Persimmon, as a fruit, also carries unique cultural significance. It not only enhances the body’s immune system but is often associated with joy and humor, such as the amusing story of “persimmons turning square,” and serves as a muse for design and photography, attracting the attention of many creative individuals with its color and form. However, besides enjoying the deliciousness and pleasure of persimmons, correct consumption is crucial.
When it comes to dietary combinations, persimmons need to be consumed cautiously with other foods. Due to their abundant tannic acid content, combining them with acidic ingredients like hawthorn, lemon, or vinegar may lead to indigestible precipitates. Additionally, the encounter of tannic acid with proteins can result in poorly digested concretions, especially when consumed with seafood such as fish, shrimp, or crab, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Furthermore, mixing persimmons with high-fiber vegetables like sweet potatoes and spinach may facilitate the formation of insoluble persimmon stones, leading to digestive issues or even intestinal blockages.
Speaking of health benefits, the efficacy of persimmons should not be underestimated. They are rich in pectin, a soluble dietary fiber beneficial for preventing constipation and maintaining intestinal health. In traditional Chinese medicine, persimmons are regarded as a nourishing, moistening, lung-clearing, phlegm-resolving, and spleen-strengthening tonic, particularly suitable for consumption in autumn and winter. Eating raw persimmons can clear heat, detoxify, help regulate blood pressure, and alleviate hemorrhoids symptoms. Its vitamin C content far exceeds that of apples, combined with abundant polyphenols with antioxidant properties, significantly protecting the cardiovascular system and preventing arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
However, not everyone is suitable for consuming persimmons in large quantities. Diabetics need to strictly control their persimmon intake due to its high sugar content, especially rapidly absorbable monosaccharides and disaccharides, which can lead to a sharp rise in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of complications. Those with poor gastrointestinal function should also limit their intake. Despite persimmons aiding in bowel movements, their high sugar nature may exacerbate gastrointestinal burden, leading to indigestion. Therefore, when enjoying the deliciousness and health benefits of persimmons, individual constitution and health conditions should be carefully considered.
