The persimmon is an orange-colored fruit. Persimmon originally meant “holy fruit” in Greek. As a result, it is also regarded as the “fruit of gods.” The name derives from the plethora of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive chemicals found in the fruit.
They have a sweet flavour and are used in a variety of sweets and baked items. The peel of the persimmon can be eaten raw. Roasted persimmon seeds are a delicious snack. Persimmon has been shown to improve heart, skin, and visual health. They also aid in the prevention of ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. It originated in China and is currently available throughout the world.
Persimmon Nutrition Facts
Persimmons contain the following nutrients in 100 grammes:
70 kcal of energy
18.59 g carbohydrate
0.58 g protein, 0.19 g fat
3.6 g of fibre
Minerals and vitamins
Persimmons also provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
- 489 mg vitamin A (32 percent of DV)
- 0.03 mg vitamin B1 (3 percent DV)
- 8 mcg folate ( 2 percent DV)
- 7.5 mg vitamin C (9 percent DV)
- Magnesium (mg): 9 mg (3 percent DV)
- 0.15 mg iron (1 percent DV)
- 8 mg calcium (1 percent DV)
- B2 vitamin: 0.02 (2 percent DV)
- 161 mg potassium (3 percent DV)
- 17 mg phosphorus (2 percent DV)
- Zinc content: 0.11 (1 percent DV)
Persimmon Health Benefits
Promotes Heart Health
Persimmons contain numerous bioactive compounds. Antioxidants include anthocyanin, beta carotene, flavonoids, tannic acid, and vitamin C. Persimmon contains a high concentration of these.
These antioxidants promote cardiovascular health and blood circulation. Furthermore, they mitigate the damage produced by free radicals. As a result, they protect the body from oxidative damage. As a result, chronic cardiac disorders such as hypertension and stroke may be reduced.
High cholesterol levels are one of the primary causes of heart disease. The bad cholesterol is referred to as LDL cholesterol. When LDL levels are high, it can build up in the heart, arteries, and liver. As a result, several diseases might develop over time. It can eventually lead to hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attacks.
A study shows how antioxidants protect the body from a variety of cardiac problems. Furthermore, antioxidants lower the amount of harmful cholesterol in the body. They aid the body’s elimination of LDL cholesterol. Antioxidants accomplish this by causing macrophages, or immune cells, to take up and break down LDL cholesterol molecules.
Another study showed that eating persimmon on a daily basis can lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Tannic acid also stimulates the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids.
These short-chain fatty acids help to keep cholesterol from forming in the liver. In the colon, the fibres in persimmons mix with LDL cholesterol. They prevent it from entering the bloodstream and assist the body in excreting it.
Furthermore, the high potassium content of persimmon aids in blood circulation. As a result, there is a lower chance of hypertension or high blood pressure.
Promotes Healthy Vision
Persimmons contain 32% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A in 100g. Vitamin A aids in the maintenance and improvement of vision. It aids in the production of a protein known as rhodopsin in the eyes.
Rhodopsin is a protein that allows you to see in the dark. In addition, vitamin A is essential for rhodopsin to work properly. Vitamin A has also been linked to the prevention of vision diseases such as cataracts, according to research.
Furthermore, free radicals have been linked to cellular damage in the eye and surrounding tissue. Consuming antioxidant-rich meals can help to prevent this. Free radicals in the body can be reduced by antioxidants such as Vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. As a result, individuals can avoid potential eye damage.
Controls blood sugar levels
Persimmons are high in fibre. Dietary fibres aid in the slowing of glucose and carbohydrate absorption in the intestines. As a result, glucose surges in the blood can be avoided. As a result, persimmons are a healthy snack for diabetics.
A study also suggests that the beta-carotene found in persimmons lowers the risk of diabetes. Other bioactive compounds, including as flavonoids, tannic acid, and anthocyanin, aid in the prevention of diabetes. These bioactive compounds protect the organism from oxidative damage. These elements all lead to a healthier body and a lower risk of diabetes.
Improves Skin Health
Persimmons are used to treat skin disorders. Acne, scars, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, and eczema are just a few examples. Persimmons have anti-inflammatory qualities, antioxidants, and bioactive substances that contribute to this quality.
Some studies have shown that they may help to prevent skin irritation caused by UV damage. Antioxidants aid in the prevention of cellular damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. As a result, this can slow down skin ageing and avoid early wrinkles.
Antioxidants also help to balance out skin tone by eliminating dark patches. These blemishes may be caused by acne scars or small skin injury. As a result, putting antioxidants on your skin can help you create an even skin tone. Acne, scarring, and redness can all be reduced with regular use.
Decreases Inflammation
Persimmons are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C. They also have a high concentration of vitamin A and flavonoids. These chemicals have anti-inflammatory properties. That is, they aid in the reduction of inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is the body’s defence mechanism against infection.
Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, have been demonstrated in studies to reduce the proteins in our bodies that promote inflammation. Prolonged inflammation can result in arthritic conditions, diabetes, and heart disease. As a result, it is critical to ingest anti-inflammatory foods.
Cancer-Preventive Properties
Persimmon contains powerful anticancer properties. They have the ability to slow the growth and spread of many types of cancer. A study, for example, reveals that persimmon extracts have cytotoxic effects on colorectal cancer cell lines. As a result, the bioactive components in persimmon may be able to kill these cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.
This is due to the high levels of antioxidants and bioactive chemicals found in persimmon. These substances prevent cancer cells from entering the cell cycle, resulting in cell death. As a result, persimmon appears to have promising anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, it has been shown to lessen the risk of several types of cancer.
Persimmons: How to Eat Them
Persimmons are a versatile fruit that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Persimmons, for example, can be eaten raw. Their seeds and peel can also be eaten. You can also use them in sweets, salads, savoury dishes, and baked goods.
When is the best time to eat them?
It is best not to consume persimmons on an empty stomach in the morning. Eating persimmons on an empty stomach in the morning may produce nausea and vomiting.
As a result, consume persimmons later in the day as a mid-morning or evening snack. Likewise, don’t consume persimmons late at night. Consuming foods like persimmons late at night might also induce a blood sugar increase. As a result, the body’s energy level would rise, leading to insufficient sleep.
A case study revealed that eating a lot of dried persimmons causes intestinal obstructions. Consuming a large amount of persimmons may also result in diarrhoea, bloating, gas, or constipation.
However, this is due to the body’s inability to metabolise that many persimmons at once. As a result, the daily recommended consumption of persimmons is one fruit.
Interaction of Drugs
Persimmons can respond to many medications. High blood pressure medicine, for example, which reduces blood coagulation and reacts with persimmon.
Furthermore, research demonstrate that persimmons can affect blood coagulation time. As a result, avoid eating persimmons while taking these drugs. Before consuming persimmons while taking these medications, consult your doctor.
Summary
Persimmons are a type of orange fruit native to China. They have a delicious sweet flavour. They may qualify as a superfood since they are high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive substances.
Persimmon has been shown to improve heart, skin, and visual health. Persimmon can be eaten in a variety of ways, from raw to incorporated into desserts. This versatile and healthful fruit should be included in your diet if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the advantages of consuming persimmon?
A. Consuming persimmons can boost the health of your heart, eyes, and skin. They may also help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Persimmons include a number of bioactive substances that can help strengthen your immunity and keep your general health in check.
Q. Is persimmon beneficial to diabetics?
A. Persimmons are a good source of fibre for diabetics. They have a low glycemic index and a high fibre content. As a result, they keep blood sugar levels stable. Furthermore, the antioxidants in persimmons help to prevent oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic disorders like diabetes.
Q: Is persimmon healthy for your heart?
A. Persimmons are a heart-healthy fruit. The dietary fibre in persimmons lowers bad cholesterol in the body, while the antioxidants protect against heart disease. As a result, the fruit promotes general heart health.
Q. Is persimmon beneficial to the skin?
A. Yes, persimmons are beneficial to skin health. This is due to persimmons’ high concentration of bioactive chemicals such as antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage, minimise scarring, inflammation, and enhance overall skin texture. As a result, eating persimmons on a daily basis may improve skin health over time.
Q: How many persimmons can you consume in a day?
A. It is best to limit yourself to one persimmon or 100 g of fruit per day. Consuming too many persimmons can cause intestinal obstructions, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Q. What are the negative consequences of eating persimmons?
A. Some people may be allergic to persimmons. Excessive eating of persimmons can also cause intestinal obstructions, diarrhoea, vomiting, and other stomach-related issues. As a result, it is advised to limit yourself to one persimmon every day. You should also avoid eating persimmons if you are on medicine for high blood pressure or to slow blood clotting.
Q. Why is eating too many persimmons bad?
A. Consuming an excessive amount of persimmons may cause stomach troubles. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, gas, and intestinal obstructions. This occurs because the stomach and intestines cannot digest that many persimmons at the same time.
Q. Is persimmon harmful to the kidneys?
No, it does not. On the contrary, they are strong in vitamins that are beneficial to the kidneys. They also include antioxidants, which can lower oxidative stress on a variety of organs, including the kidneys.
Q. Do persimmons contain a lot of oxalate?
A. No, persimmons do not contain a lot of oxalates. Instead, they contain trace levels of oxalate.
Q. Is it safe to have persimmon at night?
A. No, persimmons should not be eaten at night. Consuming persimmons late at night may result in a rise in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, an increase in blood sugar levels may interfere with sleep.
Q. Is it safe to eat persimmon on an empty stomach?
A. No, it is not advisable to consume persimmons on an empty stomach. Eating persimmons on an empty stomach may cause gastric juice release, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and gas. As a result, consume persimmons later in the day as a mid-morning or evening snack.
Q: Does persimmon have a lot of sugar?
A. No, persimmons do not have a significant sugar content. For example, 100 g of persimmon fruit has only 18.59 g of carbohydrates, comprising 12.5 g of sugar and 3.6 g of dietary fibre.
Q. Can you consume the seeds of a persimmon?
A. Yes, persimmon seeds can be eaten. Roasted seeds can be eaten as a snack.
Q. Is it safe for a pregnant woman to consume a persimmon?
A. Yes, eating persimmons during pregnancy is safe. Persimmons are good for your health because they are high in nutrients and vitamins.
Q. Do persimmons contribute to kidney stones?
Persimmons do not induce kidney stones. They contain a trace of oxalate. They also enhance kidney health by reducing oxidative stress.
Q: Are persimmons toxic?
A. No, persimmons are not poisonous. It is, nevertheless, critical to consume them in the suggested proportions. Excessive consumption may result in intestinal obstructions. Furthermore, some people are allergic to persimmons. Consult a doctor if you have any negative effects after eating persimmons.
Q: Are persimmons low in carbohydrates?
A. Persimmons are a low carbohydrate food. Persimmons, for example, provide 18.59 g of carbs per 100 g.
Q: Can diabetics consume persimmon?
A. People with diabetes can consume persimmons. This qualifies since it has a low glycemic index and a high content of dietary fibre. As a result, blood sugar levels do not rise dramatically.
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