The 6 Health Benefits of the Persimmon

1. Sweet, flavorful, and packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It is no wonder that the persimmon fruit was called by the ancient Greeks “the divine fruit”. The fruit is very versatile, nutritious, and delicious, and is known for its popularity in many Asian countries. The rest of the world is also starting to discover the Kaki fruit. For example, you can already find them in many cakes, desserts, and pies.

1. Besides the fact that the persimmon fruit can give a lot of flavor to dishes, it is also very good for your health. Think of lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure. And then of course the impressive amount of important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese.

What is the persimmon fruit?

1. The Kaki fruit, also called Persimmon, is an edible fruit that comes from the Persimmon tree. The tree is a member of the order of plants that includes Brazil nuts, blueberries, and tea plants. Although there are several varieties of persimmon fruit, the most commonly grown is from the Japanese Persimmon Fruit Tree, also known by the scientific name Diospyros Kaki.

1. The persimmon fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried for later consumption. They are often added to a variety of dishes, including salads.

1. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also contain important nutrients and antioxidants, and have a very long list of health benefits. But more on that later.

1. Persimmon fruits have a very long history that can be traced back to ancient Greece. In fact, the persimmons come from the genus of plants called the “Diospyros” genus. In Greek this means â € Fruit of the Godsâ € ™. It is generally believed that the persimmon fruit is referred to by the lotus from Homer's 'Odyssey'. It was written towards the end of the eighth century BC. So 2,800 years ago, the ancient Greeks were already aware of all the health benefits, not to mention its versatility in applications.

2. Persimmon fruits have a very long history that can be traced back to ancient Greece. In fact, the persimmons come from the genus of plants called the “Diospyros” genus. In Greek this means â € Fruit of the Godsâ € ™. It is generally believed that the persimmon fruit is referred to as the lotus from Homer's 'Odyssey'. It was written towards the end of the eighth century BC. So 2,800 years ago, the ancient Greeks were already aware of all the health benefits, not to mention its versatility in applications.

1. Today, the persimmon fruit, although relatively unknown in most of the world, is a much loved fruit by many. It is widely consumed in Japan, and is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes.

1. In Korea, for example, dried persimmon fruit is used to make Sujeonggwa, a delicacy with cinnamon. In Taiwan, persimmons are placed in lime water to 'harden' and are then sold as a snack called 'Crisp Persimmon'. In many parts of Asia, the leaves of the persimmon tree are even used to make tea.

2. In Korea, for example, dried persimmon fruit is used to make Sujeonggwa, a delicacy with cinnamon. In Taiwan, persimmons are placed in lime water to 'harden', and are then sold as a snack called 'Crisp Persimmon'. In many parts of Asia, the leaves of the persimmon tree are even used to make tea.

1. If we then look at the Western world, we find the persimmon fruit more in sweets, puddings, cookies, and cakes. But despite its many possibilities, it is still relatively rare.

The 6 health benefits of the persimmon fruit

1. As said before, the persimmon fruit is almost a superfood because of its impressive list of health benefits. I want to go through the most important ones with you :)

1. Antioxidants are compounds that help fight harmful free radicals in your body to ultimately prevent dramatic damage to your body cells and thus significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease.

1. Some studies have shown that antioxidants can protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. (1)

1. The persimmon fruit is packed with these beneficial antioxidants. A study from Korea, published in the journal Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, examined the juice of the persimmon fruit, and concluded that it was especially rich in gallic acid and epicatechin gallate. Two compounds with strong antioxidant properties. (2)

1. Besides the persimmon fruit, there are of course other foods that contain a lot of antioxidants. The persimmon fruit is of course not the only one. We also find many antioxidants in berries, cilantro, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.

2. Besides the persimmon, there are of course other foods that contain a lot of antioxidants. The persimmon fruit is of course not the only one. We also find many antioxidants in berries, cilantro, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.

1. Eating the persimmons regularly can help prevent constipation and keep your bowel movements regular. The Kaki fruit is a fiber-rich fruit: Each fruit contains no less than 6 grams. With this you already have almost a quarter of your daily requirement.

1. Fibers move undigested through your body, adding bulk to the stool. In addition, fiber ensures that your bowel movements are regular. A scientific analysis, based on five renowned studies, showed that dietary fiber is effective in increasing the frequency of the big message in people who suffer from constipation. (3)

1. Make sure you eat the sweet version of the persimmon fruit in this case. The non-sweet version has more tannic acid in it, which is associated with constipation. Tanic acid can reduce secretion in the intestines and slow down the movements of the digestive tract. (4)

1. There are of course other ways to solve and prevent constipation. Just think about drinking lots of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising more.

1. The persimmon fruit contains a lot of vitamin A which is essential for the health of your eyes. In fact, 1 raw Kwki fruit contains no less than 55% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (DAH) of vitamin A.

1. Common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are night blindness, dry eyes, and tiny spots of keratin that can build up on the conjunctiva of the eye. (5)

1. By eating more vitamin A, by eating Kika fruits, among other things, you can prevent these unpleasant consequences for your eyes. Healthy eyes are important, especially at a later age. Other foods high in vitamin A are liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach.

1. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found throughout the body. Although we do need cholesterol, it is important to keep it in balance. When too much cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can cause them to harden and clog, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body. When the veins clog up completely, no more blood comes through. The result: Myocardial infarction or stroke, depending on which arteries are blocked.

1. Some studies have shown that the persimmon fruit can effectively help lower your cholesterol. In a study published in the Annals of Nutrition Metabolism, 40 participants were given a bar of high or low dose persimmon fiber three times a day for 12 weeks. By the end of the study, it was found that both groups had significant reductions in their bad LDL cholesterol. (6)

1. There are of course other ways to lower your cholesterol. Consider exercising regularly, eating plenty of soluble fiber, and increasing your omega-3 intake. You can do the latter by eating more oily fish, for example. At least 2x a week, but more often is also allowed!

1. In addition to lowering cholesterol, keeping your eyes healthy, and supporting regular bowel movements, Kaki fruit can also help reduce inflammation. While inflammation is a normal and very healthy immune response, chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases and conditions such as cancer and coronary heart disease.

1. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants and tannins, the persimmons have been shown to help relieve inflammation. An animal study has shown that treating mice with persimmon tannins decreased markers of inflammation. (7)

1. But there are of course other foods that can reduce inflammation. Just think of green leafy vegetables, berries, broccoli, walnuts, and coconut oil.

1. The tannins in the persimmons may also help to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is dangerous because it puts extra strain on the heart's capacity. It is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease.

1. Several studies have shown that tannic acid can be effective in lowering blood pressure. For example, a 2015 animal study showed that administering tannic acid (Tannin) to rats actually lowered blood pressure. (8)

1. Another animal study found that tannins, extracted from traditional Chinese herbs, helped reduce levels of the enzyme that regulates blood pressure. (9)

The nutritional value of the persimmon

1. The persimmon fruit contains virtually no calories, but is packed with all kinds of fantastic nutrients.

1. 1 raw persimmon fruit contains approximately: (10)

1. Besides the nutrients described above, the persimmon fruit also contains some magnesium, thiamine, folate and phosphorus.

The persimmon fruit looks like a crazy tomato

1. If you take a really quick look at a Kaki Fruit, you might mistakenly mistake it for a crazy tomato. Okay, the shape is a bit different and the color is not the same, but everything else…

1. These two fruits do share some very important physical characteristics: They are both round with a green top, and can vary in color: from dark red to bright orange.

1. However, there are also a number of differences between these two fruits. In particular, the taste, how they are used, and which nutrients they provide. Let's do a quick comparison.

1. Although tomatoes naturally give a hint of sweetness, just like the persimmon fruit, the tomato has a milder aftertaste. Tomatoes are generally used in preparing delicious dishes such as salads and sauces. The persimmon fruit, on the other hand, is often used as an ingredient in desserts, for example. And although both can be eaten raw, a persimmon fruit is more suitable for just grabbing and eating, like you would an apple.

1. Tomatoes have fewer calories than the persimmon fruit, but the persimmon fruit, on the other hand, contains much more fiber. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same in nutrient levels. Tomatoes contain a little bit more vitamin C, and the persimmons in turn contain a little more vitamin A.

How can you eat a persimmon fruit?

1. If you've never eaten a persimmon fruit before, you may be wondering how best to consume it.

1. Despite being an unknown exotic fruit, eating it is very simple: The skin is very thin and completely edible. So you don't have to peel first. Just wash it under the tap, after which you can eat the Kaki fruit immediately, such as an apple.

1. Depending on the type of persimmon fruit, you have to make sure that the fruit is soft and ripe. Otherwise there is still too much Tannin in it, which is not very tasty.

1. Of course you can also use the Kaki fruit in all kinds of dishes. It is wonderful to use the persimmon fruit in a salad to make the taste fuller. It also makes desserts nice and sweet, while also providing extra nutrients. Good combination, right?

Delicious recipe: Persimmon cake with walnuts and raisins

1. I have very good friends in Brazil. We are in regular contact and sometimes we exchange tasty (often local) recipes. A few years ago he sent me a recipe of Persimmon Bread, as it is called there. This was the first time I had to deal with the persimmon fruit. I bought the ingredients and made the kaki cake. I was an immediate fan, and have made it many times since then.

1. Persimmon cake is definitely here to stay: It's soft and a little moist, and every slice contains delicious walnuts and raisins, while the persimmon fruit provides that delicious sweet taste.]

1. I am happy to share this recipe with you:

1. What you need:

1. How to make the kaki cake:

1. When the cake is still a bit lukewarm, I always cut off a nice slice and enjoy it with a delicious cup of tea. For me, a great treat!

Finallyâ €!

1. The Kaki fruit is not really known, but that will certainly change. Just give it a try. Not only to take advantage of the many benefits for your health, but also for the delicious sweet taste.

1. When are you going to make the kaki cake? Will you let me know if I liked it?