The kaki fruit, also known as the “fruit of the gods”, is a fruit originating in China that easily adapts to climatic conditions and which we find more and more often in supermarkets. Kaki fruits have a red-brown or orange shade, are very similar in shape to tomatoes and grow on trees. There are many types of kaki fruit, but the most famous are Hachiya and Fuyu.
Hachiya heart-shaped kaki fruits are astringent, meaning they are high in chemicals called tannins that provide a bitter taste. For this reason, it is ideal to eat it without the skin. Conversely, in the case of the Fuyu kaki fruit, although they contain tannins, they are considered non-astringent.
Unlike the first variant, Fuyu tomatoes are very similar in shape to tomatoes and can be eaten without removing the skin. The kaki fruit can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked, and is often used in drinks, pies, jellies and puddings.
How to eat kaki fruit
The kaki fruit can be used in many dishes, because it offers extra nutritional values. These fruits can be eaten fresh, as a snack or used in various delicious recipes:
in salads with Greek yogurt and baked oats in cakes in baked fruit salad with chicken breast in a smoothie
Health benefits
It takes care of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Fortunately, many types of heart disease can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as unhealthy diets. A powerful mix of nutrients is found in the kaki fruit, making it an extraordinary choice for a healthy heart. A diet rich in flavonoids helps lower blood pressure, lowers LDL cholesterol and lowers inflammation.
It helps to reduce inflammation. Conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer and obesity are closely related to chronic inflammation. Fortunately, foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce inflammation and reduce the risks of these diseases. The kaki fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, containing 20% of the recommended daily requirement. Vitamin C helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports vision health. The kaki fruit contains a large amount of vitamin A and antioxidants necessary for eye health. Vitamin A supports the functioning of the conjunctiva and the cornea. Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration, which affects the retina and causes vision loss.
What properties does the kaki fruit have?
Rich in nutrients. Despite its rather small size, the kaki fruit contains an impressive amount of nutrients. 168 grams of kaki contain:
Calories: 118 Carbohydrates: 31 grams Protein: 1 gram Fat: 0.3 grams Fiber: 6 grams Vitamin A: 55% of the recommended daily requirement Vitamin C: 22% of the recommended daily requirement Vitamin E: 6% of the recommended daily requirement Vitamin K: 5 % of the recommended daily requirement Vitamin B6: 8% of the recommended daily requirement Potassium: 8% of the recommended daily requirement Copper: 9% of the recommended daily requirement Manganese: 30% of the recommended daily requirement
Also, kaki fruits are ideal sources of thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), folic acid, magnesium and phosphorus. A single persimmon fruit contains over half of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin critical for the proper functioning of the immune system, vision and fetal development. In addition to vitamins and minerals, kaki fruits contain compounds such as tannins, flavonoids and carotenoids, which have an important impact on health. Persimmon leaves contain large amounts of vitamin C, tannins and fiber.
Rich source of antioxidants. Kaki fruits contain beneficial compounds that have antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants help prevent or slow down cell damage, counteracting oxidative stress, a process triggered by unstable molecules also known as free radicals. Oxidative stress is closely related to certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, eating foods rich in antioxidants helps in the fight against oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. Diets rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants found in high concentrations in the peel and pulp of the persimmon fruit, reduce the risk of heart disease, mental decline that occurs with age, and lung cancer.
Rich in fiber. We know very well that when we talk about LDL cholesterol, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Foods rich in soluble fiber such as fruits and vegetables help lower cholesterol levels by removing excess cholesterol from the body.
Adverse effects
Allergic reactions produced by the kaki fruit are quite rare, but not non-existent! Allergies can be mild, with symptoms such as stomach pain or nausea. There are studies that suggest a connection between latex allergies and the potential for allergic reactions to persimmons.
Do not eat persimmons if you take these pills!
High blood pressure medications can interact with this fruit, and that’s because persimmon can lower blood pressure. So, if you take high blood pressure pills and eat persimmons, you run the risk of your blood pressure dropping a lot.
These include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix).
Also, blood clotting medications can interact with persimmon and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
These include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin).
Sources: MedicalNewsToday, WebMd, Healthline
2023-09-24 08:21:54
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