What are the benefits and drawbacks of eating persimmons?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
The benefits of consuming persimmons generally include supplementing vitamins, providing minerals, promoting digestion, replenishing body fluids, and adding flavor to the diet. The potential adverse effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, possible formation of gastric persimmon stones, interference with nutrient absorption, oral irritation, and exacerbation of certain medical conditions. When consuming persimmons, one should pay attention to moderate intake, avoid eating them on an empty stomach, and avoid consuming large amounts alongside high-protein foods such as milk and eggs.
Benefits of consuming persimmons generally include supplementing vitamins, providing minerals, promoting digestion, replenishing body fluids, and adding flavor to the diet. Disadvantages typically involve potential gastrointestinal discomfort, possible formation of gastric persimmon stones, interference with nutrient absorption, oral irritation, and exacerbation of certain medical conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Benefits
1. Supplementing vitamins: Persimmons are rich in various vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin A. These components help maintain normal physiological functions and serve as a source of daily vitamin intake.
2. Providing minerals: They contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance, while calcium contributes to bone health, making persimmons a potential source for mineral supplementation.
3. Promoting digestion: Persimmons contain a certain amount of dietary fiber, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, aid digestion, alleviate constipation, and improve overall intestinal function.
4. Replenishing fluids: Persimmons have a high water content. Consumption helps quickly replenish bodily fluids, making them particularly suitable for consumption during dry seasons or after physical activity.
5. Adding flavor: With a sweet and soft texture and a unique flavor, persimmons can be eaten directly or processed into dried persimmons and other food products, thereby enriching dietary choices.
Disadvantages
1. Causing gastrointestinal discomfort: Persimmons are cold in nature, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Individuals with a cold spleen or stomach may experience more pronounced adverse effects.
2. Potential formation of gastric persimmon stones: Persimmons contain tannic acid, which, when consumed on an empty stomach or together with high-protein foods, may combine with gastric acid and proteins to form indigestible gastric persimmon stones, causing stomach distension and pain.
3. Interfering with nutrient absorption: Tannic acid can bind with minerals such as calcium and iron in food to form compounds that are difficult to absorb. Long-term excessive consumption may impair the absorption of these nutrients.
4. Irritating the mouth: Tannic acid may irritate the oral mucosa, and excessive consumption might lead to sensations of astringency and oral discomfort.
5. Exacerbating specific medical conditions: Persimmons have a high sugar content, which may cause blood sugar fluctuations in diabetic patients, worsening their condition. Individuals with stomach disorders may also experience increased discomfort after consumption.
When consuming persimmons, moderation is key. Avoid eating them on an empty stomach or consuming large quantities together with high-protein foods such as milk or eggs. Individuals with a cold spleen or stomach, diabetes, or gastric diseases should consume them cautiously or follow medical advice. If persistent stomach discomfort occurs after consumption, seek medical attention promptly.
