Dubbed “divine fruit” by the Greeks, this amazing fruit, persimmon, is bursting with antioxidants and loads of other nutrients. This divine fruit is commonly known in the Asia continent; Asian countries like Japan, China, India, amongst others. Persimmon is, however, gaining popularity in other countries of the world. With persimmon fruit, pies, salads, cakes, and dessert taste better. Hence, the divine fruit could serve as an additional ingredient for food.
What then is persimmon fruit? The persimmon fruit, of course, comes from the persimmon tree, a tree which belongs to the Ericaeles order of plants. The persimmon fruit, just like other fruits is edible. There are however varieties of persimmon fruit, ranging from country to country. There is the Japanese persimmon fruit which is known by its scientific name Diospyros kaki. The American persimmon fruit is referred to as Dysporos Virginia which is usually ornamental. There are basically two types of the persimmon fruit, astringent and non-astringent. The astringent persimmon is that type of astringent that could have an unpleasant taste when it is not properly consumed. The unpleasant taste of this type of persimmon is caused if not fully ripened, but, if fully ripened, it comes with a delicious taste. The non-astringent persimmon fruit, unlike the astringent persimmons, is enjoyable whether ripe or not. The former contains a high concentration of tannins, but the latter’s tannins level is lower than the former. Hachiya persimmons and fuyu persimmons are types of astringent and non-astringent persimmons respectively. The good thing about this is that it could be eaten raw, baked and/or cooked depending on the consumer’s choice.
A Brief History of Persimmon Fruit
The persimmon fruit is mainly Japanese, although introduced into the United States by Admiral Perry in mid-1800s in Japan where he found the persimmon tree growing. Meanwhile, the cold winter in the US could not let the trees grow well. This persimmon fruit is traceable to China which is described as oriental persimmon.
It would not be so cool to talk about the persimmon fruit without mentioning how beneficial it is to the human body.
The Health Benefits of the Persimmon Fruit Are…
Its Antioxidants Level
The persimmon fruit is loaded with antioxidants. The antioxidants in the persimmon help reduce chronic diseases. Beta-carotene, lycopene/lutein, and cryptoxanthin are exclusive to the antioxidants found in persimmon fruit. They also aid in preventing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and all kinds of cancer. The antioxidants in persimmon make it highly beneficial to the body, which also help keep the liver healthy.
Talk about Body Regulations
Another benefit of the persimmon fruit is that it helps promote regularity in the body. The persimmon fruit is highly recommended for one who is on diet. It also help prevent constipation. Persimmon fruit is high in fiber which aid in the daily need of fiber intake. Fiber, however, promotes regularity because it helps humans release feces from their bowel effectively. Astringent persimmon fruit is one that is associated with constipation and help decrease intestinal secretions. Vitamin B Complex is exclusive to promoting regulations.
Eye Care
The persimmon fruit also supports healthy vision. This is because it is rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is mainly known to maintain eye related issues. Persimmons help prevent various eye problems like night blindness, dry eyes, Bitot’s spots, amongst others. These vision-related issues are usually caused by inadequate vitamin A. It is pertinent to note that all kinds of eye-related issues could be prevented by persimmons with regard to vitamin A.
Reducing Cholesterol
Persimmons help reduce cholesterol levels. In other words, it helps burn “unwanted fats”. Too much cholesterol in the body prevent the heart to pump blood effectively.
Reducing Inflammation
Persimmon fruit is known to decrease inflammation. This is exclusive to persimmon being enriched in antioxidants and tannins. Persimmon is not only known to decrease inflammation in humans but it amazingly works for animal such as mice too.
Lowering Blood Pressure
They help in lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of those factors that lead to heart disease. But, with tannins found in persimmons, they could help lower blood pressure. It is however advisable to stick to astringent persimmons because of them being high in tannins so as to prevent high blood pressure.
Weight Loss Too
If you are considering weight loss, persimmon fruit is one of those fruits you should consider. The amounts of fiber found in persimmons aid weight loss. Fiber helps keep the stomach full for long, this, however, helps that one who wants to lose weight eat less. It also helps reduce the craving for food with high cholesterol and sugary foods.
Some Other Benefits…
- Persimmon fruit also prevents macular degeneration in older ones. The Zeaxanthin found in persimmons help prevent the macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is a dietary carotenoid food in persimmons.
- Persimmons also provide energy for humans, both adults, and children. They are nutritious for people who involve in physical activities such as sport. Because persimmons are rich in sugar and fructose, they provide energy for the body. It also helps release all kinds of stress and fatigue.
- Persimmon fruits are great for prevention of cancer. The presence of certain acids in persimmon fruits help prevent cancer in the human body. In order to prevent and avoid cancer, it is advisable to consume persimmon fruit as often as possible.
- With persimmon fruit possessing anti-hemorrhagic properties, it helps control excessive bleeding from injuries. Hence, it serves as a first aid for injuries.
- Persimmon fruit is a natural relief for hiccups, and it is widely used as a cure for hiccup by medical practitioners in China.
- Persimmons, being diuretic reduces water retention and also helps increase the rate in which urine flows through the kidneys. The potassium present in the fruit ensures a productive urination.
Persimmon fruit is also beneficial to the human skin and hair through the following ways
- By brightening the tone of the skin. Because persimmon fruit is loaded with vitamin A, E, and carotene, it gives a natural glow to the skin.
- By controlling oil secretion.
- By delaying signs of aging.
- By preventing wrinkles.
- Vitamins A, B, and C which are known to be a source of healthy hair are found in persimmons.
Persimmon fruit, despite being beneficial to both human and animal body, also has it side effects.
These Side Effects Are:
- Triggers allergic reaction in some people.
- Astringent persimmons are known to slow down digestive tract in one who suffers constipation. This is the main reason why non-astringent persimmons are recommended for this category of people.
- It is not healthy to eat persimmons at the same time one is treating high blood pressure with medications. If one uses both persimmons and medications for high blood pressure at the same time, it is likely to result in a reaction.
- Pregnant woman and nursing mothers are advised to refrain from persimmons.
- At least two weeks before a surgery, it is advisable to avoid persimmons because it may interfere with blood pressure control.
What Else?
Persimmon fruit is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This divine fruit is roundish in shape, golden-yellow in color, and flavorful. It contains magnesium, thiamine, folate, phosphorus, and loaded with fiber. The seed of persimmon could be boiled so as to produce a coffee-like drink.
Persimmon fruit all the way!
