Persimmon:

Persimmon is a fruit that looks like a tomato. A medium persimmon weighs about 170 grams and provides 32 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.

Average calories: 132 per one medium fruit.

Vitamins found in higher amounts: vitamins A, C, E and B6.

Minerals found in higher amounts: manganese, potassium, and magnesium.

Phytonutrients found in higher amounts and their health benefits: persimmons are rich in carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin). They promote healthy vision and fight cancers as well.

Phytosterols are plant sterols that help reduce cholesterol level and improve cardiovascular health. A medium persimmon contains about 6.8 mg of phytosterols.

Persimmons are rich in tannins (catechin and gallocatechin). Unripened persimmons have high quantities of tannins, which are also found in quince, chokecherry, and skins of bananas. The strange taste in mouth after having persimmon is due to tannins, which usually bind to the proteins in saliva, causing them to aggregate and resulting in a dry feeling in the mouth. Moreover, a type of tannin in unripened persimmons after mixing with stomach acid forms a sticky ball-shaped conglomeration called “diospyrobezoar”. It is a phytobezoar comes from eating unripened persimmons. Interestingly, Coca-Cola has been successfully used to dissolve this type of bezoar.

Betulinic acid is another phytonutrient found in persimmons that has anti-cancer property.