Beauty Superfruits: Mangosteen

What Does it Taste Like?

The mangosteen’s dark rind has a bitter citrus flavor and a leathery texture. The juicy white flesh inside is slightly acidic and deliciously sweet—many compare the taste to a mix of peach, pineapple and strawberry with a hint of creamy vanilla.

Internal Benefits:

Provides Antioxidant Power 
The entire fruit, especially the rind, is chock-full of xanthones—potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals with antimicrobial, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. “The juice can be a huge asset in the battle against cancer and other diseases caused by free-radical damage,” says nutritionist Franci Cohen.

Promotes Healthy Bodily Function 
Mangosteen is believed to help maintain intestinal health, support the immune system and joint function, and promote a healthy respiratory system. “Some claim that mangosteen juice can help treat menstrual problems, diarrhea and urinary infections as well,” adds Simpson.

Supports Weight Management 
Fresh mangosteen provides a source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates, which help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats for proper weight management. 
“It has also been proven to reduce inflammatory markers in the blood of obese individuals with systemic inflammation,” says Cohen.

Encourages Healthy Circulation 
The fruit contains high amounts of minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium, which promote red blood cells and improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and controlling blood pressure.

Topical Benefits:

Helps Manage Acne  
Praised for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions, the fruit’s rind, or pericarp, has been made into juice form to help treat existing acne and the progression of additional breakouts.

Reduces Visible Signs of Aging 
The oil extract from the rind allows the fruit’s superpotent xanthones to penetrate the skin and reduce puffiness, smooth the surface and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Soothes Inflammatory Conditions 
“Applied topically, mangosteen has been known to soothe and calm the inflammation and irritation associated with skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes,” says Simpson.

Fights Periodontitis 
“Scientists have been studying the fruit as a possible weapon against the gum disease known as periodontitis by having patients apply a mangosteen juice–infused gel to their gums,” says Cohen.

Mega Moisturizer

Luxuriously creamy, Pure Fiji Coconut Milk Bath Soak in Guava blends fresh coconut milk with exotic nut oils to rejuvenate dry skin. $30.50, store.purefiji.com

Body Polisher

Completely chemical-free with a tropical, fruity scent, 100% Pure Mangosteen Body Scrub smooths away bumps for supersoft skin and a healthy glow. $15, 100percentpure.com

Lake Austin Spa Resort: Austin, Texas

Prepare to be pampered during the 80-minute Lime and Ginger Pick-Me-Up body treatment, which begins with a calming, yet stimulating lime and ginger salt soufflé scrub made with fresh lime leaves from the spa’s garden. A massage with lime and ginger body butter follows, leaving you feeling completely renewed. lakeaustin.com

Heartland Spa Weight Loss & Fitness Resort: Chicago, Illinois

Give your skin a powerful brightening boost with the Antioxidant Superfruit Facial, which includes a superfruit neutralizing masque consisting of goji berry, noni, acai, pomegranate, mangosteen and guarana. Ideal for correcting sun damage, this treatment will leave your skin looking glowy and feeling incredibly nourished. heartlandspa.com