Persimmon, also known as the ‘Divine Fruit’ due to its scientific name of Greek origin, is found during autumn.
While there are various varieties of this fruit being cultivated, the popular one is the Chinese native, Diospyros kaki, widely known as the Japanese persimmon.
The brilliant orange colored skinned fruit that shares a close resemblance with tomato in appearance, in fact, is a berry.
A low-calorie fruit, it is available in astringent and non-astringent variants, and can be relished raw or dried. It is also used in preparing a variety of dishes, including puddings.
Rich with quite a lot of minerals such as phosphorous and calcium and vitamins including vitamin A and C, this low-calorie fruit comes with some nutritional functions.
Here are 10 amazing health benefits of persimmon fruit below:
1. Aids weight loss
A medium sized fruit weighs around 168 grams and offers just 31 grams of carbohydrates. The fruit has hardly any fat in it. These two factors make it an ideal friend for those who wish to snack on while trying to shed those extra pounds!
2. Rich source of phytochemicals
The fruit is a rich reserve of assorted phytochemicals – catechins and polyphenolic antioxidants. Catechin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agent. Thus, it could aid in warding off unwanted inflammatory reactions and infections.
3. Natural anti-haemorrhoid
Japanese persimmon is known to possess anti-hemorrhagic properties. No wonder it has been used in controlling excessive bleeding from wounds since time immemorial.
4. For a healthy digestive system
Fibers, as you know, are essential for good bowel movements. Regular use of this fiber-rich fruit can help alleviate bowel movement related issues, thus paving the way for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Tannins, present in persimmons, regulate the intestinal movement, thus offering relief from diarrhea. This, in turn, helps in keeping the digestive system healthy.
5. Good for diabetics
Those who suffer from diabetes are prone to hunger cravings, and that too quite often. Being rich in fibers, this fruit can be relished by diabetics to curb the hunger levels. The fruit is also known to regulate the level of sugar in the blood.
6. Good for hypertension
Sodium, when included excessively in diet, can trigger hypertension. Persimmon is known to possess low levels of sodium. Hence, it can be used as a part of a balanced low-sodium diet designed for those who have hypertension.
6. Strengthens immunity
Being a good source of Vitamin C, the fruit, when used regularly in your balanced diet, can help in strengthening the immunity levels. Thus, it acts as a shield against common cold, flu, as well as various lung infections, including asthma.
7. Helps fight cancer
Being a rich source of antioxidants, this fruit helps in curtailing the free radicals. These, otherwise, can damage cells and trigger cancer. The presence of vitamin A, as well as shibuol and betulinic acid, enriches the cancer-combating properties of this fruit.
8. Improves vision
Persimmon contains vitamin A in significant amounts. And, it is an established fact that vitamin A has the potential to improve vision.
9. Helps in improving production of red blood cells
Copper, present in this fruit, helps in proper iron absorption. This, in turn, helps in the production of red blood cells.
10. A natural relief for hiccups
Japanese persimmon is widely used by Chinese medical practitioners in the treatment of hiccups.
