While mangosteen is a beneficial fruit, it can also lead to dangerous side effects if consumed improperly.
What You Need to Know When Eating Mangosteen
What Should Mangosteen Not Be Eaten With?
Mangosteen Should Not Be Eaten with Carbonated Water
Mangosteen should not be consumed with carbonated water due to an adverse reaction that can affect your digestive system. The main reason is that mangosteen contains a lot of acid, while carbonated water is primarily made up of artificial sugars. Therefore, avoid consuming them together.
Mangosteen Should Not Be Eaten with Granulated Sugar
It is also advised not to eat mangosteen with granulated sugar, as consuming both at the same time could be fatal. Foods that are incompatible can cause poisoning and are very dangerous to your health.
Chicken salad with mangosteen – a currently trending dish.
Do Not Eat Mangosteen Before Meals
Mangosteen has a sour taste and contains a high amount of lactic acid. Therefore, eating mangosteen on an empty stomach can lead to stomach pain. Experts recommend that it is best to consume mangosteen as a dessert after meals.
Do Not Eat Too Much Mangosteen
Mangosteen has a sour flavor and a high fiber content, thus it should not be consumed daily. It is recommended to eat mangosteen about 2 to 3 times a week, with each serving not exceeding 1 kg to ensure good health.
Experts Clarify the Information About “Mangosteen Sap + Cane Sugar” Creating Toxins, and Not Eating Mangosteen in Salads
According to general practitioner Bui Dac Sang (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association), the scientific name of mangosteen is Garcinia mangostana L., and it has astringent properties. The part used for medicinal purposes is the rind, which is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and menstrual disorders.
In response to the question, Does mangosteen sap react negatively with cane sugar?, practitioner Sang stated that it is important to understand the effects of mangosteen sap on the body.
“The sap of mangosteen, like that of other fruits, is not beneficial for health. Its primary role is to help the fruit fend off insects and other harmful pests… The extent of harm depends on how much we consume. Most fruit sap can only cause digestive issues, leading to constipation and stomach pain,” said practitioner Bui Dac Sang.
Furthermore, the expert noted that in traditional medicine, there are currently no records indicating that mangosteen sap is incompatible with cane sugar. In modern medicine, this is even less so. Even in European countries, they still process whole mangosteen to make beverages. The information claiming that mangosteen sap combined with cane sugar is toxic and lethal is inaccurate. The only harm comes from consuming excessive amounts of mangosteen sap.
Practitioner Sang advises to peel green mangosteen thoroughly.
However, the expert emphasized that the consumption of mangosteen sap is rare in practice, as most people only eat the flesh and do not consume the rind. The flesh of green mangosteen is crisp and sweet, not toxic, thus it can be enjoyed as desired. It can be used as a dessert or in salads without health issues.
Practitioner Sang also cautioned that when using green mangosteen, the rind should be thoroughly peeled. Although mangosteen rind can be processed for medicinal purposes, it must be prepared through roasting, steaming, and combined with many other ingredients to be effective… it should not be eaten raw. Therefore, people should absolutely avoid eating mangosteen rind, especially green mangosteen rind, due to its high sap content.
Who Should Not Eat Mangosteen?
Cancer Patients
Some studies have shown that mangosteen may negatively affect the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy drugs.
This occurs because some chemotherapy drugs rely on the production of free radicals to battle and destroy tumors.
The powerful antioxidants found in mangosteen counteract and eliminate free radicals, which have been shown to be a hindrance in cancer treatment.
People with Digestive Disorders
A study suggests that consuming more than 30g of mangosteen can lead to temporary diarrhea. Similarly, excessive consumption of mangosteen can exacerbate constipation symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and cause gastroparesis complications in diabetic patients. In such cases, it is advisable to reduce intake to a safe level.
Consuming more than 30g of mangosteen can lead to temporary diarrhea.
People with Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a disorder where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, leading to an increased red blood cell count in the blood. Patients diagnosed with this condition should avoid consuming mangosteen as it may increase red blood cell mass.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
This fruit is not a good choice for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as infants. It is also unsuitable for those allergic to other fruits. Other side effects of mangosteen include insomnia, abdominal pain, muscle aches, mild headaches, joint pain, disturbed sleep, continuous nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
The consumption of mangosteen should be stopped immediately if any of these signs and symptoms occur. Most of the side effects of mangosteen are temporary and can be easily remedied by reducing the amount consumed.
