Health Benefits Of Persimmons

Persimmons are fruits that come from certain trees of the Diospirus genus. Like tomatoes, they are technically berries, but they are rarely considered berries. 

The fruit is harvested in late autumn and may remain on the tree until winter. Depending on the variety, the colour ranges from yellow to deep red-orange. Some persimmons are round, while others are shaped like acorns or pumpkins. They vary in size from a 50 yen coin to a small grape. 

When choosing persimmons to eat, it is important whether they are astringent persimmons or astringent persimmons. Either Asian persimmon varieties, grown commercially in California and Florida, will do. The most popular among them is the Fuyu persimmon. Varieties of American persimmon are simply corrosive. The most popular is the Hachiya persimmon. 

Astringent Persimmons can be eaten while still hard or after softening. Astringent persimmons are dark in colour and should only be eaten when soft and fully ripe. 

Persimmons are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. You can find them at many markets in season, and they are delicious eaten as is or made into stews or baked goods.

Health Benefits:

Persimmons are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, each of which has important health benefits. For example, vitamin C supports the immune system and helps protect against heart disease. Persimmons are also rich in soluble fibre, which slows the digestion of carbohydrates and prevents spikes in blood sugar. 

Persimmons have other health benefits, including: 

Heart health:

Persimmons keep your arteries clear and reduce the risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis refers to hardening and narrowing of the arteries, and a study found that persimmons are rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants and minerals and can be part of an anti-atherosclerotic diet. It has been found that one of persimmon’s constituents, fibre-rich tannins, has been shown to be particularly effective in treating high cholesterol. 

Eye Health:

Persimmon helps keep your eyes healthy. One serving contains more than half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, which is important for vision. Additionally, persimmon peels are rich in lutein, which is known to be effective in preventing eye diseases. 

Prevents diabetes and reduces risk of complications:

Persimmon peel contains flavonoids, which have anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. They prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are harmful compounds that form when proteins or fats combine with blood sugar. AGEs are thought to be associated with both the development of diabetes and long-term health complications resulting from diabetes.

Regulates blood sugar levels:

Persimmon is a fibre rich food. Dietary fibre helps slow the absorption of glucose and carbohydrates by the intestines. As a result, blood glucose spikes can be prevented. Therefore, persimmon is a healthy food for diabetic patients. Additionally, studies have shown that the beta-carotene found in persimmons reduces the risk of diabetes. Other bioactive molecules such as flavonoids, tannic acid and anthocyanins also reduce the risk of diabetes. These bioactive molecules prevent oxidative stress in the body. These factors contribute to a healthy body and reduce the risk of diabetes. 

Reduces inflammation:

Persimmons are a great source of antioxidants, including vitamin C. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin A and flavonoids. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. That means they help in reducing inflammation in our body. Inflammation is the body’s defence mechanism to fight infection. Studies have shown that antioxidants like vitamin C work by reducing inflammatory proteins in the body. Prolonged inflammation can lead to arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to consume foods with anti-inflammatory properties. 

Anti-cancer effects:

Persimmon has powerful anti-cancer effects. They may reduce the growth and spread of many types of cancer. For example, one study suggests a cytotoxic effect of persimmon extract on colorectal cancer cell lines. Therefore, this means that the bioactive compounds present in persimmon can kill these cancer cells and prevent the spread of cancer cells.

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