The Fruit that Saves Lives: Just One a Day. “Golden Fruit” Binds Bile Acids and Lowers Cholesterol
Almost 20 million Poles have high cholesterol levels. Keeping it in check is not easy but necessary, as hypercholesterolemia poses a risk of atherosclerosis and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. How can we prevent it? It’s worth incorporating a certain exotic fruit into our diet.
- Such a diet can elevate cholesterol levels Disorders in lipid metabolism, characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood, are an increasing problem in the societies of highly developed countries. While cholesterol is a component of cell membranes and is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D3 and hormones, its excess—above 200 mg/dl—can lead to the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. This is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol is produced by the liver, but approximately 20% comes from dietary sources. Disturbances in lipid metabolism are particularly favored by the Western diet model, which is rich in:
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils)
- Highly processed products
- Sweets and sugary beverages
- Alcohol
- “Golden Fruit” lowers cholesterol A diet that promotes healthy cholesterol levels should be based on fresh, minimally processed products. Vegetables play a crucial role, as they contain high amounts of fiber that helps bind cholesterol, preventing its accumulation in the arteries, as well as healthy unsaturated fats. It turns out that a certain fruit—Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)—should also be included in our diet.
- “In the study, fiber rich in tannins extracted from persimmons lowered total cholesterol levels,” explains the expert. Quoted by Express.co.uk, dietitian Mays Al-Ami recommends to reach for this fruit every day.
The expert refers to research published in the “Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism.” The study participants received tannin-rich fiber from persimmons three times a day before meals for 12 weeks. The substance extracted from the kaki fruit reduced both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol.
“Our findings indicate that tannin-rich fiber from young persimmon fruits is a useful food product for treating hypercholesterolemia,” evaluate the researchers.
These exotic fruits are also called “Jupiter’s fire,” “fruit of the gods,” and “nature’s candy.” It’s no wonder—they are exceptionally healthy and can protect not only against high cholesterol but also:
- Anti-cancer properties—research published in the “Korean Journal of Nutrition” suggests that they may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the stomach.
- Digestive support due to the presence of fiber, which prevents constipation and speeds up metabolism.
- Prevention of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and night blindness due to their zeaxanthin content.
- Positive impact of potassium present in persimmons on blood pressure reduction.
Diospyros kaki (Oriental persimmon)
Oriental persimmon, also known as Chinese persimmon or Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), is the most commercially important type of persimmon. It is native to China, Northeast India, and northern Indochina. Cultivated in China over 2,000 years ago, it was introduced to Japan in the 7th century and Korea in the 14th century. China, Japan, and South Korea are the top producers of persimmons. In Chinese, it is known as “shi” (柿), in Japanese as “kaki” (柿), and in Korean as “gam” (감). It is also known as Korean mango. In Nepal, it is called “haluwabed” (हलुवाबेद) and is used for various culinary purposes and enjoyed as a seasonal fruit. In Nepal, it has been a popular fruit for a long time.
Oriental persimmon is a deciduous tree with broad, stiff leaves. Its fruits are sweet and slightly tangy, with a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. In 2019, China produced 75% of the world’s total persimmon output.
Persimmons, particularly the “kaki” variety, offer not only delicious flavors but also valuable health benefits. Incorporating these golden fruits into our diet can contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and provide additional advantages such as anti-cancer properties, digestive support, protection against eye diseases, and the positive impact of potassium on blood pressure. So, consider adding the “golden fruit” to your daily routine and enjoy its remarkable health benefits.
Sources: Daily Express, WP abcZdrowie
