-cancer properties. Studies prove that xanthones halt inflammation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells of the colon, the prostate and breast so far. Cancer cell growth is repressed and clinically, a reduction of the tumor size is observed. The effective concentration of anti-cancer chemicals is about 1,000 times more potent than a two ounce fruit available on the net. The effective level though as shown in the laboratory is higher than what is commercially available.

Show me the money

In the tropics, a pound cost about a dollar. In New York City, a pound cost $45 in specialty produce stores. The net sells it at $60 per 64 ounces! Clearly, the price tag makes mangosteen a luxury food. But to taste it is… ummm! Without much difficulty, you’ll consume a basketful in one sitting! If you happen to visit a Southeast Asian country don’t miss it.
Of course, there are other functional fruits other than mangosteen. Instead of salivating for that elusive pricey fruit, pomegranate and strawberries are just as flavorful. Do remember, 5 to 10 fruits and vegetables coupled with 30 minutes of exercise daily keeps cancer at bay.