Persimmon Fruit: Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and Precautions

🟣 1. Nutritional Content of Persimmon

A Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Persimmons are rich in various vitamins, including:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Folate (Vitamin B9)

• Vitamin A — essential for vision, immune function, and fetal growth.
  → One persimmon provides more than half of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A.

• Vitamin C — found in the fruit and its leaves, which can be used to make persimmon leaf tea, known for its health-promoting properties.

Persimmons also provide important minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus.

🟢 2. Rich in Antioxidants

Persimmons contain a wide range of antioxidants, including:

• Flavonoids such as catechins and fisetin, which reduce inflammation.

• Tannins, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

These compounds help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease).

🟡 3. High in Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Persimmons are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in the retina.

→ They act as antioxidants that help protect the eyes and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

🔵 4. Potential Health Benefits (Limited Evidence)

May Reduce High Blood Pressure

A preliminary 2014 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that persimmon leaf extract, which contains proanthocyanidins, may help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure by enhancing nitric oxide activity.

⚠️ However, consuming persimmons along with blood pressure medications might cause excessive lowering of blood pressure.

Other Possible Benefits (Not Yet Confirmed)

• Reducing fluid retention

• Improving blood flow

• Lowering body temperature

• Reducing the risk of stroke

🔬 5. Scientific Studies on Persimmons

• Cholesterol Reduction:
  A 2013 study in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism found that unripe persimmons high in tannins and fiber may help lower total blood cholesterol.

• Heart and Artery Health:
  A 2015 review in EXCLI Journal suggested persimmons may reduce atherosclerosis risk due to their antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties, though more research is needed.

• Bone Health:
  A 2018 study in Nutrients showed that polysaccharides in persimmon leaves may reduce postmenopausal bone loss by inhibiting bone-resorbing cells.

🟠 6. Nutritional Value (Per 100 Grams)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	70 kcal
Water	80.32 ml
Protein	0.58 g
Fat	0.19 g
Carbohydrates	18.59 g
Fiber	3.6 g
Sugars	12.53 g
Calcium	8 mg
Iron	0.15 mg
Magnesium	9 mg
Phosphorus	17 mg
Potassium	161 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Vitamin C	7.5 mg
Vitamin A	81 µg
Vitamin E	0.73 mg
Vitamin K	2.6 µg
Lutein + Zeaxanthin	834 µg

🔴 7. Side Effects and Precautions

⚠️ Safety Level

Persimmons are generally safe to eat fresh or cooked.

However, some people may experience allergic reactions, and there’s insufficient information on the safety of large doses or use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

⚠️ Precautions

• People with Low Blood Pressure:
  Persimmons can lower blood pressure further — caution is advised.

• Before Surgery:
  Avoid persimmons two weeks before surgery as they may affect blood pressure control.

• Persimmon Allergy:
  Though rare, some may develop oral allergy syndrome, especially those allergic to birch pollen.
  Symptoms may include vomiting, skin rash, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.

⚠️ Drug Interactions

Persimmons may interact with antihypertensive drugs (e.g., captopril, enalapril, losartan) and cause excessive drops in blood pressure.

🟣 8. Common Questions

Question	Answer
Is persimmon good for constipation?	Unripe persimmons (high in tannins) can worsen constipation, while sweet ripe ones are safer.
How many calories are in persimmons?	100 g = 70 kcal (fresh), 274 kcal (dried).
Is persimmon good for diabetes?	Some studies suggest persimmon leaves may help lower blood sugar, but evidence for the fruit itself is limited.
Is persimmon safe during pregnancy?	No confirmed safety data — moderate consumption is advised.
Is persimmon good for children?	Yes, it’s rich in vitamin C and suitable for babies aged 8–10 months (consult a pediatrician first).
Is persimmon good for weight loss?	Yes, low in fat and calories, rich in nutrients — a good choice for a balanced diet.

🟤 9. Overview

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki), also known as kaki, khurma, or Japanese persimmon, belongs to the Ebenaceae family.

It originated in China thousands of years ago and has since spread worldwide.

There are two popular varieties:

• Hachiya: astringent and high in tannins, must be very ripe before eating.

• Fuyu: sweet and non-astringent, can be eaten firm.

Persimmons are known for their sweet, honey-like flavor and vibrant orange color, making them both nutritious and delicious.