We have known for some time that anti-oxidants are good for us, that they help counteract the negative effects of free radicals. But the more scientists research this area, the more we find out that certain anti-oxidants can be exceptionally beneficial to our health.

The latest research suggests that Xanthones, a specific type of anti-oxidant, have incredible health giving qualities. Xanthones are biologically active plant phenols found in dark, red fruit and often in the nutrient rich plants of the tropical rainforests. The fruit with by far the most Xanthones is Mangosteen with 47 different types (there are about 200 different types in total), native to the South East Asian countries of Thailand and Burma.

Initially a secret shared by extreme health enthusiasts, well-informed celebrities (Kate Moss was reputed to have drunk Mangosteen juice to fend off her hangovers) and most of South East Asia, Mangosteen is now a growing phenomena in the mainstream Western health industry.

So why are Xanthones, and therefore Mangosteen, so special? The list of suggested benefits is almost limitless - everything from the general claims of more energy, better skin and anti-aging through to specific anti-viral, anti-diarrheal, anti-allergenic properties and so on. It is reputed as good for your heart, your eyes (prevents cataracts), your mind (supports against dementia) and your blood sugar (Diabetics have reported lower blood sugar levels after drinking Mangosteen).

How much any of these are proven is unlikely, but there has been much positive research into anti-oxidants in general, and Xanthones are definitely a highly active category within that, so this anecdotal evidence certainly has a strong grounding.

But there is a caveat to the miracles this fruit can perform.

Made up of 3 parts, the pericarp or rind, the pulp or fruit, and seeds, the bulk of the Xanthone content is in the pericarp which is, as you might have guessed, not the tastiest part of the fruit. Hard and bitter, many producers of Mangosteen juice choose to leave the pericarp out rather than either spoil the taste of their drink or give themselves the harder task of turning rind into juice.

But it doesn't need to be that way. As another astonishing example of how clever nature can be, Xanthones are heat stable molecules, which mean you can boil up the pericarp without damaging its content. So look out for Mangosteen Juice WITH the pericarp. If you're a Grapefruit Juice fan, choose one with nothing added. If you've got a slightly sweeter tooth, choose one that's mixed with other fruits (although be careful to ensure the main ingredient is Mangosteen).

Slow growing and native to a select region, Mangosteen juice in inevitably an expensive product. But if you believe even a sliver of the claims made about this much-admired fruit, it is money well spent. One thing is for sure - it won't do you any harm so perhaps it's worth giving it a try. At least then you might understand what all the hype is really about. And if you wake up looking like Kate Moss, please let me know!