Persimmon Fruit – Richer In Antioxidants than Apples, Grapes and Tomatoes

Persimmon is a very nutritious fruit, cultivated for the first time in China, thousands of years ago.  Nowadays, the countries with the biggest production of Persimmon are China, Japan, Brazil and Korea.

What makes this fruit extremely healthy is its diversity and richness in antioxidants and vitamins:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin)
• Polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid, gallic acid)
• Manganese
• Copper

Chinese researchers from Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, at the Agronomy University from Beijing, have studied the content of antioxidants present in persimmon fruits, apples, grapes and tomatoes. From all these four fruits, the one with the most powerful antioxidant effect is the persimmon fruit.

Persimmon and its antioxidant properties

The capacity for fighting against free radicals is given by six types of polyphenols found in the Persimmon fruit: catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid. The most effective against free radicals is gallic acid. This acid actions like a defense against free radicals, protecting your body from the damages caused by these agents.

Another study has analyzed persimmon fruits in comparison with apples. This research revealed that persimmons have a higher level not only of polyphenols, but also of dietary fiber and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper and sodium.

The peel of the persimmon fruit contains more dietary fiber than the core, which is similar to apples. It is indicated to eat the peel too because it is helpful for the digestive system.

Persimmons and their content

Vitamins A, C and E from persimmons are powerful antioxidants. They destroy the harmful molecules inside the free radicals directly, while copper and manganese are protecting our cells and our DNA from the damages made by free radicals. Vitamins A, C and E also have an important role in maintaining our skin and our nails in a good condition. Copper also has a less known effect on the process of aging. Not only that it makes the process slower, but our hair will keep its natural color for a longer time if we do not have a lack of copper in our body. Moreover, a lack of copper is a real danger to our health and could lead to some severe problems, like anemia, osteoporosis, anorexia and loss of hair. Through the high level of copper, persimmon fruits help the human body to strengthen its immune system and to heal quicker the suffered injuries.

Zeaxanthin and lutein contained in persimmons are two carotenoids. They are an extraordinary help when it comes to your eyesight. To be more specific, they prevent the loss of eyesight caused by aging. But the eyesight is not affected only by the fact that we grow old. Many young people suffer from eyesight problems. One of the causes is the free radicals coming from the sunlight. Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the retina from the damages caused by these radicals and contribute to the wellness of the eyes.

Due to the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals contained, persimmons can offer a better health, and also a boost of energy every time it is consumed.