Persimmon health benefits, benefits and harms of calories

The Latin name for persimmon is translated as “food of the gods”, and lovers of this fruit agree: it really tastes divine.

Persimmon is considered to be the national fruit of Japan, although in fact, China is its homeland. Today it is also grown in Korea, Burma, India, Pakistan, Europe, Australia and the southern United States. That is, persimmon is a “inhabitant” of warm countries with a dry climate. Cold winters frighten her and drought kills her.

General characteristics

Young foliage on a persimmon tree is usually light green, and as it matures, it acquires a rich dark shade. By the way, in the homeland of persimmons, the leaves of this tree (fresh or dried) are used to brew healing tea. The flowers of this culture are divided into female and male. Ladies – solitary, cream-colored. Male – pink, in inflorescences.

More often, only one type of flower is found on one tree, although some varieties can be bisexual. Ripe fruits range from bright orange to reddish brown and are juicy and sweet. Unripe fruits are usually tart and very sour. The diameter of a ripe fruit, depending on the variety, can range from 1,5 to 9 centimeters ^..

In the world there are many types of persimmons. In terms of appearance and taste, different varieties may differ significantly, but their basic useful properties are common.

The nutritional value

One average persimmon fruit contains about 120 kilocalories and is almost 20 percent carbohydrate-rich.

This Chinese delicacy is capable of providing about a fifth of the daily value of fiber, and it contains about 110% of the daily minimum vitamin C. In addition, persimmon contains minerals and plant compounds useful for humans, such as zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and tannins. The latter impart a tart and bitter flavor to the unripe fruit. Other important components include catechins (strengthen capillaries), betulinic acid (anticancer agent), and carotenoids.

Nutritional value (per 100 g) ^{farmer-online.com farmer-online.com}

Calories 70 kcal Proteins 0,6 g Fats 0,2 g Carbohydrates 18,5 g Fiber 3,5 g Vitamin A (retinol) 80 μg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 7,4 mg Vitamin E (tocopherol) 0,74 mg Vitamin K 2,5 μg Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 0,05 mg Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0,04 mg Vitamin B3 / PP (niacin) 0,3 mg Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0,1 mg Vitamin B9 (folic acid) 8 μg Vitamin B4 (choline) 7,4 mg Calcium 7 mg Iron 0,16 mg Magnesium 9 mg Phosphorus 16 mg Potassium 160 mg Sodium 0,9 mg Zinc 0,13 mg Copper 0,11 mg Manganese 0,3 mg Selenium 0,5, XNUMX mcg

Useful Properties

The nutritional components that make up persimmons have a beneficial effect on the entire human body:

• support the health of the nervous system, bones, teeth, skin, eyes;
• contribute to the production of red blood cells;
• strengthen the immune system;
• regulate glucose in the bloodstream;
• protect cell membranes from damage;
• slow down the signs of aging;
• prevent various types of cancer;
• improve metabolism;
• lower blood pressure;
• increase cognitive functions of the brain;
• improve digestion;
• contribute to the effective recovery of the body after illness.

Role in the body

This exotic fruit is more than just a delicious dessert. Persimmon has many beneficial properties for human health.

Cholesterol control

Laboratory studies have shown that persimmons can affect blood cholesterol levels. The results of a nine-week experiment confirmed that daily consumption of the fruit lowers not only “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream, but also other types of lipids. Biologists say that the reason for this effect is the tannins (tannins) that make up the berry. At the same time, less mature fruits of these substances contain more ^...

Cardiologists, referring to the results of their own experiments, added persimmon to the list of foods that reduce the risk of developing cardiac diseases ^...

Visual acuity

Persimmon is an important product for eye health.

Vitamin A, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, which are part of the fruit, significantly improve vision. These ingredients help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, disorders that lead to blindness. Research shows that lutein and zeaxanthin can completely cure some eye conditions.

Antiviral agent

The antiviral effect of persimmons is achieved through tannins, which block viruses and prevent the spread of infection. Researchers say the fruit is capable of killing intestinal viruses. The results of scientific experiments allowed biologists to conclude that persimmons are effective as a natural antiviral agent.

Antitumor effect

These exotic fruits contain a huge amount of anti-cancer substances. They protect the body from free radicals, which are a byproduct of cellular metabolism and cause healthy cells to mutate. As a result, a malignant tumor grows in the damaged area of ​​tissue. The antioxidants in persimmons prevent and stop these dangerous processes. Phenolic compounds, vitamins A and C, which are abundant in persimmons, are extremely important for effective protection against cancer. Given all this, it becomes clear why persimmons are called a cure for cancer. ^..

Immunity

This orange fruit is one of the leaders in ascorbic acid content. Only 1 fruit contains a daily serving of vitamin C ¹… And he, as you know, stimulates the immune system and activates the production of white blood cells (leukocytes), which are the body’s “line of defense” against microbes, viruses, fungi, toxins and foreign bodies.

Digestion

Persimmons, like most fruits, are a great source of fiber.

Dietary fiber enhances intestinal motility, improves gastric acid secretion, and relieves diarrhea or constipation. Foods rich in these fibers are believed to help prevent colorectal cancer and other diseases of the colon. For overweight people, fiber from persimmon pulp will help them lose weight faster.

Potion of old age

This “food of the gods” is rich in various beneficial substances, especially beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene. All of them function as antioxidants in the body, which means they are able to prevent the signs of premature aging. Frequent consumption of fresh persimmons will protect against early wrinkles, age spots, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue, loss of vision and other unpleasant symptoms.

Normalization of blood pressure

Potassium has also been found in persimmons, and in considerable quantities. It will be useful to recall that this mineral has vasodilating properties, which means that it significantly reduces blood pressure. ^..… Thus, persimmon is an extremely useful fruit for hypertensive patients. In addition, the chemical composition of the exotic is not devoid of copper, but it is an important element for the production of red blood cells. This property of persimmon is no longer only useful for people with high blood pressure.

Metabolic processes

B vitamins such as pyridoxine, vitamin B9 and thiamine are an important component of most enzymatic processes in the body. The normal level of these substances is a guarantee that the process of food processing is proceeding correctly. And proper digestion is a healthy metabolism. In addition, the B-group vitamins present in the delicate pulp of persimmon are important for maintaining muscle tone, strengthening immunity and supplying the body with the necessary energy. ^...

Side effects

Allergy to persimmon is extremely rare – and this is good news. However, there is also not very good news. This fruit contains a lot of fiber, but unripe fruits contain specific dietary fiber, which in the stomach churn into indigestible lumps. Doctors call these formations bezoar stones. They inhibit the normal digestion of food and also block it in the upper part of the digestive tract.

Large portions of ripe fruit can also cause flatulence, so people who are prone to bloating are not recommended to over-indulge in this sunny fruit. A similar warning applies to hypotensive patients, as this fetus lowers blood pressure.

In addition, it is not advisable to consume a lot of persimmons for people with diabetes (since it is a very sweet fruit), for people with chronic intestinal diseases or on an empty stomach (can cause diarrhea).

Medicinal properties

In traditional Chinese medicine, persimmon is used as a remedy for hiccups. To get rid of the unwanted contraction of the diaphragm, oriental healers use 9 g of persimmon and 3 g of ginger. The products are crushed, a little water is added to this gruel and brought to a boil. Then the tasty medicine should be eaten quickly.

And the dried fruits were used by the same oriental doctors to get rid of asthma, respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. To do this, still green fruits (as soon as they begin to turn slightly yellow) are plucked from the trees, peeled and dried under the sun until a white glaze appears. After that, the fruit turns into medicine.

But Japanese researchers suggested that cosmetologists use only the peel of the fruit. In their opinion, the shell of the fruit contains the maximum amount of proanthocyanids – essential substances for the fight against aging. And European cosmetologists advise using persimmon and egg yolk gruel as a mask for acne and enlarged pores.

How to choose a persimmon

The fruits of these trees can be eaten raw, dried, or in the form of jams. Ripe fruits are always fleshy and sweet in taste. Too soft fruit is a sign of decay. Such fruits are no longer good for food. You should not eat unripe fruits either: they are tasteless, tart and can be harmful to health.

Here are some tips for choosing the most delicious persimmon:

1. All attention to form! Fruits with a flat base, resembling tomatoes, are usually always sweet. Elongated like an acorn – tart.
2. The small fruits of persimmon are almost all tart.
3. Cracked fruit is a sign of decay.
4. Correctly ripe fruit should be orange or reddish, dense in consistency. An overly soft fruit is always overripe.

Interesting persimmon recipes

The most common way to consume persimmons is raw in the form of dessert.

Some may be surprised, but this fruit goes well with meat and fish, it is added to salads and cookies. Here are some good examples.

Persimmon duck

Take:

• duck (1,5 kg);
• persimmon (300 g);
• onions (2 pcs.);
• butter (50 g);
• white wine (100 ml);
• olive oil (1 tbsp. l.);
• vinegar (1 tsp);
• ginger (2 slices);
• cloves (2 cloves);
• thyme (0,5 tsp);
• cinnamon
• Red pepper;
• salt.

How to cook:

Marinate the peeled and cut duck carcass for 4 hours. Prepare the marinade from onions, ginger, cloves, thyme, red pepper, vegetable oil and wine. Then put the pieces of meat on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.

During this time, heat the butter and put the sliced ​​persimmon into it, add cinnamon and red pepper. Fry for about 3 minutes. After that, remove the persimmon slices, and add the remaining marinade to the mixture. Simmer until the liquid is halved. Put the finished duck with persimmon in the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Royal snack

Place a few salmon slices on a plate. Near the fish on a leaf of lettuce there is a boiled egg cut lengthwise. For each half of the protein, put a teaspoon of red caviar. Mix soft melted cheese with ginger and salt. Put the finished mixture on salmon slices (you can use a culinary syringe), and on top – a ripe persimmon slice peeled from the skin.

Homemade Cookies

Take:

• flour (2 cups);
• chopped walnuts (1 cup);
• sugar (1 cup);
• chicken egg (1 pc.);
• butter (100 g);
• baking powder (1,5 tsp);
• nutmeg;
• persimmon (2 pcs.).

How to cook:

Grind eggs with sugar and butter, pour into flour with baking powder, add persimmon puree. Stir well. Add nutmeg, cinnamon and finely chopped walnuts. Mix. Put on a baking sheet with a tablespoon or using a pastry bag. Bake for about 15 minutes.

Interesting facts about persimmons

1. More than 2 thousand species of persimmons are growing on the planet.
2. Persimmon is not a fruit. Botanists attribute it to a group of berries.
3. Americans learned about persimmons in the XNUMXth century.
4. The tree gives the first fruits for 7 years of life.
5. At home, persimmons use its fruits for baking bread and cookies.
6. Mature trees can reach a height of more than 20 meters.
7. In Japan, the fruits of wild persimmons are used to repel insects.
8. Seedless species produce fruit without pollination.
9. Overripe fruits are used to make vinegar or wine.
10. The average lifespan of a persimmon tree is 75 years, and the most persistent can grow over several centuries.
11. To get rid of the tart aftertaste, immerse the fruit in salt water for a few minutes.
12. Residents of the Middle East consider this fruit a symbol of wisdom.

Different nationalities call different foods “food of the gods”. If you put them all together, you can even get a good “divine menu”. But seriously, all these products are not only tasty, but really have a unique effect on the human body. And persimmon is one of them.

Sources of

1. ↑ Scientific and practical journal “Vegetables of Russia” – Biological assessment of introduced varieties of eastern persimmon in the dry subtropics of Southern Dagestan
2. ↑ Chernyaev V.P. – Culture of persimmons in Crimea and southern Ukraine
3. ↑ Khokhlov S. Yu., Dunaevskaya E. V., 2013 – The content of some essential elements in the fruits of persimmon (Diospyros L.) from the collection of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden