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If you would like to add a bit of variety to your
everyday diet, consider trying persimmon. This often overlooked, fruit
comes with its own share of goodness and is definitely a game for
anybody wanting to explore new tastes. Persimmon is a deep orange, waxy
fruit that somewhat resembles a tomato. This sweet, non-astringent fruit
is delicious and should be devoured before it gets too ripe. However, a
raw persimmon has an astringent feel to it, which is largely due to the
presence of tannin. As the fruity ripens, the tannin disappears.
Persimmons are the national fruit of Japan, though they owe their native
root to China. Just remove the skin, scoop out the flesh, and enjoy a
bite of health and taste. These versatile fruits can be eaten raw as
well as used in various cuisines and desserts. They are excellent source
of fibers and are rich in anti-oxidants that help to fight against many
health complications.
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Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Persimmon:
There are many health benefits of eating persimmon. This fruit is low in
calories and fats, which add up as its biggest benefit. It is also a
rich source of dietary fiber.
Persimmons are replete with many phyto-nutrients flavonoid poly-phenolic
anti-oxidants. Catechins and gallocatechins as well as important
anti-tumor compound betulinic acid contained in this fruit is said to be
highly beneficial for health. Catechins are known to have
anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
The fruit is also rich in anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin-A, beta
carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. These
compounds offer protection against oxygen-derived free radicals and
reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for ageing and a host of other
health problems.
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Persimmons are a rich source of vitamin-C. Their regular consumption
helps the body build immunity against contagious forces and protects
against harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
The fruit is replete with many valuable B-complex vitamins, such as
folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin, etc. These vitamins act
as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body.
Fresh persimmon fruits contain healthy amounts of minerals like
potassium, manganese, copper and phosphorus. These minerals are believed
to be powerful free radical scavengers and boost the production of blood
cells.
Persimmon tannins calm intestinal movements and relieve diarrhea too.
They are also effective in treating bruises, as tannins are believed to
slow down subcutaneous bleeding. Persimmon tannin protects cells,
astringes tissues and suppresses the propagation of bacteria. It is also
known to work against influenza and viral flu.
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The fruit contains a large amount of sugars - glucose and fructose -
that help keep a healthy vascular system. What more, they strengthen
cardiac muscle too.
Persimmon is good for skin. It makes for an excellent facial mask. Just
take the flesh of persimmons, add yolk and lemon juice and make a face
pack out. It is known to be effective against pores and wrinkles. |