Top 5 Health Benefits of Persimmon!

Persimmons; what are these strange looking orange-tomatoes, well persimmon is the name given to a number of different species of highly similar fruits from the genus, Diospyros. Although the most popular version of this fruit was originally native to China, it has spread around the world over the last few hundred years. Similar species have also been found in other parts of the world, hence we have Japanese persimmon, American persimmon, black persimmon, and Indian persimmon. Should you be eating this? Read on and find out with our Top 5 Health Benefits of Persimmon!

1. Prevents premature aging
This may well be one of the secrets to the youthful looks of south East Asians. Persimmons are rich in a number of vitamins, most especially vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. These work as antioxidants in your body to reduce oxidative stress and prevent signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles, age spots, Alzheimer’s, fatigue, loss of vision and muscle weakness.

2. Helps prevent cancer
This delicious fruit is packed with antioxidants, the anti-cancer agents that boost your body’s ability to fight free radicals, improve overall health and protect you from many diseases. Free radicals are the by-products of cellular metabolism that can mutate healthy cells into cancerous ones and damage various organ systems. Persimmons have high levels of vitamin C and A, as well as phenolic compounds like catechins and gallocatechins, which are directly connected to preventing different types of cancer. So adding these to your diet can help protect you against different types of cancer.

3. Helps deter tumour development
They can lower your risk of developing tumours or if you already have one, reduce its size as they contain betulinic acid, a proven anti-tumour compound.

4. Boosts immunity
This is due to the presence of vitamin C of which a single persimmon contains 80% of your RDA . Vitamin C stimulates your immune system and increases the production of white blood cells (the main line of defence your body uses against infections). So now you don’t need to rely heavily on those bitter pills, which are bitter in the mouth and the belly!

5. Aids digestion
Say goodbye to those days of sitting on the toilet for hours waiting to relieve yourself; like lots of fruits, persimmons are a good source of fibre, containing almost 20% of your RDA in one serving. Fibre helps your body process food more efficiently and relieve symptoms of constipation or diarrhoea.

So the next time you are thinking of having a late night snack, put the Pringles aside and pick up a persimmon instead, it will make your insides happy and then off to bed with peace of mind!  Fan of persimmon? Let us know what it’s done for you below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. (Find other Top 5 ‘fit foods’ especially selected to help you Keep YOUR Fit ON!)

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