Persimmons

Persimmons are high in glucose and protein. Generally, there are two types of fruit, those that are astringent until extremely ripe and those bearing non-astringent fruit. Astringent cultivar is high in tannins while non-astringent persimmon contains lesser. Astringency can be removed by treating the fruit with carbon dioxide or alcohol. Persimmons are low in calories and fat but high in dietary fiber. Below figure will show that nutrient tract of persimmons.

(Nutrient tract of persimmons, N.D.)

Persimmons contain many health benefiting phyto-nutrients flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants like catechins and gallocatechins. It also contains important anti-tumor compound, betulinic acid and shibuol. Between, catechins in persimmons which exert significant antioxidant power and may prove to be important heart healthy agents in combating lipid peroxidation within cell membranes lining arterial walls and reducing formation of atherosclerotic plaque (Catechins, N.D.). Betulinic acid has been found to selectively kill human melanoma cells while leaving healthy cells alive (Pharmacology of Betulinic Acid, 11 May 1997) . Shibuol forms a gooey compound which can cause an intestinal obstruction known as bezoar. Thus, persimmons should only be eaten on a full stomach (The many health benefits of eating persimmons, 20 November 2008).

Fresh persimmons contain anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin A, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and crypotoxanthin. These compounds act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Lycopene associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. Zeaxanthin is an important dietary carotenoid which provides antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Persimmons are also a very good source of vitamin C which are developing resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals (Persimmon fruit nutrition facts, 2009) .

Fresh persimmons also contain healthy amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper and phosphorus. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. While copper products red blood cell and it also acts as co-factor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase.