6 Key Health Benefits of Persimmons
(BeWellBuzz) Fruits and vegetables are invariably a storehouse of vital components essential to good health and well-being. Persimmon, the small round-shaped fruit of the Chinese origin is a typical example.
For a fruit that is colloquially often termed as a tomato neatly dressed up in an orange gown, this tiny fruit is packed with abundance of nutrients and natural goodness.
The Nutrient Content
Starting with a rich content of vitamin A and C, topped with loads of fiber, permission is a good source of carbohydrates, but without any fat content. Other nutrients present in this wonderful fruit include:
- Calcium
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Proteins
- Natural sugars
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
There are two main varieties of persimmons available in the US: the acorn-shaped Hachiya, and the squat, tomato-shaped Fuyu. Hachiya persimmons remain tart and chalky until they are extremely ripe, while Fuyu persimmons are sweeter and can be eaten while still firm.
Persimmon – 6 Key Health Benefits
1) Helps fight diseases
Being an excellent source of antioxidants, persimmons help in preventing the buildup of disease-causing free radicals. The fruit also carries catechin, which is a phytochemical with strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-hemorrhagic properties. The antioxidant content also helps in slowing down the aging process, apart from preventing deadly diseases such as cancer, owing to the strong amount of beta-carotene, betulinic acid and sibutol. In addition, vitamin C present in the persimmon fruit helps strengthen the immunity system and prevents outbreak of common ailments like the cold and flu. Research also shows the nutrients present in persimmon to be helpful in fighting diseases like osteoporosis.
2) Forms an effective home remedy
Owing to the natural healing properties, persimmon can be used as a highly effective natural home remedy for various diseases and disorders like asthma, hemorrhoids, diarrhea and lung problems.
3) Good for liver and heart health
The high antioxidant content helps in the detoxification process which is very crucial for a healthy liver. By reducing hypertension and blood pressure, regular consumption of persimmons can also help in the prevention of heart and cardiovascular diseases. The high content of water soluble fibers also helps in preventing heart diseases.
4) Aids nutrient absorption
Our body requires additional inputs to help absorb the vital nutrients which we consume through our food. Copper, present in a significant amount in persimmon helps the body absorb the iron content from our food. Iron, as we know is important for production of red blood cells in the body. Similarly, potassium, also present in the fruit is extremely useful in regulating our nervous system and also the blood pressure levels.
5) Boosts energy levels and fights stress
Being rich in components like potassium and natural sugars, the juice of persimmons can help boost your energy levels. Regular consumption of persimmons by children and sportsmen help fight the stress and fatigue associated with excessive physical activity and loss of vital nutrients. Moreover, by reducing excessive sweating, persimmons can help prevent nutrient loss that is common in athletes.
6) Keeps your skin radiant and wrinkle-free
The persimmon fruit has a strong astringent content which helps keep your skin pores open. This, in turn, helps in smoothening the wrinkles and also keeps your skin healthy, especially when used as a part of a facial mask. To make a facial mask with persimmon, just add some egg yolk and lemon juice to the mashed fruit and apply.
Ways to Use
Persimmon is an easy-to-use fruit that can be had both ripe as well as raw. While the astringent persimmons can be consumed only when they are ripe and soft, the non-astringent types are edible even when they are raw or under-ripe. From being used an ice-cream topping to being a part of salad and even to being made into a jam, persimmon can be used in vast range of recipes and forms. In fact, according to experts, even the persimmon skin should be used, since it carries important nutrients like the proanthocynaidin, an effective anti-aging component.
Though there are a number of ways in which you can use persimmon, here we’ve listed the healthy and delicious salad, easy-to-make and good for your health as well as taste-buds!
Butter Lettuce, Persimmon, Feta, and Hazelnut Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 large head of butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
- 3 medium-size firm but ripe Fuyu persimmons, peeled, halved, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Preparation
- Combine vinegar, shallot, and mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
- Place lettuce in large bowl; toss with dressing. Gently toss in persimmons, cheese, and nuts. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.
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References
http://eyedrd.org/2012/10/nutritional-and-health-benefits-of-persimmons.html
http://www.a2zhealthyrecipe.com/health-benefits-of-fruits/persimmon-health-benefits.php
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/persimmon-fruit.html
http://www.whyfoods.com/fruits-eating-benefits-persimmon.php
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/fruits/persimmon.php
http://voices.yahoo.com/all-benefits-persimmon-recipes-6957764.html
