Chinese poet Zhang Zhongshu praised the beauty of persimmons: "The taste surpasses the fragrance of flowers in the Hualin Garden, and the color is as bright as the red ink in the Yangjing Well. It is wrapped in a light and smooth layer of crimson wax, and is no less delicious than the sweet dew in the human world." Nowadays, China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Brazil are the main producers of persimmons. So what are the nutritional values of persimmons?
Nutritional Composition of Persimmons
Persimmons contain abundant nutrients such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, pectin, protein, carotene, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, and cucurbitine.
Antioxidant Effects
Lycopene in persimmons has strong antioxidant effects. It can eliminate free radicals in the body, prevent cardiovascular diseases, significantly reduce the occurrence of pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and breast cancer, and hinder the progression of prostate cancer. It has excellent anticancer effects and can also alleviate aging by clearing free radicals.
Relieving Constipation
Persimmons contain a large amount of fiber, which can absorb a lot of water and some fats and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract after consumption. They can stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids in the gastrointestinal tract, promote digestion, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and accelerate the excretion of feces. They have a therapeutic effect on relieving constipation.
Anti-inflammatory and De-swelling Effects
Persimmons are rich in pectin, a water-soluble dietary fiber that has a good laxative effect, corrects constipation, and maintains the growth of normal intestinal flora. For laborers, eating more large persimmons has anti-inflammatory and de-swelling effects, improves blood circulation, and promotes the recovery of tendon inflammation and injuries.
Supplementing Vitamins
Persimmons contain a lot of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is 2-3 times higher than other fruits. Eating one persimmon a day can provide half of the daily vitamin C requirement for an adult. Persimmons are a great fruit for supplementing vitamins.
Providing Energy
Persimmons also contain a large amount of sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Therefore, eating persimmons gives a sweet sensation. Persimmons are also a food that provides energy.
Methods of Eating Persimmons
1. Soak the persimmons in water at 50-60°C with a proper amount of lime. Change the water 2-3 times a day. After about 2 days, they will become soft and sweet. This is the oldest method that guarantees the transformation from hard and astringent to soft and sweet persimmons.
2. Mix persimmons with some bananas and apples and store them in a sealed box. This method is relatively quick and convenient.
3. Rub some white wine on the persimmon skin before storing. This method is the simplest, but the effect may not be significant every time.
