5 Of the Most Important Health Benefits of Fresh and Dried Persimmon Fruit

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Persimmon is a type of edible fruit that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. There are different varieties of persimmon, but the Asian species is the most popular. In addition, this fruit comes in both astringent and non-astringent variants. Most persimmon verities are consumed fresh or dry. Curious about the health benefits of persimmon? We are listing down persimmon’s most important health benefits:

1. High in Calcium and Iron

Iron promotes the production of red blood cells while calcium strengthens the bones. But the body cannot absorb iron without the presence of calcium. Thankfully, persimmon fruit is a rich source of both nutrients. A 3.5 ounce of persimmon fruit contains about 2.5 milligram of iron. This satisfies 14% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iron. The same serving of persimmon yields 27 milligrams of calcium. This satisfies 3% of your calcium RDA.

2. Rich Source of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and reverses the signs of aging. Vitamin C also protects from free radical damage. Free radical damage causes oxidative stress. This leads to cell mutation, the precursor to chronic diseases. Regular consumption of foods high in vitamin C cuts the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production. This nutrient keeps the skin younger-looking and promotes faster healing. A 3.5 ounce of persimmon contains 66 milligrams of vitamin C, which satisfies 110% of your RDA of this nutrient.

3. Boosts Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, we recommend eating more persimmon. Apart from being low in calorie, persimmon is rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Fiber bulks up the stool and binds with fat for easy elimination. It also lowers blood pressure and protects from cardiovascular diseases. The sugar content in persimmon might be high, but it’s easily converted into energy. This makes persimmon an excellent pre-workout snack! The fruit is also high in water. Eating a persimmon before exercising hydrates the body and boosts energy.

4. Keeps Eyesight Sharp

Persimmon contains a nutrient called lutein zeaxanthin. Lutein zeaxanthin is an isomer and is the most common carotenoid in nature. Studies show that this compound keeps the vision sharp. It works by preventing macular degeneration. Lutein zeaxanthin also cuts the risk of developing cataracts and all types of eye related diseases. It also prevents eye infections and reverses the damage caused by UV rays.

Apart from containing lutein zeaxanthin, persimmon is loaded with vitamin A, C and K. All these vitamins act as antioxidants to restore vision and prevent retinal damage.

5. Fights Cancer

Persimmon is loaded with antioxidants that protect from free radical damage. Free radical damage triggers cell mutation, leading to cancer. The fruit is also rich in phytonutrients that neutralize free radicals and inhibits DNA damage at the cellular level!

Persimmon comes complete with all antioxidant vitamins A, C, K and Lutein. These nutrients expels free radicals from the body as waste. Studies also show that the fruit contains betulinic acid. This compound inhibits tumor growth.


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