- Persimmons contain many health benefiting phyto-nutrients flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants like catechins and gallocatechins as well as important anti-tumor compound betulinic acid. Catechins are known to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels) properties.
- Fresh permissions contain anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin-A, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. These compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
- zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions; thus, helps prevent "Age related macular disease"(ARMD) hin the elderly.
- The fruits are also very good source of vitamin-C, another powerful antioxidant (especially native Chinese and American persimmons; provide 80% of DRI). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
- The fruit is good in many valuable B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin...etc. These vitamins acts as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body.
- Fresh Persimmon fruits also contain healthy amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese (15% of DRI), copper (12% of DRI) and phosphorus. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Copper is a co-factor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Copper is also required for the production of red blood cells.
How to eat: As usual, I like them raw. But try these...
Persimmon salad
Grilled Persimmons and duck
Persimmon bread (fat-free & vegan)
11.15.2010
Seasonal spotlight: PERSIMMONS
My mom served persimmons with dinner the other night. I hadn't had them in forever and fell in love with the fruity flavor all over again. I'm vowing to buy some next time I head to the market. Persimmons aren't on most people's radar--and I'm not quite sure why they are looked over so easily. I could eat persimmons like I eat apples...daily! As usual, I like to know how what I'm putting in my body benefits me. Here's some persimmon facts:
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I just bought another Fuyu persimmon today! LOVE them. I can't do the hachiya kind, though, they make my mouth feel fuzzy!
ReplyDeleteI'm not experienced with the different varieties but I will be experimenting soon =) I need to head over to people's
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