Can dried persimmons be eaten on an empty stomach?
Nov 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
It is generally not recommended to eat dried persimmons on an empty stomach. When consuming dried persimmons, one should pay attention to controlling the amount and follow healthy eating practices. If any discomfort occurs after consumption, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Dried persimmons are made from fresh persimmons through sun-drying and dehydration. They retain most of the original fruit's nutritional components, such as carbohydrates, vitamins, and sugars.
It is generally not recommended to eat dried persimmons on an empty stomach. When consuming dried persimmons, one should pay attention to controlling the amount and follow healthy eating practices.
Dried persimmons are made from fresh persimmons that have been sun-dried and dehydrated, retaining most of their original nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins, and sugars. However, the tannins and pectin in dried persimmons may irritate the gastric mucosa when consumed on an empty stomach, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion and potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
When the stomach is empty, gastric acid concentration is higher. Tannins and pectin from dried persimmons can easily coagulate upon contact with gastric acid, forming solid masses known as "persimmon bezoars." Under mechanical action in the stomach, these bezoars may compress into round, hard lumps. If left untreated, they can cause upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting, and other clinical symptoms.
It is advisable to consume dried persimmons in moderation after meals, which helps reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa and lowers the risk of bezoar formation. Even when eaten after meals, intake should still be limited. Dried persimmons are high in sugar, which is unfavorable for blood glucose control in diabetic patients; therefore, individuals with diabetes should either minimize consumption or avoid dried persimmons altogether.
