- Persimmons are a sweet autumn to winter fruit. Their colors can go from light yellow-orange to dark red-orange.
- Let’s take a look at the health benefits of persimmons.
- Cancer prevention:
- Persimmons are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and K. Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress, which may help strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases. Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
- Digestive health:
- Persimmons are high in dietary fiber, which is essential for our digestive system. It helps facilitate digestion, and aids relieve constipation.
- This helps with bowel movement and flushes out harmful toxins.
- Eye health:
- These orangy fruits are excellent sources of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help protect against age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration by fighting the effects of oxidative stress.
- Heart health:
- A persimmon a day may be just what the doctor ordered. Can it be better than an apple?
- A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that persimmons contained a very high level of dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds that are essential to preventing atherosclerosis (major factor for heart disease).
- Shela Gorinstein, Ph.D, one of the lead researchers explains: “the relatively high contents of fibers, phenolics, minerals and trace elements “make persimmon preferable for an anti-atherosclerotic diet.”
- Immune booster:
- One persimmon fruit contains 12.6mg of vitamin C per fruit, which is 21% of the recommended daily value. Eating foods high in vitamin C help bolster the immune system and protect against infections and free radicals.
- Weight loss:
- Persimmons are an excellent source of dietary fiber, containing 6 grams per fruit (24% of the recommended daily value). Dietary fiber is one of the keys to weight loss because it aids in digestion and helps you feel full faster, so you eat less.
- For the health benefits of figs.
- For the health benefits of pumpkin seeds.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
REFERENCES:
- 1. “A Persimmon A Day Could Be Better For Your Heart Than An Apple.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 05 Feb. 2001. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
- 2. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Persimmons, Japanese, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
- 3. Weil, Andrew, M.D. “Stumped by Oxidative Stress?” WEIL. Dr. Andrew Weil, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2013.
