All about dried persimmon — 6 useful properties, composition and recipe
Dried persimmon is a traditional dish in East Asian countries (especially in Japan and China). It is also called shipping and hoshigaki. It is consumed in its pure form, and is also used for making desserts.
Due to the abundance of valuable substances in the composition, dried persimmon has tangible benefits for the body. It can improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, brain and digestive system, as well as alleviate the course of type II diabetes mellitus and even prevent the appearance of malignant tumors.
Content
6 theses about the benefits
Modern science has proven a number of useful properties of dried persimmons, which are discussed in detail below.
1. It has a rich composition
Dried persimmon has a high calorie content (about 274 calories per 100 grams). Content essential nutrients can be represented as follows:
Name of the nutrient | Percentage of daily requirement |
dietary fiber | 60 % |
proteins | 4 % |
Vitamin A | 15 % |
iron | 5 % |
calcium | 5 % |
Each of the presented substances is necessary to maintain overall health:
- Fiber normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, Improves digestion and prevents the development of chronic diseases;
- Iron necessary for correct Hemoglobin synthesis in the red bone marrow and oxidative-regenerative processes;
- Calcium regulates bone mineral density .
Dried persimmon also contains a lot of antioxidant substances that slow down aging and fight malignant neoplasms.
2. Improves brain health
Dried persimmon contains a lot of antioxidants and vitamin A, which are necessary to maintain the functional and anatomical integrity of the brain.
Scientific research show that regular addition of the product to the diet allows Improve cognitive performance (thinking, attention, memory) in the elderly, as well as to increase attention and reaction speed.
Persimmon also makes it easier for any Depressive disorders , reduce the risk of dementia and a number of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Pick's, and Parkinson's diseases).
3. It has an antioxidant effect
Antioxidants are special substances that block the effects of free radicals on all cells of the body during oxidative stress.
Free radicals are aggressive molecules that contribute to the death or malignant degeneration of certain areas of body tissues.
Experts from Japan have identified that the dried persimmon contains a lot of antioxidant substances that inhibit the effects of free radicals and can be used to prevent cancerous tumors.
Italian specialists discovered the ability of dried fruit to inhibit the division and growth of existing malignant cells in the body. The therapeutic property is based on the action of polyphenols.
It should be noted separately that regular consumption of antioxidants is associated with a low incidence of a number of chronic diseases from the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
4. Normalizes bowel function
Dried persimmon is replete with dietary fibers that regulate the motor function of the smooth muscles of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.
Research by American specialists show that the share increase of fiber in the diet allows you to speed up the passage of food through the digestive tube, increase the volume of feces and the frequency of acts of defecation.
Scientists recommend consuming at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men, which is equivalent to 167 and 253 grams of dried persimmons, respectively.
Part of the dietary fiber is delivered unchanged to the distal parts of the intestine. There, fiber is actively fermented by friendly microorganisms (for example, bifidobacteria), which allows increase their numbers. Against this background, the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic representatives of the microflora is inhibited.
During fermentation, special short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate acetate) are formed, which regulate metabolic processes in the cells of the large intestine and significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer of the rectum and colon.
Dried persimmon is recommended for use by older age groups, as well as pregnant women in order to maintain digestive function and prevent constipation.
5. Provides prevention of heart and vascular diseases
Dried persimmon contains nutrients valuable for the cardiovascular system - dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Works of foreign specialists demonstrate the ability of persimmons to lower blood pressure and prevent hypertensive crises.
The plant can be used in conjunction with medicinal antihypertensive agents to enhance their effect and prevent the terrible complications of hypertension (chronic or acute heart failure, stroke).
Also proven the ability of dried persimmon to reduce the concentration of total cholesterol in the blood (the action is realized due to a variety of mechanisms: from regulating the work of liver cells to slowing the reverse reabsorption of cholesterol from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract).
As a result, the probability of manifestation of diseases associated with atherosclerosis (coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, ischemic strokes, chronic cerebral ischemia, etc.) decreases.
The product must be included in the diet of people suffering from cardiovascular disorders or having an increased predisposition to them.
6. Controls the course of diabetes mellitus
Dried persimmon has a low glycemic index and does not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels after consumption.
The abundance of antioxidants and dietary fiber in dried fruit suggests that dried persimmon reduces the severity of insulin resistance, the main mechanism of the formation of type II diabetes mellitus.
Brazilian scientists claim that adding the product to the diet can improve glycemic control.
Experts recommend using dried persimmons as an adjunct for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.
Possible harm
Dried persimmon is an ideal alternative to sweet desserts (pastry or pastry). It is especially useful for the elderly.
Persimmon is perfectly tolerated by the body. However, in isolated cases, the product may cause harm to health. Side effects include:
- Obesity. Dried persimmon is rich in carbohydrates. Excessive consumption can lead to an increase in the volume of fatty tissue.
- Dyspeptic disorders. The abundance of fiber in the composition can provoke disorganization of the activity of the intestinal muscles and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation, bloating, nausea.
- Adhesive processes. Proven that excessive consumption of dried persimmons can lead to the formation of adhesions between the intestinal walls (up to complete obstruction).
- Allergic reactions. Are most often caused by the sensitization of the body to persimmon proteins and can manifest themselves in different ways: from itching to anaphylaxis. If there is a history of allergic pathologies, the product is contraindicated.
Dried persimmons (up to 75-100 grams per day) can be consumed by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Studies have not revealed any negative effects on the body of the fetus or child in the first years of life.
How to cook at home?
Cooking dried persimmons at home is quite simple. First, you should choose a high-quality fruit that will meet the following criteria:
- Perfectly whole fruits (without cracks, dents and rotten areas);
- Bright color (high-quality persimmon has a bright orange color and a tightly stretched skin);
- Dry and not green ponytail.
There are 2 basic recipes for the proper preparation of dried persimmons – in the oven or electric dryer, or outdoors. Consider the first option:
- Immerse each fruit in boiling water for about 8-12 minutes.
- Carefully peel each fruit. It is advisable not to damage the flesh.
- Put the persimmons on a baking sheet. Each piece should not touch each other.
- Dry until dark. This will take about 7-8 hours in the oven and 4-6 hours in the electric dryer.
And this is how you can make dried persimmons outdoors:
- Pre-prepare a peeled wooden branch or an enameled metal rod.
- Pour boiling water over and peel the persimmon (similar to the previous method).
- Plant each fruit on a rod. The edges of the persimmon should not touch each other.
- Hang on a rope or hooks. Cover with gauze to protect against insects.
- Dry until dark. It will take from 2 to 4 days.
If the cooking technology is followed, a really tasty and healthy product is obtained that can improve the body.
Tips for choosing and receiving
When buying dried persimmons in a store, you should carefully approach the choice. A quality product meets the following criteria:
- Color – any shade of brown;
- There is a small white plaque on the surface that cannot be removed with a finger;
- Consistency – soft and elastic (according to the type of rubber).
Dried persimmons can be stored in any airtight container in the refrigerator (up to 18 months) or in a dark, cool place (about 6-12 months). During storage, direct sunlight or moisture must not be allowed.
Dried fruit can be consumed both in its pure form (a small snack, replacing sweets and other sweets), and used for cooking various dishes.
Dried persimmons can be considered as an alternative to fresh fruits or combined with them.
It is better to eat persimmons in the daytime. Admission at night or on an empty stomach is strictly prohibited. The recommended maximum daily allowance is up to 100 grams.
It can also be used to create tea, compotes, tinctures and decoctions; it is added to pies and other confectionery products, honey-nut mixtures.
Conclusion
Thus, dried persimmon is a useful Asian sweet that has a complex effect on the health of the body.
Dried fruit is able to improve the course of type II diabetes mellitus, reduce the risk of developing the most common cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors, and support the work of the intestines and brain.