Mangosteen For Flawless Skin

To be considered beautiful, a clear skin is a pre-requisite. Sadly, not everyone is born with flawlessly radiant skin. Bumps, scales, rashes, and the like, can be an ugly sight to ruin your self-image. Battling with skin problems can get frustrating and be a source of insecurity for most people. Genetics, environment, habits and diet all play a role.

A flawless complexion is a reflection of a healthy body. The toxins circulating in your blood could leave you with a dull complexion and a range of diseases. So how do you start your journey to a clearer skin?

Let Mangosteen Put You a Step Closer to your Goal

Mangosteen is a tropical fruit found mostly in Southeast Asia. It is round in shape, with purple covering when ripe, sweet white pulp, and seeds within the pulp. The medicinal properties are found richly in the pericarp or rind, with lower concentrations in the pulp. The fruits are harvested only twice a year.

To benefit from the maximum health benefits of the fruit, the pericarp part is grounded and packaged into a pill form. There is also a juice form that utilizes both the pericarp and the rest of the fruit, but it is mixed with other fruits to improve the taste, and comes out more expensive than the solid form.

Since ages ago, the fruit’s pericarp has been used as a tincture for treating skin disorders. Rind decoctions have been applied externally as an astringent. Lately, its antimicrobial actions have been found to be effective against the progression of acne. Its activity against methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus is worth mentioning.

Mangosteen has anti-inflammatory effects derived from its xanthone extracts called garcinol and mangostin. Xanthones are phytonutrients know to exhibit strong anti-oxidant effects. They are highly concentrated on the pericarp. Garcinol and mangostin are found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase enzymes and carcinogens (cancer- causing substances). Anti-viral and anti-fungal properties were also observed from the Xanthones.

The anti-oxidant effects from mangosteen prove to be beneficial in keeping the skin Healthy.

Mangosteen Juice vs. Capsule

There are 2 preparations of mangosteen: the juice form and the solid or capsule form. The juice form uses the whole fruit and has pleasant taste. Other fruit juices are added, to improve the taste. The capsule form utilizes the pericarp of mangosteen, which contains the highest concentration of xanthones.

To extend its shelf life, the juice form uses preservatives including sodium benzoate, which is converted to benzene. Benzene has been linked to diseases such as leukemia. Futhermore, the juice form undergoes the process of pasteurization, destroying the inherent medicinal benefits that you are after.

The capsule form contains 100% mangosteen, has no preservatives, and cheaper than the juice form. It doesn’t go through processes that increases production cost and destroy the health benefits of mangosteen.

Some Skin Disorders Effectively Treated With Mangosteen

More and more skin disorders are being discovered to be responsive to mangosteen treatments. The list is endless, but here are some of the more popular uses of the fruit extract and how mangosteen addresses their respective problems:

Acne

Teen-agers are the most commonly affected population of this skin disorder. It is caused by the blockage of pores and overproduction of sebum. It manifests with bumpy skin lesions also known as zits. It becomes reddish, enlarged, and may contain pus when inflamed.

Several factors are linked to acne:

• Hormones
• Genetic History
• Stress
• Accumulation of Dead Skin Cells
• Hyperactive sebaceous (oil) glands
• Bacteria, particularly Propionebacterium acnes
• Use of steroids
• Exposure to certain chemical compounds

Diet has been implicated, yet no adequate studies prove its relationship with acne.

Treatments for acne are available, ranging from topical creams to oral antibiotics and retinoids, to intralesional steroid injection. The increasing resistance of microorganisms against antibiotics poses a challenge for effective management of acne. Retinoids, on the other hand, cause defects in the fetus when taken by a pregnant woman. These drawbacks make more people turn to natural ways of healing.

Mangosteen has been found to have anti-bacterial properties against acne-causing P. acnes and S. epidermides. Its anti-inflammatory action soothes the irritation and prevents further growth of the pimple.

The strong anti-oxidants in xanthones are your army against environmental stressors and toxic build-up in the body that can aggravate acne. Stress, whether physical or mental, invites free radicals in the body. By taking anti-oxidants, the free radicals are prevented from causing havoc to the skin.

Eczema

Eczema is a persistent skin condition characterized by dryness, rashes, redness, and itchiness, formation of blisters, oozing, cracking or bleeding, often found on the flexor aspect of joints.

The most common type of eczema is atopic or allergic in origin. Foods that were found to trigger it were eggs, peanuts, chocolate, wheat, cow’s milk, chicken and potato. Emotional stress, rough clothing, chemical irritants, bacterial infection and environmental changes all cause a flare-up. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus complicates eczema by infecting the areas that resulted to abrasions after scratching.

Eczema is inherited but not contagious. It cannot be cured, only controlled. The symptoms are annoying and it can be a stubborn disorder to treat. You may have tried all the topical creams, steroids, and immunosuppressants available in the market, to no avail.

A number of patients attest to the efficacy of using mangosteen for eczema. Traditionally, the rind of the fruit has been used to treat skin disorders including eczema. The anti-inflammatory nature of mangosteen accounts for the improvement of symptoms. When taken constantly, your body starts to heal and rids off the toxins aggravating the condition.

The antibacterial power of mangosteen against Staphylococcus aureus is of value in preventing flare-ups and complications.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting men and women equally. It occurs when the autoimmune system of your body gets messed up. The plaque type makes up for 80% of psoriasis cases. It is commonly symmetrical and found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp. The affected skin is red and scaly, which cracks and bleeds. The itchiness that comes along with it disrupts a good night’s sleep.

The exact cause why one suffers from it is still not well established. Genes and faulty signals in the immune system are believed to be among the culprits. It is an old skin problem that dates back to 35 AD. To this day, no cure has been found.

Not everyone with a family history of psoriasis develop it. There has to be provoking factors to precipitate the disease process, such as: Injury to the skin, pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus, emotional stress, and drugs including antimalarials, beta-blockers, lithium, and NSAIDs.

Despite that there is no cure to it, there are treatment options that can clear it for a period of time. Topical creams, light therapy and systemic medications are among the choices.

The topical creams may get messy and stain clothings. For light therapy, you need to keep coming back to the doctor’s office for several weeks. Most of the systemic medications have serious side effects, that they have to be combined or rotated with other treatments to lessen the side effects.

If you’d rather not deal with the drawbacks of the said treatment options, you can always try mangosteen supplements. Like eczema, the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of mangosteen take care of flushing out the harmful substances that contribute to the disease process, while keeping the body at its optimum health.

US: National Mango Board’s Foodservice Efforts Serve Up Success

The National Mango Board’s (NMB) strategic foodservice efforts are playing an important role in moving mangos from the produce aisles to restaurant tables. Since 2007, the number of menu items with mango increased by more than 20 percent, and based on current trends, the fruit made the list of the top eight “Fruit Ingredients on the Move,” according to a 2009 Mintel Menu Insights report.

NMB is playing a strong role in the fruit’s success with year-round efforts to raise awareness and promote education about mangos at the foodservice level. Programs in 2009 include a sponsorship of the 12th Annual World of Flavor conference this month at the Culinary Institute of America in California. The NMB partnered with Sodexo on a limited-time-offer promotion earlier this year, sponsored The Flavor Experience this past summer and participated in the International Foodservice Editorial Council Annual Conference in October. The NMB’s participation with IFEC deepened last month when NMB marketing manager, Megan McKenna, was elected to serve as an IFEC board member for a three year term.

“The NMB’s foodservice program works on many different levels, including media outreach, event sponsorship and menu development in order to maximize exposure for mangos on a limited budget,” said Wendy McManus, marketing director for the NMB. “The foodservice industry is the gatekeeper for what many consumers add to their shopping lists each week, so forming these connections in foodservice can have a major impact on the mango industry.”

The NMB engaged in a limited time offer summer promotion with Sodexo where six mango dishes were featured at 2000 locations. During the promotion, mangos were featured in their Tropical Fruit Salad Cup, Mango Chicken Chop Salad, Mango and Avocado Chicken Ciabatta, Thai Shrimp and California Avocado Salad, Grilled Fish Tacos and Mango Shrimp Salad Croissant. To promote these mango dishes Sodexo created promotional point of sale materials for each dish featuring a recipe description, photography, nutritional information and the NMB logo.

Grilled Fish Tacos signage for Sodexo promotion featuring fresh mangos and the NMB logo

In August, the NMB sponsored The Flavor Experience in San Diego, CA, where mangos were featured in eight of the dishes offered to attendees during the three day conference; from parfaits and custards to pastas, salads and kabobs. The NMB showcased mangos with chefs and foodservice operators and identified restaurant chains who showed an interest in adding fresh mangos to their menus. In addition, Chef Robert Danhi’s toolbox session focused on fresh mangos and their versatility in texture and taste on the menu during all levels of ripeness.

The NMB attended the International Foodservice Editorial Council (IFEC) Annual Conference in October in which representatives of the NMB met with 20 foodservice media editors in fast-paced 10 minute sessions to talk about editorial opportunities for the upcoming year. The NMB also donated a case of fresh mangos to the silent auction and sponsored the Chef Showcase, an event in which local chefs were paired with specific products to create foodservice-oriented dishes. The NMB’s partner chef, Paul McCabe from Kitchen 1540 in San Diego, created a Smoked Coriander Rubbed Lamb Loin with Mango Kosho, Hon Shimeji, Green Mango Slaw and also had a Mango Pate De Fruits.

The NMB’s online foodservice section, www.mango.org/foodservice, is updated consistently to meet the needs of the industry. Visitors will find information on mango varieties and availability, how to select, cut and store, foodservice recipes, a crop forecast and even where to find suppliers.

The NMB’s 2009 foodservice program is already surpassing results from 2008, with more than 3.2 million impressions to date for an advertising equivalency of almost $125,000. Continued foodservice efforts in addition to consumer, trade and retail programs in 2010 will more thoroughly integrate mangos into the U.S. market and make them a top fruit of choice in households across the country.

For more information visit: www.mango.org

Malaysian Culture

Our Culture
Malaysian culture or Malaya culture is a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous tribes dating back to more than fifteen hundred years ago from a Kedah kingdom in Lembah Bujang with traders from China and India. Other cultures in the past that influenced heavily on the culture of Malaya include the Persian, Arab and European.

Cultures have been meeting and mixing in Malaysia since the very beginning of its history. More than fifteen hundred years ago a Malay kingdom in Bujang Valley welcomed traders from China and India. With the arrival of gold and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. A thousand years later, Arab traders arrived in Malacca and brought with them the principles and practices of Islam. By the time the Portuguese arrived in Malaysia, the empire that they encountered was more cosmopolitan than their own.

Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history--the Chinese, and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a dizzying array of indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage.

Malaysia is a friendly, beautiful, culturally rich country and one that’s extremely good value for money to travel in. It’s modern enough to be comfortable yet full of natural beauty to be mesmerized.

Culture and Art: The mix of cultural influences in Malaysia is the result of centuries of immigration and trade with the outside world, particularly with Arab nations, China, and India, however each culture remained largely intact; that is, none have truly been homogenized. Traditional temples and churches exist side by side with mosques.

Special activities: Malaysia also offers some very special activities, and if you make room for one or two of them, they will enhance your trip immeasurably. You can choose to spelunk in the world’s largest single cave chamber in Sarawak’s extraordinary Gunung Mulu National Park, or a diving trip in the tropical waters off both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo where you can find some of the world’s best scuba diving sites. A visit to the rain forest of Malaysia should be high on the list for anyone who has an affinity for nature, and it should be: the Malaysian rain forest is unique in the world, and the oldest on the planet.

Cuisine: Malaysia is a fabulous place to enjoy the art of eating and drinking. Malaysian Food is a multicultural fusion of Malay, Indians, Chinese and a bit of Peranakan, and this create a unique food that’s not only colorful, spicy and eclectic, but also downright tasty.

Come enjoy Malaysia with me, you can really see, feel, touch, smell and taste the hidden treasures of Malaysia. With so much to see and so much to do, one will never complain about feeling bored here. So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit Malaysia!

Malaysian Cuisine

Tropical Malaysian Cuisine



Malaysian cuisine reflects the multi-racial aspects of Malaysia. Various ethnic groups in Malaysia have their dishes but many dishes in Malaysia are derived from multiple ethnic influences.



Malaysian Food is not one particular distinction of food but a culinary diversity originating from it's multi-ethnic population of Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Chinese, Nyonya and the Indigenous peoples of Borneo. A brief look into the past and how this multi-ethnic country came to be, is essential in order to comprehend how such a cosmic array of food, has now come to be known all over the world as 'Malaysian Food'. Presented here are some of the various delicious and popular dishes from this rainbow of gastronomic spectrum, with pictures and detailed recipes, from each unique ethnic kitchen.
Malaysia is in Southeast Asia. Geographic coordinates: 2 30 N, 112 30 E. The size of Malaysia is slightly larger than the state of New Mexico, USA. Malaysia consists of two parts: West Malaysia, also called Peninsular Malaysia or Malaya; and East Malaysia. The two parts are 403 miles [650km] apart and are separated by the South China Sea.

West Malaysia is bordered on the north by Thailand, on the east by the South China Sea, on the south by Singapore [separated by the narrow Johore Straits], and on the west by the Straits of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. There are 11 states and two federal territories in West Malaysia.

East Malaysia is bordered on the north by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, on the east by the Celebes Sea, and on the south and west by Kalimantan - the Indonesian part of Borneo. There are 2 states and one federal territory in East Malaysia. Along the coast within Sarawak is the independent nation of Brunei.

Malaysia's climate allows for fruits to be grown all year round. Most tropical fruits are either grown in Malaysia or imported from neighbouring countries. The demand for fruits is generally quite high. Some notable fruits include:
The durian, a fruit with a spiky outer shell and a characteristic odour is a local tropical fruit that is notable because it provokes strong emotions either of loving it or hating it. It is also known as the "King of the Fruits".
The rambutan also has a distinctive appearance, being red or yellow in colour (when ripe) and having fleshy pliable spines or 'hairs' on its outer skin.
The mangosteen, often called the "Queen of the Fruits".
The lychee, which has a bumpy red skin and sweet, sometimes made with tea to make it sweet. they are sold all year round.
The mango, a refreshing fruit
The longan, which name translates to 'Dragon Eye' in Chinese, and is called mata kucing in Malay (literally 'cat's eye') and it's similar to lychee

Papaya

The papaya is a fruit with its origins in South America. But it has grown well in this region and is considered almost native. This fruit is noted for its flavor and the flesh is usually orange to reddish in color. The fruit can be eaten fresh or chilled. Just add a squeeze of lime or lemon for added taste.

Rambutan

The rambutan season takes place twice a year. The egg-shaped fruit has a reddish-yellowish color, or a combination of colors, as its outer skin. The skin and seed are discarded, but the flesh is usually white, sweet, and juicy.

Pineapple

The pineapple is known as nanas locally. There are two pineapple commercial varieties in the country. For canning, they are known as "nanas merah" (red pineapple) or "nanas hijau" (green pineapple). For eating raw, the nanas Sarawak (Sarawak pineapple) and nanas Moris (Moris pineapple) is used. The nanas Sarawak is usually minimum in size with pale yellow flesh. The nanas Moris is usually smaller with a bright yellow flesh.

Mangosteen

The mangosteen is considered to be a choice tropical fruit and like the durian, native to Malaysia. While the durian is seen as " heaty" for the body, the mangosteen is "cooling". Shaped like round berries, the size of tennis balls, it has a thick fibrous outer layer that is usually maroon in color. It is easy to open by merely pressing between the palms.

Durian

Durian is often called the "king of fruits" by those who love it.For instance, it has a smell that can be "over-powering" to those newly introduced to it. It has a thorny appearance and could hurt if you allowed it to fall on your feet! It is even quite difficult getting at the fruit inside. Good durians have pulp that are neither watery nor hard to touch. It is kind of the in-between that is considered most delicious.