Scroll down to know more about the health benefits of persimmons, nutrition facts, and potential side effects.
2. May Improve Vision Health
Persimmon is also rich in vitamin A and other carotenoid antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (4). These may help enhance the function of optic nerve and protect eyes from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD causes vision loss)(5). Consuming persimmons regularly may also decrease the risk of adverse ailments like glaucoma, night blindness, and other AMD diseases (5).
3. May Help Alleviate Digestive Disorders
Persimmon contains vitamin B6. It helps regulate the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and offers optimal metabolism and energy levels (4) (6). It also may provide relief from flatulence, bloating, and constipation. Phytonutrients in a ripe persimmon, like tannins and polyphenols, have antimicrobial features that may help reduce stomach infections. Fibers help balance gut microbial flora for smooth functioning of intestines (7).
4. May Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease
Persimmon contains several beneficial plant compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help prevent or slow down cell damage by counteracting oxidative stress (a process triggered by unstable molecules called free radicals). The tannic and gallic acids in persimmons, along with the other flavonoids and antioxidants, may reduce high blood pressure, inflammation, and high cholesterol (8). Oxidative stress has been associated with chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other similar conditions (9). Consuming antioxidant-rich fruits like persimmons may help lower the risk of these diseases. Persimmons are also rich in carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene, which is a pigment found in various brightly-colored fruits and vegetables. Studies suggest that a diet rich in beta-carotene may help lower the risk of heart disease (10).
5. May Lower The Risk Of Cancer
Persimmon fruit is known for its potential anti-carcinogenic effects. Including this fruit in one’s diet may reduce the risk of cancer. It is rich in flavonoids and carotenoids like beta-carotene. Beta-carotene may help reduce the risk of lung and colorectal cancer (10).
6. May Help Fight Inflammation
A study in rats found that the antioxidant properties of persimmon may help reduce inflammation and tissue damage (11). Further, the vitamin C content in Chinese persimmon may help combat inflammation. This may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer (12), (13). Reduced inflammation may also bring down the risk of arthritis and keep your joints healthy.
7. May Help Treat Constipation
Persimmon is also high in fiber, especially when dried (14). One permission contains about 6 grams of fiber. Adequate fiber helps pass stool easily and keeps your digestive tract healthy. Fiber may help lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in the body. Moreover, the soluble fiber in persimmons binds with the cholesterol in the body and may help reduce its levels (15).
8. May Slow Down Premature Aging
Persimmon is rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin (16). These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and may help delay the onset of wrinkles and age spots. These are the important ways persimmon may benefit your health. Interestingly, this fruit is available in different types. Let us explore them below.
Different Types Of Persimmons
Persimmons are available in hundreds of different types. The most common ones include the following:
Astringent Or Hachiya Persimmon
Astringent or heart-shaped hachiya persimmons are high in tannins, a type of plant chemical (1). Tannins give the unripe version of the fruit a bitter, dry taste. Hence, you may eat ripened astringent persimmons for better taste.
Non-Astringent Or Fuyu Persimmon
Non-astringent or fuyu persimmons can be eaten unripe although they also are rich in tannins. They are a seasonally available variety from New Zealand and have a shorter shelf life. Persimmons are also classified into these other types:
American persimmon Japanese persimmon Date-plum tree persimmon Black persimmon Indian persimmon
All persimmon types share similar nutritional values and health benefits. In the next section, we discuss the nutritional profile of persimmon.
Nutritional Values Of Persimmon
Persimmons contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6. They are also high in dietary fiber, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium (4). A study published in the journal of Experimental and Clinical Sciences suggests that persimmons also contain other organic compounds, including carotenoids and catechins. Many of these contribute to various health benefits (1), (4).
How Can You Enjoy The Advantages Of Persimmon?
The best way to enjoy the goodness of persimmon is adding the fruit slices on top of cold or hot cereal, pancakes, or to yogurt parfait. You also can have them as a snack by adding them sliced to a salad or mixing them in a green protein smoothie. Eating one medium-sized persimmon (about 100 grams) every day is ideal for optimal health. Persimmons can be added to various dishes to provide an extra boost to your health. They pair well with both sweet and savory foods. Here are some of the ways you can add persimmon to your diet.
How To Add Persimmon To Your Diet?
Roast persimmons in the oven and drizzle with honey for a tasty and healthy dessert. Top yogurt or oatmeal with fresh or cooked persimmon. Boil persimmon and serve with baked Brie as an appetizer. Bake persimmons with chicken or meat for a tasty and unique flavor combination. Mix dried or fresh persimmon into bread, muffin, or any cake mix. Combine with berries and citrus fruits for a delicious fruit salad. Slice and dry persimmons in the oven to make natural fruit strips. Add frozen persimmons to smoothies for extra nutrients.
These are some of the easiest ways to add persimmon to your diet. However, excess persimmon intake may have certain side effects. Continue reading to know them.
Side Effects Of Eating Persimmons
Eating persimmon in moderation is generally safe. However, certain individuals may be allergic to this fruit and experience nausea, stomach upset, or an anaphylactic shock (release of a flood of chemicals) in extreme conditions (17), (18). Persimmon may also not be recommended for hypotensive individuals. The tannic and gallic acids it contains may lower blood pressure way too much. Consult your doctor for more info. Ingesting large quantities of ripe persimmon may lead to bezoars. These are hardened masses that are produced when the tannins in persimmon react with stomach acids. Bezoars can impede digestive passages and cause gastrointestinal issues (19). Hence, avoid excess intake of persimmon.
Takeaway
Is persimmon good for kidneys? Yes, persimmon is good for the kidneys. It is loaded with vitamin A that is essential for the proper functioning of kidneys. It is also low in phosphorus and fat and could be ideal for a kidney-friendly diet. Is it OK to eat persimmon skin? Yes, it is safe to eat persimmon skin. However, make sure the fruit is washed under running water before consuming it. Do persimmons cause blood clots? No, persimmons will not cause blood clots. In fact, their proanthocyanidin content helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Are persimmons acidic or alkaline? Persimmons are alkaline. They have a pH of 9.0. Can persimmons cause kidney stones? No, persimmons do not cause kidney stones.
