Here's some dietary advice you can take to heart. A persimmon a day does more to reduce the risk of heart disease - the leading cause of death in the United States - than an apple.
A head-to-head comparison of the two fruits by an international group of researchers found persimmons contain significantly higher concentrations of dietary fiber, minerals and phenolic compounds - all instrumental in fighting atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. The study appears in the February 1 Web edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The monthly peer-reviewed journal is published by the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.
This is the first comparative study of persimmons and apples that evaluates their anti-atherosclerosis capabilities, says lead researcher Shela Gorinstein, Ph.D., a research associate with the department of medicinal chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
The relatively high contents of fibers, phenolics, minerals and trace elements "make persimmon preferable for an anti-atherosclerotic diet," Gorinstein and her colleagues concluded. A previous study by the researchers showed that persimmons improved lipid metabolism in rats.
Many persimmons contained twice as much dietary fiber as apples. The peels of both fruits had higher fiber levels than the pulp or the whole fruit, according to the findings. Persimmons also contained more of the major phenolics (antioxidants) than apples.
Persimmons had significantly higher levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese. Apples had higher overall concentrations of copper and zinc.
Eating one medium-sized persimmon (about 100 grams) a day is enough to help fight atherosclerosis, says Gorinstein. She is quick to add that other fruits also help guard against heart disease and urges people to include them in their diet as well.
Persimmons, a very popular fruit in Israel, were chosen because they contain a "high percentage of polyphenols, especially tannins, which are very good antioxidants," said Gorinstein. Other researchers involved in the study were from Jagiellonian University in Poland, the University of Lleida in Spain, the Kaplan Medical Center in Israel, and the Israeli Ministry of Health.
The persimmon tree, which produces the reddish-orange fruit, was first cultivated in China thousands of years ago, and is now grown in many countries. China, Japan, Brazil and Korea are the major producers. Israel, which has an expanding persimmon industry, grows a variety called Sharon Fruit. Although persimmon trees grow wild in many areas of the United States, most of the fruit grown for consumption in this country is of Japanese origin.
Shela Gorinstein, Ph.D., is a research associate with the department of medicinal chemistry in the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
FAQs
A persimmon a day does more to reduce the risk of heart disease - the leading cause of death in the United States - than an apple.
Is persimmon healthier than apples? ›
Persimmons contain concentrations of important minerals.
Concentrations of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium are higher in whole persimmons than whole apples. (Copper and zinc are higher in apples.)
Are persimmons good for your heart? ›
The powerful combination of nutrients found in persimmons makes them an excellent choice for boosting heart health. Persimmons contain flavonoid antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol. Consuming a diet high in flavonoids has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease in several studies.
Can you eat a persimmon like an apple? ›
Enjoy a whole Fuyu persimmon by washing with water and eating it like an apple or slice off the top and cut into quarters. Hachiya persimmons are mostly used in baking and can be eaten by scooping the flesh out with a spoon. They taste best when very soft.
Is persimmon good for blood pressure? ›
Their colorful appearance indicates the presence of beta-carotene, a carotenoid antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. They also contain flavonoid antioxidants, which have been linked to better heart health and lower blood pressure, inflammation and "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Is it okay to eat persimmon everyday? ›
Persimmons had significantly higher levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese. Apples had higher overall concentrations of copper and zinc. Eating one medium-sized persimmon (about 100 grams) a day is enough to help fight atherosclerosis, says Gorinstein.
Is persimmon full of sugar? ›
Fresh and dried persimmons are important nutritional product, which have high content of sugars, as glucose and fructose as a source of energy.
What is the most powerful fruit for the heart? ›
Berries can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular function. Strawberries had the highest antioxidants among all the fruits. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are the most recommended fruits good for heart problem.
Do you eat the skin of a persimmon? ›
Persimmons have a delicate honey-like flavor and silky texture. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, and are very versatile in recipes. Persimmon peels are completely edible. Whether or not to peel the fruit is a matter of personal preference and the recipe that you're using.
What should you not eat with persimmons? ›
Another set of cold food groupings to avoid include having crab with tea or persimmon. Xie explained: “Crab meat is a very cold type of food in TCM theory, and persimmon fruit is also cold in nature. Most people should avoid eating this food combination, as it can be hard on the digestive system.”
You can tell a persimmon is ripe when it's firm and orange or deep orange-red. Sweet persimmons taste best when they're crisp. A yellow persimmon is edible, but not fully ripe. Do not eat an unripe green persimmon.
Can heart patients eat persimmon? ›
Heart Health
Persimmons can help keep your arteries clear and reduce the risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis refers to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, and one study found persimmons rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and minerals that are part of an antiatherosclerotic diet.
What fruit lowers blood pressure the fastest? ›
The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include:
- Plums.
- Prunes.
- Avocado.
- Cantaloupe.
- Honeydew melon.
- Tomatoes.
- Citrus fruits. Oranges. Lemons. Grapefruit. Note: grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with some blood pressure medications. ...
- Berries. Blueberries. Raspberries. Blackberries. Strawberries.
However, since American persimmons are much smaller, they are much lower in potassium. Eating one American persimmon can easily be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet. Persimmons are also naturally low in phosphorus and fat.
Which fruit is healthier than apple? ›
It turns out comparing apples and oranges isn't totally bananas. And the orange, by at least one measure, has an edge. “If you consider the concentration of a wide array of nutrients relative to calories, the orange is the most nutritious, followed by the apple, followed by bananas,” said Dr.
Is persimmon the best fruit? ›
Persimmons are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as manganese, which helps the blood to clot. They also have other antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of many serious health conditions including cancer and stroke. One serving of persimmons contains approximately: Calories: 118.
Is persimmon fruit good for weight loss? ›
Yes, persimmons contribute to a feeling of fullness due to their high fiber content. Dietary fiber promotes satiety, helping you control your appetite and manage weight effectively.
