Dear Sun Spots: Sun Spots is always very helpful, and I need help again. I am looking for somewhere to buy “mangosteen” fruit. This is a tropical fruit and is supposed to have many healthful benefits, so I would like to purchase some.

Can you help me find somewhere that carries this fruit? – Lucy Bisson, Lewiston.

Answer: Unfortunately, it appears this fruit is very exotic, and Sun Spots was unable to locate it in solid, fruit form. According to www.herbalremedies.com, this fruit/juice appears to be high in antioxidants and also anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts energy, supports the cardiovascular system, enhances the immune system and contains naturally occurring minerals, enzymes, vitamins and more.

Sun Spots would urge you and others to please discuss this with your primary care physician prior to adding this to your diet.

In addition, Sun Spots did find several natural health food stores carrying several varieties of mangosteen juice concentrates or capsules. Among them:

• A 24-ounce bottle concentrate for $24.99; or, 100 capsules for $12.79, at Axis Natural Foods Limited, 250 Center St., Auburn, 782-3348, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

• A bottle of 60 veggie caplets $20.10 at Better Living Center, 13 Front St., Farmington, 778-6018. They are open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays from 7:30 to 3 p.m. closed Saturdays and open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Please contact them about special-ordering the concentrate for you. They’d be happy to help.

• A 24-ounce bottle on sale for $21.29 and capsules on sale for $12 for 60 at Morning Glory, 64 Maine St., Brunswick, 729-0546. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• A 24- and 32-ounce bottle concentrate for $24.99, (from different manufacturers); a 60 caplet option of 500 mgs per day at $15.99 at Lois’ Natural Marketplace, 152 Route 1, Scarborough, 885-0602. They are open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• A 32-ounce bottle for $22 at The Whole Grocer, 127 Marginal Way, Portland, 774-7711 or via their Web site at www.wholegrocer.com. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition, it also appears you can purchase this item online. Try www.herbalremedies.com, or www.mangosteen-juice.info.

Dear Sun Spots: Recently, Burger King was giving SpongeBob toys in their kids meals. Children were encouraged to collect all 20! I have a 5-year-old boy who is trying to do just that.

Unfortunately, we did not start collecting soon enough, and he is missing four of them. They are: Cowboy SpongeBob, Andes SpongeBob, Knight Sponge Bob, and Samurai Knight SpongeBob. We just found out that there won’t be anymore. If there is anyone who has any of the four that we are missing and would be willing to part with them, please phone me at 966-3052. It would make a big difference in a little boy’s life. We would be very grateful to anyone who can help us. – Athena Bussiere, Turner.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link