If you’re looking to support your digestion and shed a few extra pounds this summer, it might be time to add a new fruit to your meals: Fuyu persimmons. Persimmons aren’t just bright and tasty. They’re also packed with nutrients that can help improve your gut health and even support your weight loss goals, according to experts.
We spoke to Dr. Nicholas Dragolea, a GP at My Longevity Centre, to get the rundown on this under-the-radar fruit. “I’d say that the occasional Fuyu persimmon is a healthy addition to [your] diet to boost fibre and antioxidants,” he says. Learn more about the benefits below.
The Difference Between Dragging Through Your Day And Feeling Great On Your Feet? These Arch Support Insoles
Fuyu Persimmons for Gut Health
Your gut will thank you for reaching for a Fuyu persimmon. According to Dr. Dragolea, "A single Fuyu persimmon contains around 6g of fibre (about 20% of your daily need), and fibre feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This helps keep your digestion on the right path." Fiber is especially important for regularity, bloating relief, and even immunity—and most people don't get enough of it in their diet.
There are plenty of other gut-friendly compounds in this fruit. "Fuyus also contain tannins, a natural flavonoid (also present in tea and wine) which can help balance the gut bacteria and also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," Dr. Dragolea adds. This combo of fiber and polyphenols could help your microbiome thrive and reduce inflammation.
Fuyu Persimmons for Weight Loss
Losing weight while staying satisfied can be difficult, but fuyu persimmons can help. "Fuyu persimmons can be quite filling to eat. A medium-sized fruit contains roughly 70–80 kcal but due to its high fibre content, this can help slow down stomach emptying, keeping you feeling satisfied for longer," Dr. Dragolea explains.
Keeping your stomach satisfied is essential to preventing mindless snacking on processed foods and curbing post-meal sugar cravings. "This can also have a role in decreasing those post-meal glucose spikes," he adds, which may support more stable energy and appetite regulation throughout the day.
"Early studies have shown that the Fuyu persimmon extract may even have a direct role on helping the body reduce some fat instead of storing it," says Dr. Dragolea.
Time to go to the grocery store!
