Move over, apples. According to a study at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, persimmons are the go-to fruit to keep us healthy as we age.
In a head-to-head comparison of the health benefits of persimmons and apples, the study’s lead researcher Dr. Shela Gorinstein found that the nutritional value of a persimmon (pulp and peel included) outweighs that of an apple. The research showed that whole persimmons contain higher concentrations of dietary fibers, total phenols (compounds found in plants with an antioxidant effect) and important minerals, than whole apples.
These important nutrients are instrumental in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and stroke — three of the top five leading causes of death among adults. Perhaps the ancient Greeks were onto something when they nicknamed the persimmon the “fruit of the gods.”
The Health Benefits of Persimmons
1. Persimmons are loaded with dietary fiber.
Dr. Gorinstein’s study demonstrated the superiority of the persimmon in preventing atherosclerosis, the culprit in heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Her analysis showed that persimmons contain twice the fiber of apples, and outshine apples in antioxidant content. No surprise, Dr. Gorinstein recommends eating a persimmon a day to ward off heart problems.
2. 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.)
How to Add Persimmons to Your Diet
A favorite Chinese New Year fruit symbolizing joy and fortune, persimmons are in season from October to February, so enjoy them while you can. There are several types of persimmons, but the most popular and readily available are the acorn-shaped hachiya persimmon and the tomato-shaped fuyu persimmon.
Both are orange in color but differ in texture and taste. Use hachiya persimmons as soon as they ripen; their soft creamy pulp mixes perfectly into pudding, ice cream, quick bread, cookies and sauces. The more versatile fuyus are crunchy with a pumpkin-like flavor. They can be eaten whole like an apple, sliced and added to salads, or included in pies, crisps and fruit crumbles.
