benefits of persimmon

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 lowsodium diet designed for those who have hypertension.

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 cancercombating 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. During each season, the tree bears numerous fruits that vary by cultivar from spherical to heart to flatten or squashlike in shape. They also greatly vary in size from as little as a few ounces to more than a pound.

Japanese persimmon is widely used by Chinese medical practitioners in the treatment of hiccups. The color of the fruit varies from light yelloworange to dark orangered. The entire fruit is edible except for the seed and calyx. The fruit is moderately high in calories (provides 70 calories/100g) but very low in fats. Its smooth textured flesh is a very good source of dietary fiber. 100 g of fresh fruit holds 3.6 g or 9.5% of recommended daily intake of fiber.

Copper, present in this fruit, helps in proper iron absorption. This in turn helps in the production of red blood cells. Persimmons contain health benefiting flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as catechins and gallocatechins in addition to having an important antitumor compound, betulinic acid. Catechins are known to have antiinfective, antiinflammatory and antihemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels) properties.

Persimmon is highly effective in enhancing the immune system function and can help relieve the symptoms of flu and cold, as well as many other infectious or inflammatory conditions. Fresh persimmons compose other antioxidant compounds like vitaminA, betacarotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. Together, these compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygenderived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Due to its high content in fiber and water, persimmon does have excellent laxative properties that can be a powerful natural remedy for constipation. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective lightfiltering functions; thus, helps prevent Agerelated macular related macular disease(ARMD) in the elderly.

Persimmon does have excellent diuretic properties, due to its high content in potassium and calcium. Eating a persimmon a day is an effective way to prevent or relieve water retention. Daily consumption of persimmon is better than the use of diuretic drugs, since persimmon does not cause potassium loss which is associated with many known diuretics.

Helps reduce high blood pressure and prevent many heart conditions associated with hypertension. Persimmons are also a very good source of vitaminC, another powerful antioxidant (especially native Chinese and American persimmons; provide 80% of DRI). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, proinflammatory free radicals.

Persimmon is an excellent source of antioxidants which play a key role in liver health and body detoxification. Antioxidants help neutralize toxins and other harmful substances in the body, prevent and treat the damages caused by freeradicals.