Health Benefits of Growing Persimmons

Persimmons have a multitude of health benefits; however, with the majority of the fruit being grown in East Asia, it is not widely available to consumers. The American or Common persimmon is native from Florida to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas. There are a wide variety of persimmons that can be categorically broken down into astringent and non-astringent, with the latter being able to be eaten without waiting for ripening. Ty Ty Nursery takes the time to outline some of the advantages of the persimmons fruit.

Growing the Persimmon Tree

At Ty Ty Nursery, there are multiple species available for purchase to grow your own persimmon tree and reap the benefits of this fruit. With a growing season from late September and well into January, it is no surprise that certain species of the tree can be grown up to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) zone 5.

Ty Ty Nursery can provide both the astringent and non-astringent plants, giving customers a choice of which type would work best for them. A prime example is the Giant fuyu (a non-astringent), which will begin to bear fruit in the late fall and ripen in late November. This particular tree is noted to grow in hot, dry and even cold climates.

Exceptional Nutritional Value

The persimmon, although a small fruit, packs a variety of nutritional value, with some vitamins exceeding 50% of recommended daily intake (RDI), such as vitamin A. Vitamin A helps boost immunity, improves vision (primarily night vision) and also is vital in fetal development.

Persimmons provide approximately 20% RDI of Vitamin C, 8% Vitamin B6 and 6% Vitamin E. Aside from vitamins, they are also very high in fiber content. Fiber is an important carbohydrate that helps with lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels, regulates hunger, and facilitates normal bowel movements. With a low-calorie count, such high nutritional value, and high fiber content, the persimmon is thought to be an excellent fruit for weight-loss.

Antioxidant Properties

Persimmons contain compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids that help fight free radicals produced by oxidative stress in our bodies. These free radicals are harmful as they destroy healthy cells within the body and can lead to inflammation. Oxidative stress has been linked to various diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes mellitus and various cancers. Although not studied extensively, persimmons have been found to have anti-cancer effects in gastric and breast cancers. Another antioxidant, tannin (tannic acid) has been found to aid in lowering blood pressure.

Excellent Energy Source

B-complex vitamins are important in providing energy and regulating metabolic activity where they are required in many enzymatic activities. As a fruit, they also provide a natural source of sugar. Other elements such as magnesium and potassium can also aid in providing energy, while also helping to decrease muscle cramping.

Ty Ty Nursery provides top quality products and helpful gardening tips for anyone looking to grow their own plants. For more information visit https://www.tytyga.com/