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Persimmon – a seasonal fruit, and it usually appears on store shelves in late autumn for a short two to three months. However, even in such a short period, you can have time to enjoy its taste. And at the same time replenish the reserves of vitamins and nutrients that nature has endowed her with in abundance. Be sure: you will immediately feel how your health will change, because the benefits of persimmon for our body are colossal.
Sweet, pleasant to the taste, filled with a mass of nutrients and antioxidants, persimmon was called by the ancient Greeks “the fruit of the gods” for a reason. This fruit gained wide popularity among the population in many Asian countries, after which it began to spread more and more throughout the world.
Persimmon is a natural and, importantly, a delicious way to satisfy the needs of the human body for many essential vitamins and minerals. To the delight of those with a sweet tooth, persimmon is an ideal addition to baked goods and desserts. And regular consumption of this fruit can significantly improve health.
General benefits
1. Providing antioxidant effects.
Persimmons are the richest source of antioxidants, i.e. compounds that help fight free radicals. Antioxidants prevent cell destruction, reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many chronic diseases.
Studies in Korea in 2012 found that persimmon juice contains large amounts of gallic acid and epicatechin gallate, two compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. Apart from persimmons, few foods can boast such a high level of antioxidants: berries, coriander, dark chocolate and cinnamon.
2. Prevention of constipation and improvement of the regularity of excretion of feces.
Persimmons are high in fiber – nearly double that of apples. Fiber passes through the intestines without being digested. It participates in the formation of feces, in their movement along the intestinal tube and in the removal of toxins and toxins from the body. It has been proven that dietary fiber effectively affects the process of bowel cleansing and improves its peristalsis. Which is especially useful for people who often suffer from constipation.
But be careful: astringent varieties or unripe persimmon fruits can, on the contrary, provoke constipation, since they have a higher content of tannic acid, which reduces intestinal secretion and slows down the digestive tract. In such cases, you should resort to increasing the amount of fluid you drink and eating other fruits and vegetables rich in fiber.
3. Maintenance of healthy vision.
Persimmons contain large amounts of vitamin A, without which maintaining eye health is simply impossible. Only 100 g of the fruit provides 22% of the daily value of vitamin A. With a deficiency of vitamin A, there may be deterioration of twilight vision (the so-called “night blindness”), photophobia, dryness of the conjunctiva, the appearance of Iskersky-Bito plaques, dispersed over the sclera.
Regular consumption of foods high in vitamin A, such as persimmons, can help prevent deficiencies in this essential vitamin and significantly improve vision. These foods also include liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage and spinach.
4. Reducing cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol in certain quantities is necessary for the human body, but its excess leads to its accumulation in the arteries. This can cause them to block up, make them much narrower. This complicates the work of the heart, because it is very difficult to pump blood through narrow and clogged vessels.
A scientific experiment was conducted in which forty participants consumed persimmons three times a day for 12 weeks. By the end of the study, all participants had significantly lower levels of “bad” cholesterol. Additional ways to naturally and quickly lower cholesterol levels are regular exercise, dietary intake of foods high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Providing anti-inflammatory action.
In addition to maintaining healthy vision and normalizing blood cholesterol levels, persimmons have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the fact that inflammation is a healthy response of the body’s immune system, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of many serious diseases, including cancer.
But the high content of antioxidants and tannins in persimmon fruits helps to alleviate the inflammatory process. By the way, along with persimmon, green leafy vegetables, berries, broccoli, walnuts and coconut oil are also capable of this.
6. Decrease in blood pressure.
High blood pressure puts additional stress on the heart and is a factor that increases the risk of heart disease. The tannins contained in this fruit help to normalize blood pressure, that is, to lower it to an optimal level. A lot of scientific research is proof of this.
So, in 2015, an experiment on rats, during which animals were given tannic acid, showed a decrease in blood pressure. Other experiments have confirmed that tannins extracted from traditional Chinese herbs actually help lower levels of an enzyme that is responsible for blood pressure. It should be remembered that the highest tannin content is found in astringent persimmon, and as the fruit ripens, it decreases.
7. Help with hemorrhoids.
Japanese persimmon has anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic properties, so it can be used to treat hemorrhoids.
8. Improvement of the digestive system.
Fiber is very important for intestinal motility. Fiber-rich foods help eliminate problems associated with bowel movements, thereby improving the functioning of the entire digestive system. And the tannins present in persimmons will relieve diarrhea.
9. Decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
It is known that excess sodium can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). Persimmons, in turn, have a low sodium content, and, accordingly, can be used to formulate a balanced diet for people suffering from hypertension.
10. Strengthening immunity.
Being a valuable source of vitamin C, persimmon, when consumed regularly, can significantly improve immunity, thereby protecting the body from colds and infectious diseases.
11. Improving the production of blood cells.
The copper present in persimmons helps the body absorb more iron from food intake. And iron is an essential element for the normal formation of red blood cells. Persimmon contains 14% iron per 100 g of product.
12. Elimination of an attack of hiccups.
Chinese doctors have successfully used persimmon stalks to combat hiccups.
13. Maintaining liver health.
We have already mentioned antioxidants that eliminate harmful free radicals from the human body. As a result, the effect of toxic substances and cell damage is reduced significantly, which leads to detoxification of the body and a healthy liver.
14. Providing a diuretic effect.
Persimmon has a pronounced diuretic effect: it helps to eliminate the phenomenon of water retention in the body, and also increases the amount of urine passing through the kidneys. The high potassium content of this fruit ensures that you will not experience significant losses of nutrients.
15. Natural energy source and antidepressant.
Persimmon juice is a delicious and healthy antidepressant. It contains a lot of potassium and sugar, so one glass of juice will provide you with instant energy to complete any activity (both physical and mental). It is the best choice for eliminating fatigue and stress.
16. Benefits for cardiac activity.
Persimmon has a positive effect on the work of the heart and the vascular system of the body. Cardiologists say that each person needs to eat one persimmon every day. It is able to prevent heart diseases such as stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease. In addition, the trace elements contained in this fruit are responsible for the durability of the heart muscle.
17. Benefits for oral health.
The calcium contained in persimmons, in combination with other vitamins and beta-carotene, forms bone tissue and forms teeth. Daily use of persimmon will relieve bleeding gums, caries and other diseases of the oral cavity. Persimmon is also a preventive measure for diseases such as scurvy and stomatitis.
18. Improving the functioning of the nervous system.
Persimmons contain B vitamins, which contribute to the production of happiness hormones. With the daily use of two persimmon fruits, you can forget about a bad mood. Persimmons help to cope with stress and prevent nervous breakdowns. Doctors recommend the use of persimmon for those people who have strenuous work that causes daily stress (doctors, military men, teachers, etc.).
19. Benefit for varicose veins.
The persimmon contains vitamins P, CC and PP, they are responsible for the elasticity of blood vessels and providing them with oxygen. This fruit does not allow blood to stagnate in the veins, increasing its outflow. That is why persimmon is useful for people suffering from varicose veins.
Benefits for women
20. Reducing the symptoms of menopause.
Persimmon helps to stabilize hormones, reduces hot flashes. Improves overall well-being, relieving depression, irritation and feelings of depression.
21. Ease of menstruation.
The fruits reduce the painful sensations in the lower abdomen and lower back that occur during menstruation. They also keep your cycle regular, control your flow, and maintain hemoglobin levels.
22. Treatment of gynecological diseases.
Doctors recommend using persimmon for women trying in vain to get pregnant, as well as for other gynecological diseases. It should be remembered that persimmon is not a drug and for the effectiveness of treatment it must be used in combination with drug treatment.
23. Benefits during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is important for women to maintain a balance of vitamins and minerals. Persimmon will do a great job with this. In addition, it will have a beneficial effect on the development of the baby in the womb. However, you can only eat the pulp of the fruit, without the peel. Do not overuse the fruits and it is better to consult your doctor about the possibility of using them.
Skin Benefits
24. Improving skin elasticity.
Persimmon contains vitamin A, which is responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Vitamin A fights stretch marks and prevents their occurrence during pregnancy and after childbirth.
25. Protection against harmful environmental influences.
The vitamins and minerals contained in persimmon have a protective effect against environmental factors damaging the skin. The skin is nourished, moisturized, it is not afraid of temperature extremes, wind or frost, which is especially important in the period from autumn to spring.
26. Rendering of a regenerating effect.
Tannins heal small wounds, cracks and inflammations. They normalize metabolic processes, slow down skin aging. Fruit acids rejuvenate the skin, evening out the texture and giving it a natural, uniform color.
Hair Benefits
27. An agent against hair loss.
Persimmons are used to treat profuse hair loss and split nails. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to grind the persimmon and apply it to the problem area, wait 1 hour.
28. Treatment of dry and brittle hair.
The vitamins present in persimmons contribute to the production of collagen, which, in turn, nourishes and protects the hair from external environmental factors. Often, the hair becomes dry and lifeless due to constant thermal exposure: hair dryers, irons, curls. To restore hair to its natural shine, you can use persimmon as a balm mask.
Benefits for men
29. Prevention of prostate disease.
Persimmon is a preventive measure for the development of pathologies of the male reproductive system. It lowers the concentration of the hormone prolactin, which can lead to the development of prostate adenoma. Thus, persimmon prevents the possible development of prostate diseases.
30. Improving sex life.
Persimmon improves male potency, is responsible for male health, increases the number and mobility of sperm, increases the synthesis of male sex hormones.
Harm and contraindications
1. The emergence allergies.
An allergic reaction to persimmon is a rather rare phenomenon, but, nevertheless, it occurs. If, after consuming persimmons, you experience unpleasant symptoms (itching, swelling, rash, and others typical of food allergies), stop eating the fruit and consult a doctor immediately.
2. Possibility of constipation.
People suffering from constipation should be careful about the choice of persimmons and purchase non-astringent varieties. Astringent persimmon, due to the large amount of tannins, can only aggravate the problem.
3. The occurrence of problems with pressure.
We already wrote above that persimmon is able to lower blood pressure. Therefore, if you are already using medications specially designed for this, be careful: they can work in combination, and instead of a therapeutic effect, you will get the exact opposite.
4. Formation of stones in the stomach.
Persimmons contain coarse dietary fiber that is not digested. On the one hand, this is good, dietary fiber cleanses the body of toxins and toxins. However, on the other hand, when persimmons are consumed excessively, the coarse fiber thickens to a lump, this leads to the formation of stones in the stomach. They cause food obstruction. The only treatment for this disease is surgery.
5. Not recommended after gastrointestinal surgery.
Rehabilitation recovery of a patient after surgery, especially on the gastrointestinal tract, requires strict adherence to a certain diet. Its violation can lead to the formation of adhesions and intestinal obstruction.
6. Do not give to children under 3 years of age.
Persimmons contain tannins and coarse dietary fiber, which can be too much of a challenge for an immature child’s body. The consequences can be different. Persimmons should be introduced into the child’s diet very carefully and gradually, in small pieces.
Chemical composition of the product
Nutritional value of persimmons (100 g) and the percentage of the daily value:
- The nutritional value
- Vitamins
- Macronutrients
- Trace Elements
- calories 67 kcal – 4,71%;
- proteins 0,5 g – 0,61%;
- fats 0,4 g – 0,62%;
- carbohydrates 15,3 g – 11,95%;
- dietary fiber 1,6 g – 8%;
- water 81,5 g – 3,18%.
- And 200 mcg – 22,2%;
- beta-carotene 1,2 mg – 24%;
- V1 0,02 mg – 1,3%;
- V2 0,03 mg – 1,7%;
- S 15 mg – 16,7%;
- E 0,5 mg – 3,3%;
- PP 0,3 mg – 1,5%.
- potassium 200 mg – 8%;
- calcium 127 mg – 12,7%;
- magnesium 56 mg – 14%;
- sodium 15 mg – 1,2%;
- phosphorus 42 mg – 5,3%.
conclusions
Persimmon has amazing properties that many do not even know about. Do not waste the opportunity to refresh yourself with healthy fruit and add health to your body. However, remember the above contraindications, so as not to harm your body.
Useful Properties
- Antioxidant effect.
- Prevent constipation and improve the regularity of excretion.
- Maintain healthy vision.
- Reducing cholesterol levels.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Help with hemorrhoids.
- Improving the functioning of the digestive system.
- Indispensable for hypertensive patients.
- Strengthening of immunity.
- Improving the production of blood cells.
- Elimination of an attack of hiccups.
- Maintaining liver health.
- Diuretic effect.
- Natural energy source and antidepressant.
- Good for cardiac activity.
- Improving oral health.
- Improving the functioning of the nervous system.
- Useful for varicose veins.
- Good for both men and women.
- Good for skin and hair.
Harmful properties
- The occurrence of allergies.
- Possibility of constipation.
- Causes pressure problems.
- Leads to the formation of stones in the stomach.
- Not recommended after gastrointestinal surgery.
- Cannot be given to children under 3 years of age.
Sources of Research
The main studies on the benefits and dangers of persimmon were carried out by foreign doctors and scientists. Below you can get acquainted with the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:
Sources of Research
1.https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24471076
3.https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3544045/
4.https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291444/
5.https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3936686/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23171573
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9808659
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28827842
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24306272
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12865094
11. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2337?manu=&fgcd=&ds=
Additional useful information about persimmon
How to use
1. Consumption raw.
If suddenly you have never had to taste this exotic fruit, you will be surprised how easy it can be to eat. Due to the fact that the peel of the fruit is very thin, tender and edible, it is enough just to wash the persimmon well and eat it like an apple. If you have purchased an astringent persimmon, it is best to wait until it is fully ripe and softened, otherwise the astringent effect in the mouth cannot be avoided. And don’t forget that some persimmon varieties may contain seeds that need to be removed.
2. Adding to dishes.
In addition to being eaten as a standalone product, persimmon is an ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods. It will provide not only the original taste and delicious aroma of food, but also supplement it with a mass of nutrients and vitamins. Beginning in late autumn, the shelves of shops and supermarkets are full of bright orange fruits. Persimmon is a seasonal fruit, so from October to January you have every chance to enjoy it.
3. Cooking jam, compote.
Our mothers and grandmothers have always loved to make compotes, marmalades and preserves from berries and fruits. It is, of course, delicious and satisfying. And in winter, as they say, you don’t have to starve. But we live in the XNUMXst century, in which there is as much food in winter as in summer. The fact is that any vitamins in any fruit do not tolerate heat treatment.
They are digested at best and simply disappear at worst. And instead of a delicious and healthy breakfast of bread and jam, you get an empty sweet consistency. If you want to preserve persimmon for a long time, then instead of making jam, it is better to freeze it, so it will retain all the nutrients.
4. Application in cosmetology.
For cosmetic purposes, persimmon is used to create masks for hair and skin. Persimmon can be used to make firming and smoothing, rejuvenating, nourishing, moisturizing and many other masks.
5. Application in traditional medicine.
Persimmons are also widely used in folk medicine. Both the fruits themselves and the leaves with seeds are used. Persimmon can remove worms, get rid of hemorrhoids, burns, insect bites. Persimmon tails can cure enuresis; for this, tea is brewed from them. For the elderly, persimmon leaf tea will also be beneficial.
How to choose
- Pay attention to the color. The ripe fruit should be bright orange in color.
- Ripe persimmons are always soft.
- If it is firm, it will taste astringent. It is better to leave such a fruit to ripen.
- However, the persimmon should not be so soft that cracks appear on the peel. Such persimmon quickly begins to deteriorate.
- The rind should be thin and free of dark spots. Spots indicate decay processes.
- The leaves should be dark and dry.
- The shape can be any, but it is better to give preference to the rounded shape. This kind of fruit tastes better.
How to store
- When buying unripe fruits, you can bring them to ripeness by putting them in one bag with apples and bananas (for 1-2 days), putting them in warm water (for 12-15 hours) or leaving them in a dark room at room temperature (for 1-2 weeks).
- Ripe persimmons are stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
- Frozen – six months.
- Persimmons can also be stored in a dried form.
- Persimmons are stored at a humidity of 85–90%. If the humidity is less, the persimmon will shrivel, if it is more, it will be covered with mold.
History of occurrence
China is considered the birthplace of persimmons. From China, it penetrated into East Asia, and then migrated to Japan. The fruits gained worldwide popularity only by the end of the XNUMXth century. Europeans first tasted this fruit when they were in North America. Then it did not seem tasty to them because of its viscosity. After that, persimmon was considered inedible for a long time. However, the locals explained to the Europeans that persimmons should be consumed not earlier than the first frost, only by that time the fruit fully ripens and becomes tasty.
Today, in spite of the small popularity compared to other fruits, persimmons are appreciated by many peoples. It is recognized as the national fruit of the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan) and is an integral part of many Asian dishes.
Koreans use dried persimmons to make punch, and in Taiwan, specially prepared persimmons are sold as a popular crunchy snack. In many Asian countries, delicious tea is made from the leaves and fruits of persimmon. In the United States, persimmon season is a true feast for the belly: puddings, pies, cookies and persimmon cakes are in great demand here.
How and where is it grown
Persimmon is the edible fruit of the tree of the same name of the genus Diospyros. The ancient Greeks loved this fruit very much, and so much so that they even sang it in their immortal creations: for example, the persimmon Lotus was mentioned by Homer in his Odyssey (end of the XNUMXth century BC). Persimmon belongs to the Ebony family, the fruits have an astringent taste and fleshy pulp. This is the distinctive feature of persimmon fruits from other plant species.
There are many varieties of persimmons, but they all come in two main types: astringent and non-astringent. The astringent properties of fruits are due to the concentration of tannins in them. Astringent persimmon contains a lot of tannins and, because of this, it can have an unpleasant taste until fully ripe, so it is not recommended to eat unripe fruits of this type.
It is better to wait for the required period of time, and then enjoy the great taste and aroma of the ripe fruit. Non-astringent persimmons are more delicate and contain much less tannins, so you can eat them even before the fruit is fully ripe. The non-astringent persimmons are also very sweet and slightly crunchy on the palate.
A persimmon tree growing wild can grow up to 10-15 m, and in rare cases up to 30 m. Persimmon begins to bloom in late May – early June. Fruits ripen only by the end of autumn. The weight of one fruit is at least 150 grams.
The tree needs a lot of sun and warmth, but it can bear fruit even in partial shade. Ebony does not tolerate cold winds, loves moist soil, while it can also tolerate drought, but the fruits will be much smaller.
Persimmons are grown in Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Spain, America, Turkey and Australia. The most common types of persimmon in Russia: Caucasian, Japanese, king, sweet chocolate. Persimmons came to the territory of our country at the end of the XNUMXth century from France. Today in Russia persimmon grows in the Krasnodar Territory, in the Crimea and in the southern part of the Stavropol Territory.
Interesting Facts
- Persimmon trees can live for 500 years.
- Persimmon is called the food of the gods.
- After freezing the persimmon, its astringent taste disappears.
- There are about 300 types of persimmons with a wide variety of flavors, from bitter to sugary sweet.
- Persimmon masks were very fond of Japanese geisha.
- Ebony wood is used to make expensive musical instruments and exquisite furniture.
- Coffee is brewed from roasted and crushed seeds.
- When the persimmon was first seen, it was mistaken for tomatoes.
- In Russia, a persimmon variety was developed that can withstand frosts down to minus 20-30 degrees.
- According to the botanical description, persimmon is a berry.
- Persimmons come to Russian stores from Turkey, Israel and the countries of the Caucasus.
- The persimmon tree has very beautiful flowers.
- Persimmon helps to cure alcohol poisoning.
- The Arabs and Persians believed that genies lived in the trunks of persimmon trees.
- Persimmon was one of the few tea sweets in Japan.