Persimmons are the edible fruit of a number of species of trees in the genus Diospyros. Diospyros is in the family Ebenaceae. The most widely cultivated species is the Asian persimmon, Diospyros kaki. In color the ripe fruit of the cultivated strains range from light yellow-orange to dark red-orange depending on the species and variety. They similarly vary in size from 1.5 to 9 cm in diameter, and in shape the varieties may be spherical, acorn-, or pumpkin-shaped. The calyx generally remains attached to the fruit after harvesting, but becomes easy to remove once the fruit is ripe. The ripe fruit has a high glucose content. The protein content is low, but it has a balanced protein profile. Persimmon fruits have been put to various medicinal and chemical uses.
Like the tomato, persimmons are not popularly considered to be berries, but in terms of botanical morphology the fruit is in fact a berry.
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 colour 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 wonderful benefits. Read on to know more about the health benefits offered by persimmon in detail.
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!
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.
Japanese persimmon is known to possess anti-hemorrhagic properties. No wonder it has been used in controlling excessive bleeding from wounds since time immemorial.
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 way for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Tannins, present in persimmons, regulate the intestinal movement, thus offering relief from diarrhoea. This, in turn, helps in keeping the digestive system healthy.
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 blood.
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 balanced low-sodium diet designed for those who have hypertension.
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 like a shield against common cold, flu, as well as various lung infections, including asthma.
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.
Persimmon contains vitamin A in significant amounts. And, it is an established fact that vitamin A has the potential to improve vision.
Copper, present in this fruit, helps in proper iron absorption. This in turn helps in the production of red blood cells.
Japanese persimmon is widely used by Chinese medical practitioners in the treatment of hiccups.
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