Table of contents:
- Nutrients in persimmon
- Benefits of persimmon
- 1. Anticancer
- 2. Reducing inflammation
- 3. Maintain eye health
- 4. Boosts the immune system
- 5. Maintain digestive health
- 6. Maintain heart health
- 7. Against premature aging
Unlike melons, grapes, or apples, persimmon is a fruit that is less popular in Indonesia. However, make no mistake. Persimmon fruit has many health benefits. Anything, huh, something?
Nutrients in persimmon
Source: DoveMed
Persimmon is a native Chinese fruit that has been planted for thousands of years. For those of you who have never eaten it, this fruit tastes sweet like honey.
Although small, persimmons have a lot of nutrients that are beneficial for health. One persimmon weighing 168 grams contains various nutrients, such as:
- 118 calories
- 31 grams of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of protein
- 0.3 grams of fat
- 6 grams of fiber
- Vitamin A.
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Phosphor
Apart from vitamins and minerals, persimmon also contains various antioxidant compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
Benefits of persimmon
Don't just know the name, this one fruit also has various kinds of goodness. Come on, get to know the benefits of the following persimmon fruit:
1. Anticancer
Persimmon is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent or slow down cell damage by warding off free radicals.
These free radicals are known to damage healthy cells until they eventually develop into cancer cells and damage organ systems.
According to research published in the Experimental and Clinical Sciences Journal, the carotenoids and catechins in this fruit act as powerful anticancer agents.
Not only these two compounds, persimmon also contains other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, and flavonoids.
Flavonoids, including powerful antioxidants found in the skin and flesh of the persimmon. Research shows that a diet (diet) that contains high flavonoids can help reduce the risk of lung cancer due to aging.
In addition, a study also states that a diet high in beta carotene is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, lung cancer, colon cancer, and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.
2. Reducing inflammation
Persimmons contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help restore inflammation in the body. Again, this is due to the content of various kinds of antioxidants in it.
When experiencing inflammation, the body usually produces C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. To neutralize it, the body needs vitamin C intake.
Vitamin C is able to reduce free radical damage by donating electrons to unstable molecules. That way, the body will avoid further damage.
In addition, the content of carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin E in persimmons also helps fight inflammation in the body.
3. Maintain eye health
The content of vitamin A and antioxidants in persimmons has other benefits that are no less amazing. Persimmons contain 55 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is an important component of rhodopsin, a protein the body needs to see normally.
In addition, this vitamin also helps support the function of the conjunctival membrane and cornea.
The lutein and zeaxanthin in persimmons can also reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the retina and can cause blindness.
4. Boosts the immune system
Persimmon is a fruit that has important benefits for the immune system. Its ascorbic acid content can meet 80 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
Research published in the Journal of Food Quality found evidence that vitamin C stimulates the immune system.
You do this by increasing the production of white blood cells which become the body's shield from microbial, viral, fungal, and toxin infections.
5. Maintain digestive health
Like fruits in general, persimmons are a very good source of fiber for the body. Fiber has many benefits for the body, such as:
- Stimulates intestinal peristalsis to move food as it passes through the digestive tract
- Helps compact stool
- Increase the secretion of gastric and digestive fluids
- Relieves symptoms of constipation and diarrhea
So it can be concluded that fiber helps keep the digestive system healthy. Fiber also protects you from colorectal cancer, aka colon cancer.
Even fiber is one of the important nutrients for those of you who intend to lose weight.
6. Maintain heart health
The combination of nutrients in persimmon is very helpful in maintaining and improving heart health. This fruit contains flavonoid antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol.
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, amazing facts were discovered.
More than 98,000 people who ate a diet high in flavonoids had an 18% lower risk of dying from heart problems.
In addition, other evidence also states that flavonoid-rich foods help lower high blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body, and reduce inflammation.
In fact, the tannin content in persimmons has benefits for lowering blood pressure.
7. Against premature aging
Persimmons contain a number of vitamins and antioxidants which have the benefit of reducing free radicals and fighting premature aging.
Vitamin A, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin are important compounds that play a role in this.
Research shows that certain types of polyphenols in persimmons play a role in preventing oxidative damage that leads to aging.
For this reason, eating persimmons can help slow down premature aging, such as delaying muscle weakness, the appearance of wrinkles, and brown spots on the face.
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