Persimmons are exotic and delicious fruits that are orange in color and are a powerhouse of nutrients. Generally found during autumn, this fruit is also called the ‘divine fruit’. Different varieties of this fruit are available in the market. The most popular one is called Diospyros kaki and it is the Chinese native. Commonly it is known as the Japanese persimmon. Actually a berry, this orange colored fruit has close resemblances to a tomato.
There are astringent as well as non-astringent varieties of persimmons available and these can either be eaten raw or in dried form. Along with being low on the calorie factor, this fruit is packed with various essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals and is highly beneficial for the body. Persimmons are rich sources of vitamin A and C as well as calcium and phosphorus.
8 Health Benefits That Are Obtained From Persimmons:
1. Helps in boosting the immune system in the body
People suffering from poor immune health can benefit greatly with consumption of persimmons. This fruit has high concentrations of ascorbic acids (vitamin C). It has been found that one persimmon meets 80% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid by the body, which is amazing. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in stimulating the immune system in the body and keeps it healthy. This is possible as the production of white blood cells is boosted in the body with this fruit. With abundant quantities of white blood cells in the body, it develops a strong defense mechanism against viral, microbial and fungal infections along with toxin and foreign body infections.
2. Helps in keeping blood pressure under control
Maintaining a healthy and stable blood pressure is important for a healthy body. And for this, potassium levels should be maintained correctly in the body. Persimmons are extremely rich sources of potassium. Acting as a vasodilator, potassium helps in keeping blood pressure levels low. As a result, blood circulation is improved in the body and blood can reach to all the vital organs for proper functioning. Lower blood pressure takes off the pressure from the cardiovascular system and combats various kinds of heart diseases from developing. Low blood pressure can be dealt with easily when compared to high blood pressure.
3. Helps in stimulating metabolic activity in the body
Until and unless the metabolic system in the body functions well, the body cannot be fit and healthy. Persimmons are rich in vitamin B complex and contain vital nutrients such as thiamin, folic acid and pyridoxine. All these components are crucial parts of metabolic functions, and enzymatic process in the body. Thus, well balanced level of these components helps in effective working of the metabolic system. And with a finely working metabolic system, you can enjoy benefits like increased muscle tone and muscle mass, high energy levels, boosted immune system and improved digestion.
4. Is excellent for dealing with hypertension
Hypertension is a problem from which majority of people suffer. The dangerous thing about this ailment is that it can lead to bad consequences when not dealt with in the right manner. Hypertension is mainly triggered when excessive sodium is included in the diet. Persimmons contain very low levels of sodium. So if you are looking to balance sodium levels in the body, there is no better way than using persimmon for the same. People suffering from hypertension are recommended to follow low-sodium diet and persimmons can be included in it for perfect balancing.
5. Helps in reducing the problem of water retention in the body
Edema is a problem from which many people suffer and inflammation in the legs, hands and other body parts is commonly seen. Persimmons are diuretic in nature and help in combating the problem of inflammation by reducing water retention in the body. Along with minimizing water retention, this amazing fruit also works towards increasing the urine flow through the kidneys. Since the fruit is high in potassium content, there are no chances of significant mineral loss from the body during the process of urination.
6. Contains anti-tumor properties
Tumors often lead to cancer – this is a common notion that many people have. But it is not always correct. All tumors are not carcinogenic in nature. Persimmons are not only high in antioxidants and reduce scopes of developing cancer, the fruit also helps in lowering risks of developing tumors. The fruit is rich in betulinic acid and it is considered as a strong anti-tumor compound. Chances of contracting tumors are minimized by inducing apoptosis. In common language it is known as programmed cell death. In case there is a tumor, the size of the same will reduce and it will not turn into metastasis in future with regular intake of this miracle fruit.
7. Helps in providing a healthy digestive system
For a healthy digestive system, regular bowel movements are necessary. And for this, including fiber in the diet is absolutely necessary. Persimmons are extremely rich in fiber content and they help in regulating and alleviating bowel movements. Problems like constipation and other issues related to bowel movements are combated with this fruit, providing a healthy digestive system. Intestinal movement in the body is regulated with the help of tannins, which are important components in persimmons. Diarrhea and other stomach ailments can be controlled well with this fruit.
8. Helps in proper blood circulation in the body
With reduced blood pressure, persimmons also help in creating brand new red blood cells in the body. This is possible as the fruit contains copper in consistent amounts and this mineral helps in RBC creation in the body. Without copper, the body cannot take and absorb various essential nutrients for making extra hemoglobin in the body. Persimmon abounds in copper and leads to better blood circulation in the body with increased amounts of RBCs in the body. With good blood circulation, many other bodily functions improve drastically in the body.
Persimmon USDA Nutrition Chart
Serving size: 1 oz = 28 g
- Energy: 20 Kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sugar: 4mg
- Total Fat: 0 mg
- Protein: 0 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1 mg
Minerals
- Magnesium: 2.5 mg
- Calcium: 2.2 mg
- Phosphorous: 4.8 mg
- Zinc: 0.01 mg
- Manganese: 0.1 mg
- Iron: 0.0 mg
- Selenium: 0.2 mcg
- Copper: 0.0 mg
- Potassium: 45.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A: 456 IU
- Vitamin E: 0.2 mg
- Vitamin K: 0.7 mcg
- Riboflavin: 0.0 mg
- Vitamin B-6: 0.0 mg
- Vitamin C: 2.1 mg
- Folate: 2.2 mcg
- Vitamin B-6: 0.0 mg
- Choline: 2.1 mg
After knowing so many health benefits of persimmons, make sure that you include this amazing fruit in your diet.