Help Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been related to conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Fortunately, eating foods strong in anti-inflammatory chemicals can help reduce inflammation and illness risk. Persimmons are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. In fact, one persimmon has 20% of the daily required requirement. Vitamin C protects cells from free radical damage and fights inflammation in the body.

Vitamin C mitigates free radical damage by giving an electron to these unstable molecules, neutralizing them, and avoiding further damage. The body produces C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in response to inflammation. An eight-week trial of 64 obese persons revealed that taking 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily lowered C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels considerably. Furthermore, significant studies have linked increased dietary vitamin C intake to a lower risk of inflammatory illnesses such as heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes. Persimmons also include carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin E, all of which are powerful antioxidants that help the body combat inflammation.