Persimmon is listed among the healthiest foods. In terms of taste, nutrition, and dietary properties, it is surpassed only by citrus fruits. It contains essential substances that promote health and well-being.
However, while persimmons offer a range of essential vitamins and minerals, they can also be harmful, as they are contraindicated for consumption by people with intestinal diseases, diabetes, and children under three years of age. It is also crucial to avoid overconsumption, especially by pregnant and breastfeeding women and young school-aged children.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of persimmon
Persimmon is a subtropical plant of the Ebenaceae family. It is most common in Southwest Asia. It is also grown in many countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. The fruit is round or slightly elongated and orange. The berry has a sweet and tart flavor. Persimmon contains many beneficial substances essential for the human body. These include:
- beta-carotene;
- monosaccharides;
- vitamin complex (B vitamins, vitamin C, A);
- tannins;
- micro- and macroelements (iodine, iron, potassium and magnesium);
- organic acids;
- water (about 80%).
This composition determines the beneficial properties of persimmon:
- Low calorie content. 100 grams of the fruit contains approximately 60 kcal. This low energy value makes it suitable for people watching their weight.
- High nutritional value. Contains fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and monosaccharides, which promote satiety and create a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
- Tonic effect. The product helps with physical exhaustion and improves performance.
- Antioxidant effect. Vitamin A and beta-carotene help protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals, which helps prevent aging and cancer.
- Improving vision.
Beneficial properties - Prevention of hypertension, positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Strengthening the immune system. Because the fruits contain a large amount of vitamins (especially vitamin C), they boost immunity. This is especially important during the cold season, when the risk of colds and viral illnesses increases.
- Improves kidney function (due to potassium content).
- Positive effect on the musculoskeletal system.
- Anemia prevention. The fetus contains a large amount of iron, a trace element essential for normal hematopoiesis.
- Improving metabolism.
The role of persimmon in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases - Positive effect on the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
- Tannins have an astringent effect, which is very important in case of diarrhea.
- The iodine content improves thyroid function. This substance also has disinfectant and antiseptic properties.
- Diuretic effect. Persimmon promotes the elimination of sodium salts from the body. However, potassium deficiency is not felt because it replenishes lost potassium.
Breeders have developed numerous persimmon varieties. There are over 500 known species worldwide. Among the most popular on the domestic market are Korolek and Bychye Serdtse.
Kinglet
A very popular persimmon variety is the Korolek. It's also called the Black Apple and Chocolate Pudding. This is because when fully ripe, it turns dark and very sweet. Most fruits are the size of a medium apple, but sometimes they can weigh up to 1 kg.
The fresh fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which help prevent cardiovascular disease, as well as dietary fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates, essential for weight loss. Persimmons are best eaten fresh. They are also used to make jam and various desserts. Roasted seeds are ground and used to make a coffee substitute.
Bull's heart
The Tomato Persimmon variety, also known as Bull's Heart, is in high demand. Its appearance is very similar to that of the tomato variety of the same name. The berries are bright orange and do not darken. They are seedless, weighing up to 0.5 kg and measuring approximately 8 cm in diameter.
In appearance, this persimmon resembles a heart, as its fruit is not round, but somewhat elongated. It contains a complex of vitamins and microelements necessary for normal bodily function: vitamins C, A, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and others. The high sugar content makes this product contraindicated for diabetics. The berry grows exclusively in subtropical climates. Persimmon pulp is used in salads, baked goods, and mousses.
You may be interested in:Contraindications to the consumption of persimmon and its harm to the human body
Despite the fruit's immense benefits, there are also contraindications to adding it to the diet. The berry can cause significant harm if consumed under the following conditions or in childhood:
- Diabetes. Because persimmons contain a significant amount of sugar, they are not recommended for people with diabetes. Of course, in the early stages of this condition, eating a few pieces of the fruit is still acceptable. However, persimmons are strictly contraindicated for those with insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Individual intolerance or tendency to allergic reactions.
Persimmon is a fairly allergenic product, so its consumption can provoke intolerance symptoms. - Obesity. Due to its high sugar content, the berry isn't very beneficial for those who are overweight. However, this only applies to excessive consumption. Eating one berry a day can even promote weight loss. Its astringent effect also impairs metabolism, which can further lead to weight problems.
- Bowel problems, tendency to constipation.
- Postoperative period.
- It is also forbidden to give the berry to young children under 3 years of age. The tannins it contains can cause constipation, as they negatively affect the immature gastrointestinal tract.
- Children under 10 years of age should also consume the fruit with caution - no more than 1 piece per day.
If intestinal problems or allergic reactions occur, it should be excluded from the child’s diet. - Regularly consuming large quantities of persimmons can be harmful to the body. For example, if a person eats about 2 kg of the fruit per day, they develop yellowing of the skin. And if a person overindulges in the berry over several years, dense balls of poorly digested substances accumulate in the body, which impairs stomach function and negatively impacts overall well-being.
The health benefits of persimmon for women
Persimmon is a healthy, even essential, food for women's health. It contains important micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and iron, a deficiency of which negatively impacts the female body.
During pregnancy
Persimmons should be included in the diet of pregnant women. They contain calcium, essential for fetal bone formation. It is also crucial for expectant mothers to get sufficient magnesium and iron to avoid anemia and other adverse effects. Iron deficiency is crucial for anemia, as this element is essential for blood formation.
Persimmons contain a fair amount of iron. Therefore, if you have anemia, you should eat at least 2-3 persimmons per day. There are also some downsides. Since the fruit contains sugar and tannins, pregnant women may experience problems such as excess weight and constipation. Therefore, it's important not to overeat during this period; one or two small persimmons per day are fine.
During breastfeeding
Persimmon is undoubtedly beneficial for women during lactation. Immediately after childbirth, the immune system is often weakened, and this berry helps provide vitamins and minerals not only to the mother but also to the baby. It also has a positive effect on the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.
If the child does not have a rash or other allergic reactions, you can gradually increase the quantity (but not more than 1 piece per day).
For women's health
The product is often called a woman's happiness. This is due to the fact that its use:
- normalizes the menstrual cycle;
- reduces painful sensations during menstruation;
- increases the chances of conceiving a child;
- improve the course of pregnancy and childbirth.
During menopause, women become especially vulnerable to various diseases. A potassium deficiency often leads to cardiovascular problems, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, regularly consuming berries can help replenish this deficiency. Furthermore, the fruit's diuretic effect is very helpful in reducing swelling, which often affects women during this difficult period.
For weight loss
Persimmon is considered a dietary food. It has a very low calorie content—no more than 70 kcal per 100 g. However, it contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and glucose. These nutrients provide a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
For rejuvenation of the body and skin
The antioxidants found in persimmons help reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, which are formed as a result of many environmental factors (poor ecology, poor diet, stress). As a result, damaged cells are restored, promoting overall rejuvenation of the body. For maximum benefits, it is recommended to consume 2-3 persimmons per week.
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Beta-carotene is essential for maintaining youthful and beautiful skin. It protects against the harmful effects of free radicals and UV rays, prevents sunburn, and prevents flaking and dryness. To improve skin condition, eat at least one beta-carotene per day.
The berry is also used externally as a mask or compress. The pulp has the ability to reduce inflammation and heal wounds, and has antibacterial properties. Apply a small amount of the berry pulp to the affected area.
In cosmetology
Persimmon is often used in cosmetology. It's considered a universal remedy, suitable for all skin types. It's most commonly used in masks, which have the following properties:
- tone the skin;
- prevent acne;
- tighten pores;
- moisturize;
- nourish.
The use of persimmon for men
Men have stronger bodies than women. But even they experience situations when their immune system fails. For example, during periods of physical exhaustion, after an infectious disease, or during heavy physical exertion. It's at such times that they require a vitamin boost. And persimmon is very helpful here. Persimmon also has an indispensable effect on the male reproductive system. Its main effects are:
- promotes sperm production and improves its quality;
- increases the number of active seminal cells;
- helps eliminate prostatitis;
- increases potency;
- reduces the risk of developing diseases of the genital tract.
In addition to its positive effect on reproductive function, the berry helps with:
- Nervous system. The product stimulates the immune system, invigorates the body, and helps cope with stress and chronic fatigue.
- Hearts. The berry's healing properties have a positive effect on cardiac muscle function. Monosaccharides nourish the heart and blood vessels, protect them from damage, and normalize blood pressure.
- Endocrine system. Magnesium and zinc stabilize the hormonal system and increase the production of male sex hormones, which has a positive effect on men's health overall.
You may be interested in:Can you eat persimmon if you have type 2 diabetes and how much?
Type 2 diabetes is an early stage of the disease. Patients with this condition do not yet require insulin injections to maintain normal blood sugar levels. These patients are allowed to consume sucrose and fructose in moderation. Therefore, persimmons are acceptable for this condition. Their benefits for diabetes include:
- Strengthening the immune system. Diabetics have weakened bodies, are often susceptible to infections, and their wounds heal more slowly.
Consumption of the product helps to resist infection and promotes tissue regeneration. - Improving metabolism.
- Improving vision.
- Strengthens blood vessels. Potassium and vitamin content reduce the risk of developing angiopathy.
- Magnesium content helps prevent kidney diseases and prevents the formation of stones.
- Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Removes excess fluid.
- It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, lifts the mood, relieves fatigue and nervousness.
But you need to follow some rules:
- Eat no more than 2 small fruits.
- Eat only ripe berries.
- Do not eat berries at night or on an empty stomach in the morning.
- It is not recommended to drink it with water or milk.
Use in liver diseases
Persimmon has a healing effect on various liver diseases:
- It removes waste and toxins, promoting detoxification throughout the body. Since the liver is a natural filter, it often suffers from intoxication due to the uncontrolled consumption of unhealthy foods, medications, and alcoholic beverages. Persimmon has a diuretic and choleretic effect, and potassium and magnesium promote the elimination of harmful substances.
- Increases the body's and liver's resistance to infectious diseases. The product also reduces inflammation that develops in the liver and gallbladder due to infection.
- Facilitates lipid metabolism.
Coarse fiber helps the liver break down fats, which prevents obesity in this organ. - Restores the organ. The liver has the ability to self-cleanse. But to do this, it requires vitamins and other substances. For example, the fruit contains beta-carotene, which is recognized as an effective organ cleanser.
- For normal liver function and the breakdown of glycogen, sucrose and fructose are necessary, which are found in persimmon in sufficient quantities.
It is useful to consume the berry for hepatitis, fatty hepatosis and other pathologies of the liver and gallbladder.
You may be interested in:Rules for eating persimmons and how much you can eat
Persimmons are undoubtedly a healthy food. However, they contain substances that, if consumed in excess, can have a negative impact. For example, tannins can cause constipation, while sugar can lead to obesity and metabolic problems. Therefore, it's important to know how much persimmon to eat to avoid harming your body. Nutritionists recommend the following plan:
- Adults without health problems can consume 4 pieces per day;
- diabetics (without insulin dependence) – no more than 2;
- pregnant women can have 1 or 2 fetuses;
- children over 3 years old – 1 fruit.
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It's important to choose berries wisely. To do this, pay attention to their appearance. A ripe fruit has several characteristics:
- rich orange color;
- he is soft;
- there are no dark spots on it;
- Its leaves are dry and brown in color.
Persimmons are best eaten fresh, but dried, cured, or frozen fruits also offer great health benefits.
- Fresh fruits and juices are the most nutritious, but they can't be stored for long. After just a few days, they lose their nutritional value, begin to rot, and become unfit for consumption. Ripe fruits are best stored in the refrigerator.
However, unripe berries are harmed by exposure to cold. It's best to leave them at room temperature until they're fully ripe. - To preserve its beneficial properties and extend its shelf life, berries are often dried or cured. Dried berries have a higher caloric value—around 270 kcal. They also contain more potassium. Therefore, they are very beneficial for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Good to know!Drying is a natural fermentation process. Its advantage is preventing dehydration while preserving all the beneficial nutrients.
- Freezing also has a number of advantages. First of all, it preserves all the berries' beneficial properties. When stored properly, they are suitable for consumption for up to six months. Freezing also removes the berry's astringency, so it can be frozen unripe.
Persimmons pair well with any fruits, vegetables, berries, and other foods. They're often added to fruit salads, cocktails, and smoothies. They also enhance the flavor of various dishes, adding a touch of sweetness and savory flavor. The only recommendation is to avoid drinking milk or cold water while eating persimmons. This combination is sure to cause stomach problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Persimmon is a healthy and nutritious fruit. It ripens only in subtropical climates. The fruit contains a wealth of beneficial substances that help the body cope with many pathologies and prevent anemia, liver disease, premature aging, and cardiovascular disease.