Should You Replace Your Daily Apple with Persimmons?

by Dr. Victor Marchione

Have you heard the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?”

Well, according to a study from the American Chemical Society, there may be a different fruit that fends off your doctor even better than an apple—it may just be that a persimmon a day, not only keeps the doctor away, but it may also do more to reduce your risk of heart disease.

An international group of researchers did a comparison of the two fruits and found that persimmons contained higher levels of dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Persimmons contain everything you need to fight the effects of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. The study appeared in the February 2014 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

This is the first study of its kind looking at the health benefits of persimmons. Because of the compounds found in the fruit, it’s a good dietary choice for anyone with a family history of heart problems. Persimmons also contain higher levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants, along with significantly higher levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and manganese.

According to the study, eating one persimmon a day, along with other fruits and vegetables, is enough to fight the effects of heart disease.

There are two types of persimmons available in your supermarket: Hachiya and Fuyu. Hachiya persimmons have an acorn-like shape, while Fuyu more closely resemble tomatoes. The fruit is typically available from September through to December. The best time to buy persimmons is during November, when the fruit is at its peak. Look for persimmons that are round and plump with glossy, smooth skin. If the fruits have cracked skin or blemishes, or the green leaves are missing, do not buy them. If you buy ripe persimmons, eat the fruit immediately, or, buy firmer fruits and allow them to ripen. To do this, place the fruit in a paper bag along with an apple or a banana.

Once it’s ripe, store it in the refrigerator and eat it immediately. Overripe persimmons take on a mushy texture quickly. Persimmons can be enjoyed alone; sliced up like an apple is a popular choice. It also makes an excellent garnish for salads.

Pureeing persimmons makes healthy sauces, smoothies, or milkshakes. The puree can also be used to make baked goods as well. Start your day out right by topping your hot or cold cereal, as well as pancakes, waffles, or French toast, with persimmons. The fruit can also be added to salsas.

Sources for Today’s Article:

• “A Persimmon a Day Could Be Better For Your Heart Than an Apple,” ScienceDaily web site, February 5, 2001; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/02/010202073923.htm, last accessed July 18, 2014.
• “5 a Day: Fruit of the Month: Persimmons,” WebMD web site; http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/fruit-month-persimmons, last accessed July 18, 2014.

This article “Should You Replace Your Daily Apple with Persimmons?” was originally published on DoctorsHealthPress, visit their site to access their vast database of articles and the latest information in natural health.


Victor Marchione, MD received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1973 and his Medical Degree from the University of Messina in 1981. He has been licensed and practicing medicine in New York and New Jersey for over 20 years. Dr. Marchione is a respected leader in the field of smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has been featured on ABC News and World Report, CBS Evening News and the NBC Today Show and is the editor of the popular The Food Doctor newsletter. Dr. Marchione has also served as Principal Investigator in at least a dozen clinical research projects relating to serious ailments such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).