PERSIMMON: THE WINTER SUPERFOOD THAT WILL BECOME YOUR ALLY

Persimmon is the edible fruit of several species of trees in the Diospyros genus. The most widely cultivated species is the oriental or Japanese persimmon. In terms of color, the ripe fruits of cultivated varieties range from light yellow-orange to dark red-orange, depending on the species and variety.

Similarly, the fruit sizes vary from 1.5 to 9 cm in diameter, and the shapes can be spherical, acorn-shaped, or pumpkin-like.

The protein content is low, but it has a balanced protein profile. Persimmon fruits have been used in various pharmaceutical and chemical applications. From a botanical morphology standpoint, the fruit is technically a berry.

In Greek mythology, the persimmon was considered a fruit that induces forgetfulness. In the Odyssey, the Lotus-Eaters were a tribe of people who lived on an island where the lotus tree dominated. The fruits and flowers of the lotus were the main food of the island.

Odysseus describes his encounter with the Lotus-Eaters:

"We were driven from there by the rainy winds for nine days at sea, but on the tenth day, we reached the land of the Lotus-Eaters, who live on a food that comes from a type of flower. We landed here to get fresh water, and our crew had their lunch on the shore near the ships. After they ate and drank, I sent two of my companions to see what kind of people might live there, and they had a third man with them. They immediately set out and went among the Lotus-Eaters, who did not harm them but gave them to eat of the lotus, which was so delicious that those who ate it stopped caring about home and did not even want to return and tell what had happened to them, but instead stayed to nibble on the lotus with the Lotus-Eaters, not thinking any more of their return."

Nutritional Properties:

The persimmon is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. It is rich in tannins, which give it a strong flavor, making it suitable for consumption only when fully ripe. When ripe, the fruit becomes very sweet and contains a high amount of glucose and protein sugars.

At full ripeness, persimmons become a fruit that provides significant energy due to their high calorie content and large quantities of sugars.

They are also rich in dietary fiber and display effective diuretic action because of the abundant calcium and potassium, which help release excess fluids from the body. It is also well-known for assisting liver function.

The persimmon is a powerful source of beneficial antioxidants such as carotenoids and polyphenols. The proanthocyanidins contained in persimmons can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure, the risk of thrombosis, as well as decreasing the levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Intake of persimmons seems to have significant anti-cancer properties, along with the ability to reduce the toxicity of alcohol in the blood.

It has diuretic and laxative properties. However, due to its high sugar content (excluding the seeds), it is not recommended for those suffering from diabetes or obesity.

?5 Health Benefits of Persimmons:

✔️ Boosts Digestion
Rich in dietary fiber, persimmon seeds help maintain healthy digestive system function. They regulate appetite, thus speeding up weight loss. Persimmon seeds also detoxify the kidneys and liver, eliminating waste and preventing buildup in the body, which helps maintain gut health.

✔️ Enhances Heart Health
Persimmon seeds are a great source of magnesium. Magnesium improves the flow of oxygen and other nutrients. Low magnesium levels can make your body more prone to heart attacks. The high magnesium content in persimmons leads to significant improvements in heart conditions. The nutrient-rich content of magnesium and folic acid reduces the risks associated with coronary diseases and other heart-related ailments.

✔️ Offers Anti-Aging Effects
Enzymes found in persimmon seeds are believed to inhibit aging. The enzyme L-isosparyl methyltransferase helps repair and maintain damaged proteins and boosts collagen synthesis in the body.

✔️ Promotes Better Sleep
Persimmon seeds have calming effects and are antispasmodic, meaning they help your nerves relax better, improving sleep quality. They also aid in the dilation of blood vessels, significantly relieving depression and anxiety. This is due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids in the seeds.

✔️ Helps Manage Diabetes
Persimmon seeds inherently have a low glycemic index. Therefore, they reduce sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. They also help regulate the body’s insulin response, keeping glucose levels in the bloodstream within normal limits. Consuming dried or roasted persimmon seeds as an evening snack is ideal for a diabetic diet.

✔️ Boosts Kidney Function
Persimmon seeds are equipped with potent phytochemicals that possess astringent properties. This helps eliminate toxins and waste from the system, reduce acidity, and prevent kidney stone formation. Additionally, the powerful diuretic properties of these tiny seeds aid in the smooth expulsion of urine and other fluid waste from the kidneys and bladder, promoting kidney health and preventing infection or kidney damage.

✔️ Promotes Sexual Wellness
Infused with bioactive plant compounds, persimmon seeds are an excellent aphrodisiac that significantly boosts sexual drive and libido in both men and women. They stimulate blood circulation to the reproductive organs, thus providing essential nutrients and energy to these tissues, enhancing sexual health and fertility. Regular consumption of roasted persimmon seeds as part of your diet can significantly improve sexual desire and performance, and effectively address issues like erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women.

Additional Benefits:

✔️ Aids Weight Loss
The abundance of alkaloids and flavonoids in persimmon seeds enables the body to lose excess weight more rapidly. Due to its detoxifying characteristics, persimmon seeds effectively eliminate unwanted toxins from the body. With a low glycemic index, they help curb sudden intense hunger and keep you full for longer periods. Thus, persimmon seeds play a crucial role in any weight-loss program. The powder from the seeds also reduces the buildup of LDL (low-density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) in the body, improving metabolism and helping the body maintain a healthy weight.

✔️ Regulates Blood Pressure
With high levels of magnesium and potassium and low sodium content, persimmon seeds are an excellent combination for those diagnosed with hypertension. While potassium in the seeds helps reduce blood pressure, sodium works to raise it, maintaining a balanced blood pressure reading. Thanks to their strong cardiotonic properties, persimmon seeds are highly beneficial in treating mild to moderate hypertension and preventing pre-hypertension. Therefore, individuals with high blood pressure can safely snack on fox nuts or persimmon seeds without worrying about sudden increases in their blood pressure.

✍ Conclusion:

Persimmon seeds are indeed an incredibly nutritious food, packed with essential nutrients such as proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

They offer numerous benefits to human health, such as improving sleep patterns, promoting weight loss, managing diabetes symptoms, enhancing the activity of the nervous system, and slowing down aging.

Persimmon seeds are an ideal addition to any diet to boost both physical and mental well-being.