Japani phal is a unique fruit that is incredibly healthy and delicious. Lets explore the fascinating japani phal benefits in detail. Keep reading to know more!
Table of Contents
What is Japani Phal?
Japani Phal or Persimmon, comes from the Diospyros tree. It is the national fruit of Japan from which it derives its Urdu name. Apart from Asia, it is also grown in America. While there are many types of this fruit, the most famous are hachiya and fuyu.
Hachiya is an acorn-shaped fruit with dark orange skin, yellow flesh with black stripes, and no seeds. People usually eat it ripe as it is an astringent. Fuyu is more like a tomato and is non-astringent. It is deep orange in color and eaten even when it is slightly under-ripe. This type is usually available during the winter months, usually from October to December.
Some people may dry them and use them throughout the year, while others may use them fresh in desserts or milkshakes.
Japani Phal – Nutritional Information
One japani phal weighs 168 grams, contains 118 calories and packs a load of nutrients that can benefit your health. The nutritional information for one japanese persimmon is given below:
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 31 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Potassium: 8% of the daily recommended value
- Manganese: 30% of the daily recommended value
- Copper: 9% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin A: 55% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin C: 22% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin E: 6% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin K: 5% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin B6: 8% of the daily recommended value
Japani phal is also rich in other minerals, such as phosphorus and folate. It is a good source of B vitamins. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them helpful food for digestion and weight loss. It is also full of numerous plant compounds, such as tannins and flavonoids, which have a variety of benefits for your health.
Japani Phal Benefits
Following are some of the benefits of japani phal:
1. Enhances Heart Health
An unhealthy diet can be damaging to your heart, among other factors. Eating japani phal instead of sugary foods can improve your heart health. It can satisfy your sweet cravings without increasing your calorie count.
It also contains flavonoids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that may benefit heart health. Moreover, it may also be helpful in treating high cholesterol as it contains fiber full of tannins.
Lower cholesterol can prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and promote better heart health. Some studies on animals have shown that japani phal may lower blood pressure as it contains tannic acid and gallic acid.
2. Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
One japani phal provides almost 22% of the daily recommended intake, making it a good source of Vitamin C. Consuming a high amount of Vitamin C can prevent and lower inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage.
Japani phal may also stabilize molecules in your body and prevent them from harm. It also contains Vitamin E and carotenoids that offer anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C-rich foods can help lower swelling due to inflammatory diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
3. Boosts Eye Health
A japani phal contains 55% of the daily recommended value, making it a potent source of Vitamin A, an essential vitamin your body requires to maintain eye health. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble mineral that can help improve vision as it makes a protein known as rhodopsin in the eyes.
Vitamin A enables the proper functioning of this protein, keeping your eye health in check. Persimmons also contain carotenoid antioxidants, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which lower the risk of eye diseases and age-related macular degeneration.
4. Full Of Fiber
Fiber provides many benefits to the body. Japani phal mostly contains soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol levels by excreting excessive cholesterol. A study on persimmon fruit shows that the fruit can lower bad cholesterol. Fiber also helps bulk your stool and regulate bowel movements, improving digestive health.
It can stay in the stomach for a longer period and promotes the feeling of fullness, which makes it helpful for losing weight. It increases good bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut can prevent many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. It also has a high water content that can keep you hydrated for longer.
5. Strengthens Immunity
Vitamin C and beta-carotene present in persimmons can increase your body’s immunity. It also increases good bacteria in your gut, which can prevent numerous diseases. It also enhances collagen production, which is vital for tissue and bones. It may also prevent free radical damage that can cause cancer, reducing cancer risk.
6. Improves Skin And Hair Health
Japani phal contains Vitamins C, E, and K, which are crucial for skin and hair health. They increase collagen production, which provides the skin’s elasticity and keeps the skin tight and wrinkle-free. The antioxidants in japani phal also enhance skin health and provide nourishment.
They can also help you get an even skin tone, so adding japani phal to your diet can bolster your skin health. The tannins in persimmons may also contain astringent properties that help minimize pores and prevent early aging.
7. Helps Lower Weight
Japani phal can be a helpful fruit for weight loss as it has fewer calories, high water content, and high fiber. It can make you feel full for longer, and adding them to your daily meal plan can beat your cravings for sweets.
It can also lower your appetite and support you in achieving your weight loss goal. A nutritionist can guide you on how much japani phal you should have in a day according to your weight loss milestones.
8. Improves Digestive Health
Persimmon is filled with nutrients that promote digestive health. It is full of fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. As it promotes good bacteria in the gut, it can also be advantageous for digestive health.
Risks Of Eating Japani Phal
Japani phal is a delightful addition to your daily meals, but it may have some risks you should know about. Like every other food, persimmons should be eaten in moderation as a part of a healthy diet. Following are a few risks of persimmon you should look out for:
1. Allergic Reaction
Some people may be allergic to the compounds in Japani phal or the fruit itself. Look out for allergy symptoms after consuming the fruit, such as hives, itching, trouble breathing, etc. Get immediate medical attention if you feel any signs of allergy.
2. High Tannin Content
Persimmons are rich in tannins, which is a natural compound that gives this fruit its astringent taste. Fully ripe persimmons contain extreme amounts of tannins and can leave you with a dry sensation in the mouth that can be unpleasant.
Moreover, consuming them in high quantities can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and stomach ache.
3. Medicine Interactions
Japani phal is full of natural compounds that can benefit you, but they can disturb the effectiveness of some medicines. If you are taking medications, talk to your doctor about possible interactions.
4. Choking Hazard
Japani phal is mostly consumed along with its skin and seeds, which can pose a choking hazard, especially among children or people with difficulty swallowing. Cut the fruit into small pieces and remove the skin for people at high risk of choking.
Different Ways To Consume Japani Phal
Persimmons are used in various ways around the world. The fruit is usually eaten raw in Pakistan but can also be used in jams, breads, salads, protein bars, or as a dessert.
Depending on the type of japani phal available, you can decide how to consume it. Baking persimmon breads and muffins is also a healthy way to eat persimmon.
Conclusion
Persimmon, or Japani Phal, is a fruit that many Pakistanis love. It is usually available between spring and mid-summer and is consumed raw or in dishes like muffins and bread. Japani phal contains many nutrients that can have potential benefits for your health.
It contains antioxidants that can improve skin, heart health, and digestive health. It also contains Vitamin A, which is beneficial for vision. Moreover, it contains Vitamins C, E, and K that can improve digestion, hair, skin, and heart. Japani phal can be a great choice to add to your diet because it is low in calories and has dietary fiber that can aid in weight loss.
Though they are packed with useful vitamins and minerals, it is crucial to consume them in moderation. Be aware of any allergy signs when you have it for the first time, as some people may be allergic. Also, look out for any medicine interactions, as some compounds in japani phal may interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
