Health Benefits of Persimmon Fruit

Introduction to Persimmon Fruit

Persimmon, is a fibrous fleshy tropical fruit that belongs to the family "Ebenaceae". It is usually cultivated in the warm regions of the world such as Korea, China, Japan, Turkey, Brazil and Italy. About 70% production of persimmon fruit comes from China. The demand for this fruit is increasing day-by-day all around the globe due to its hidden health-promoting potential. Persimmon fruit is bright orange to yellow in color due to the presence of carotenoids in it. This fruit is classified into two types by the extent of astringency- astringent and non-astringent types. There are more than 400 species of persimmon fruit that are cultivated globally. Among these; Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki), Diospyros oleifera, Diospyros virginia ( American persimmon or sugar-plum) and Diospyros lotus (Caucasian persimmon or date-plum) are of great importance.

Persimmon fruit is a good source of certain minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese. Its sugar content (12.5 g/100 g) is higher than other commonly consumed fruits such as orange, apple, pear and peach. Besides these nutrients persimmon fruit contains phytochemicals (plant chemicals) such as carotenoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins and catechins.

Health Benefits of Persimmon Fruit

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Studies have revealed that this super-fruit has an amazing potential of lowering high blood pressure. Persimmon fruit helps in widening the arteries by increasing the release of nitric oxide. This further ensures smooth blood flow all throughout the body without increasing the pressure. Besides this, eating persimmon fruit inhibits the enzyme that causes blood pressure to rise high. Therefore, if one has high blood pressure, persimmon fruit must be on their food list.

Helps in the Management of Diabetes

Persimmon fruit has been used traditionally to treat high blood glucose levels and to lower the burden of diabetes-related complications. Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) present in persimmon fruit as well as its leaves inhibit the enzyme that converts carbohydrates to sugar on digestion. In other words, phytochemicals slow down the entry of simple sugar in the blood and thus helps in the management of blood glucose levels. Persimmon fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants that reduces oxidative stress and further prevents diabetes-related complications.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Studies have revealed that persimmon fruit is a natural therapeutic agent that is very effective against human cancer cells. This fruit contains an array of phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of cancer cells, kills cancer-causing cells and prevents the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. High levels of oxidative stress play a major role in causing cancer. Persimmon fruit contains strong antioxidant potential that fights oxidative stress and keeps cancer at bay.

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Lowers High Cholesterol Levels

Bile acid binding agents help in the treatment of high cholesterol by lowering the blood cholesterol levels. Bile acid is yellow colored fluid used for the digestion of fat. When bile acid is excreted out of the body, cholesterol is used to make more bile acid. Each time bile acid is removed, the cholesterol level is decreased. Persimmon fruit is a rich source of dietary fiber that binds bile acid and increases its excretion. Thus, it helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Research has found that fiber present in persimmon fruit helps in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "'bad" cholesterol level. Therefore, one can lower their blood cholesterol levels by consuming persimmon fruit daily along with other dietary changes.

Helps in Weight Loss

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers obesity a global health risk. Persimmon fruit contains phenolic acids, tannins and catechins that inhibit the deposition of abdominal fat and reduces overall body fat percentage. Furthermore, persimmon fruit inhibits the enzyme that causes absorption of triglycerides. Besides this, its high dietary fiber content makes one feel full, delays hunger pangs and thus further reduces intake of calories.

Anti-Bacterial Action

Tannins present in persimmon fruit has stronger anti-bacterial and anti-viral effect against a wide range of viruses as compared to tannins present in acacia, gallnuts and green tea. Furthermore, catechols derived from persimmon fruit have anti-bacterial effect against E. coli and C. difficile. Besides this, persimmon fruit also inhibits the adherence of bacteria in the mouth and thus prevents tooth decay and improves overall oral health and hygiene.

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Protects Heart

Studies have observed that consumption of persimmon fruit reduces the risk factors that causes heart diseases such as diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and oxidative stress. The presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in this super-fruit strengthens heart health and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The high dietary fiber content of persimmon fruit helps in blood glucose control, cuts down high cholesterol levels and helps in weight management.

Ways to Include Persimmon Fruit in the Diet

Avoid choosing persimmon fruit that is bruised or has patches on it. Firm persimmon fruit can be stored at room temperature until it ripens. Soft and ripe persimmon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator till 3 days.

• Eat persimmon fruit raw
• Persimmon fruit can be added to salads. Combine it with kale, cottage cheese and some nuts
• It can be added to desserts such as custards and pudding
• You can consume persimmon fruit in poached form

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• It can even be added to bakery products such as cakes and bread
• Refreshing ice creams and fruit sherbet can be prepared using persimmon fruit

• You can also prepare a healthy persimmon fruit and nut bar
• Make your own persimmon fruit jam which will taste delicious with any bread
• Flavor some biscuits and cookies with persimmon fruit to give them a touch of refreshment
• Besides sweets and desserts, a very healthy persimmon fruit soup can be made
• You can drink unstrained persimmon fruit juice alone or combine it with other fruits and vegetables to prepare a healthy juice
• Persimmon fruit can be added to low-fat yogurt along with some nuts
• This fruit is a great ingredient for making chutneys and spreads