Persimmon: benefits and harm, beneficial properties for the body

Updated: 04/21/2020 21:16 Published: 11/19/2003 09:25

Health » Health and prevention » Diet

persimmon appears on our tables, it certainly pleases everyone with its unusually delicate and sweet taste. It is also known that this fruit is a real storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. Cardiologist Galina Guryevna CHERNYAVSKAYA will help us understand its beneficial properties .

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Persimmon. Benefit and harm.

What it is

Persimmons (Diospyros) are the edible fruits of ebony trees (Ebenaceae). The Greek name translated means “fruit of the gods,” although, strictly speaking, it is not a fruit, but a large berry with a thin skin. The pulp is tender, almost jelly-like in fully ripe specimens. It has a rich honey taste and pleasant sweetness. Color varies from light yellow to dark orange or red.

Despite the fact that Asia is considered to be the birthplace of persimmons, some varieties are firmly established in South America. When the first English settlers arrived in Jamestown, they were first introduced to these wonderful bright orange fruits. It's also worth noting that Japanese persimmons are actually native to China, and were only introduced much later to California, Southern Europe (in the 1800s), and Brazil (in the 1890s).

Today, the main exporters are China, Japan, Brazil and Korea. Israel and the United States are slowly catching up with them.

What's the benefit

Persimmon is known in folk medicine as a diuretic, laxative, immunomodulating and liver-protecting natural remedy, but it can and should be used in the prevention and treatment of many other diseases.

The product stores impressive reserves of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, sibatol, ascorbic and betulinic acids. They prevent premature aging, the development of cancer and other dangerous diseases, and strengthen the immune system.

Persimmons contain catechins, which have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic properties. And, of course, we should not forget about various vitamins and minerals.

Modern scientific research has already shed light on the individual medicinal qualities of this herbal healer: from osteoporosis and asthma to diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

Useful properties of peaches.

For colds and flu

Persimmon protects thanks to its high concentration of vitamin C. It strengthens the body's strength and fights the symptoms of flu and colds. During a period of increased risk of respiratory diseases, it would be a good idea to include in your diet not only flower honey and raspberry jam, but also persimmon.

For constipation

Natural fiber and a large amount of water in persimmon are responsible for the mild laxative properties of the product.

Diuretic properties

Persimmon fruits owe their diuretic properties to potassium and calcium. Eating it daily is more effective and safer than diuretics because it does not cause the body to lose potassium (a common side effect of taking diuretics).

Reduces blood pressure

If you have hypertension, eat persimmons more often. It will not only help lower blood pressure, but also protect against heart disease associated with hypertension. Here's a great, time-tested recipe. Remove the skin from the fruit and beat the pulp in a mixer. Mix this liquid with one glass of milk. Drink 3 times a week, 3 times a day.

Liver cleansing and body detoxification

Persimmons contain antioxidants that provide the lion's share of their benefits, including neutralizing toxins and helping in cell repair after cell attack by free radicals.

Healthy source of energy

Persimmons contain a lot of sugars, which are quickly absorbed by the body and converted into energy. That is why it is suitable for feeding children who are members of sports clubs and sections, because physical exercise requires considerable energy expenditure.

Natural antidepressant

Thanks to sugars and potassium. Drink persimmon juice to relieve tension, get rid of fatigue and neutralize the effects of stress.

For weight loss

With the right approach, almost every fruit or vegetable can help in such a difficult task as losing weight. Persimmon is another dietary product in your piggy bank with the inscription “Slimness”.

These juicy, bright orange fruits are distinguished by their moderate calorie content (70 calories per piece) and a high percentage of fiber that improves digestion. In addition, they help the body absorb more nutrients even from poor and monotonous food when you are on a strict diet.

Helps absorb nutrients

The copper in persimmons allows the body to absorb more iron from food, a mineral necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Additionally, the product reduces sweating, thereby protecting against loss of nutrients, which is especially important for athletes.

Protects skin from wrinkles and adds radiance

Natural astringents are included in many cosmetic products that cleanse and tighten pores. Homemade persimmon-based masks strengthen facial contours, tighten the skin, and smooth out fine wrinkles. The most trivial but effective recipe is a mixture of ripe fruit pulp, egg yolk and a drop of lemon juice.

In the treatment of hemophilia

To prepare a traditional medicine you will need 30 g of dried persimmon and 30 g of lotus root. Grind these products, add 2 glasses of water and let it brew for 15 minutes. Add 10 ml of honey, mix and take for 15 days, after which take a short break. Start the cycle again until noticeable improvement occurs.

For hemorrhoids

Another folk remedy based on persimmon is intended. Soak 12 g of dried fruit in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drink this drink regularly. You can also prepare raw rice porridge with persimmons: leave 12 g of persimmon, 50 g of rice and 2 cups of water until softened; eat 2 times a day.

From an attack of hiccups

The following recipe will help: wash and soak 5 persimmon stems, 5 small pieces of fresh peeled ginger and 6 g of fragrant clove buds in a bowl of boiling water for 10 minutes. The drink should be taken warm.

Allergy treatment

Here is another important beneficial property of persimmon. Wash, peel and mash 500 g of unripe fruits in a bowl. Pour in 1.5 liters of water, mix and leave in the sun for 7 days. Filter the liquid and place the pulp in the trash. Leave the water in the sun for another 3 days, then pour it into a convenient container (you can use a clean cream jar). Using a cotton swab, apply this remedy to allergy-prone skin areas up to 4 times daily.

Useful properties and contraindications of persimmon for men

A unique fruit that contains a complex of substances has a beneficial effect on men’s health. It has a general strengthening and tonic effect. This is important for representatives of the stronger sex involved in active sports.

It is useful for men reaching a certain age. But dosage intake is important. A large number of fruits eaten can negatively affect some functions of male physiology.

Benefits for the male body

Fiber has a positive effect on the digestive process. Many men, especially those reaching middle age or old age, leading a passive lifestyle, suffer from constipation and other digestive system disorders. Valuable fiber in combination with micro- and macroelements, organic acids help solve this problem.

Thanks to its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, regular and moderate consumption of the fruit helps get rid of infections and inflammations of various types. This problem is relevant for the health of middle-aged and older men.

The presence of potassium salts and vegetable sugar help maintain heart health. And the combination of vitamins A and C in fruits helps preserve vision, overall body tone and ability to work. Persimmon is good for the immune system, which often suffers from age-related factors and reasons for non-compliance with the rules of a healthy lifestyle.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, moderate consumption of persimmon is recommended. It contains many vitamins and microelements (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus), useful for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The presence of individual minerals in persimmon fruits exceeds those of apples, pears and peaches.

Persimmon quenches thirst, reduces fever and prevents cough. Also suitable for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

You should eat it in small quantities; one fruit a day will be enough. Otherwise, indigestion and intestinal obstruction may occur.

Persimmon during pregnancy.

Compound

Eating one persimmon fruit can satisfy your hunger. Moreover, the fruit is dietary. Persimmon berries contain:

• Beta carotene;
• Calcium;
• Vitamin A;
• B vitamins;
• Vitamins C and E;
• Iron;
• Magnesium;
• Phosphorus;
• Potassium;
• Sodium;
• Iodine.

This rich composition explains the health benefits of the fruit. The carbohydrates and sugar contained in the fruits are easily digested, and the fat and protein content is minimal.

Pinterest

Benefits and harms

Persimmon versus apples

To prevent cardiovascular diseases, regularly eating persimmons is more beneficial than eating apples. This conclusion was reached by an international group of scientists, which included: Sheila Gorinstein from the University of Israel, as well as researchers from the Kaplan Medical Center, the University of Lleida (Spain) and the Jagiellonian University (Poland). Persimmon contains a high percentage of dietary fiber, minerals and polyphenols, particularly tannins, which are powerful antioxidants, Gorinstein reports. The listed substances play an important role in the fight against atherosclerosis, as the main cause of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes. This gave scientists the idea to conduct a comparative analysis of two heart-healthy fruits. Persimmons contain twice as much dietary fiber as apples, and more phenolic antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese. Whereas apples benefit in the concentration of copper and zinc. According to experts, it is enough to eat only 1 persimmon per day (about 100 g) to prevent atherosclerosis.

The research results were published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which is published monthly by the prestigious American Chemical Society.

Harm and side effects

You can't eat on an empty stomach

The high content of tannin and pectin when entering the stomach interferes with natural digestive processes and causes pieces of food to stick together into dense lumps - stomach stones (bezoars). Over time, these stones increase in size, which leads to painful symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting blood, etc. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Don't eat the skin

Many people find that eating persimmons with the skin, like apples and pears, is very healthy. But it is in the skin that tannins are concentrated, which contribute to the formation of stomach stones.

Does not combine with protein-rich foods

You should not eat persimmons with sea fish, shrimp or crabs. Under the influence of tannic acids found in these colorful fruits, proteins stick together, which prevents normal digestion of food and leads to the formation of bezoar stones.

Contraindicated for diabetes

The product contains an average of 10.8% sugar, including simple sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose), which are easily absorbed by the body and can lead to hyperglycemia. This is very dangerous for diabetic patients.

About contraindications

This seemingly beautiful and harmless berry can harm the body in the following cases:

• Excessive consumption with diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
• If a person is obese;
• If you have undergone surgery on the intestines, as well as with chronic constipation, atony and the presence of abdominal adhesions in the period after surgery. If you really want persimmons, then eat ripe soft berries;
• Contraindication concerns the period of exacerbation of genitourinary diseases.

The combination of persimmon and milk is not the best option for consumption.

Even if you find a disease you have on the list of contraindications, but you love this fruit, do not be upset - consult your doctor and he will help you choose the variety or recipe for use that is possible in your particular case.

I recommend that you read: what is intuitive eating.

The video will tell you how to choose ripe persimmons: