Persimmons are a sweet, delicious fruit that have some impressive health benefits. However, as with most things, eating too many persimmons can have some negative effects on the body. Here is an overview of what can happen if you eat a lot of persimmons.
Nutrition Facts
First, let’s look at the nutrition facts for persimmons:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Protein | 0.6g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 7% DV |
| Magnesium | 1% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
As you can see, persimmons are high in natural sugars. They also provide vitamins A and C, as well as some magnesium and potassium.
Weight Gain
If you eat a lot of persimmons, the first potential side effect is weight gain. Since they are high in sugars, overeating them can easily cause your calorie intake to exceed your energy needs. One persimmon contains about 70 calories, so if you eat 4-5 persimmons per day, that’s an extra 280-350 calories.
Gaining weight from too many persimmons may be even more likely if you aren’t active enough to burn those extra calories. The excess calories get stored as fat, which leads to weight gain over time.
Blood Sugar Spikes
Too many persimmons can also lead to blood sugar spikes. They have a high glycemic index, meaning they cause your blood sugar to rise rapidly after eating them. Persimmons contain about 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
If you are prediabetic or diabetic, eating a lot of persimmons could be especially problematic. The influx of sugar into your bloodstream requires your body to produce a lot of insulin to lower your blood sugar back to normal levels. Over time, these constant blood sugar spikes can contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes complications.
Diarrhea
Eating a large quantity of persimmons may also cause diarrhea for some people. Persimmons contain soluble tannins called shibuols. When you eat a persimmon, the shibuols combine with stomach acids to make insoluble tannins. These tannins can irritate your intestines and lead to diarrhea.
Overeating persimmons seems especially likely to cause diarrhea if the fruits are not completely ripe. Unripe persimmons contain even higher tannin levels, making diarrhea more common.
Constipation
On the other hand, persimmons may have the opposite effect and cause constipation in some individuals. Persimmons contain fiber from cellulose and hemicellulose, compounds that add bulk to stool and help food pass more quickly through your digestive tract.
However, overdoing it on persimmons could actually lead to constipation instead. Too much fiber binds up the stool and makes it drier and harder to pass. Make sure to also drink plenty of water when eating a lot of fruit high in fiber like persimmons.
Tooth decay
Like many sugary foods, eating a lot of persimmons may increase your risk for cavities. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and release acid as a byproduct. This acid erodes enamel and leads to tooth decay over time.
If you do enjoy persimmons, practice good dental hygiene by brushing after eating them. Also limit them to a serving or two per day, rather than snacking on them constantly.
Kidney Stones
Some research indicates that eating many persimmons could raise your risk of developing kidney stones. Kidney stones form when certain minerals crystalize in the kidneys, which is painful.
Compounds in persimmons may increase the chances of these mineral accumulations. Make sure to stay well hydrated by drinking water when you eat a lot of this fruit.
Allergic Reactions
While not common, persimmons may cause allergic reactions in some people. Mild food allergy symptoms from persimmons could include an itchy mouth, swelling of the lips or tongue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
More severe persimmon allergies can lead to anaphylaxis with dangerous symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Discontinue eating them if you suspect a persimmon allergy.
Medication Interactions
Persimmons contain tannins that may interact with certain medications. The tannins can slow absorption of medications, making them less effective. They may specifically interfere with medications that require absorption in the intestine.
If you take any oral medication, check with your doctor before suddenly eating a lot of persimmons.
When Persimmons Are Safe
In moderation, persimmons can be part of a healthy diet. A serving is about one persimmon per day. The benefits include vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Just don’t overdo it since the high sugar content can cause problems when consumed in excess.
Ripe, soft persimmons are easier to digest due to lower tannin content. Fuyu persimmons may be safer to eat in quantity than Hachiya persimmons.
Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and brush your teeth after eating persimmons. People with diabetes or taking medications should be especially cautious with portion sizes of this sweet, tasty fruit.
Conclusion
Persimmons are a nutrient-rich fruit full of beneficial compounds. However, eating too many can negatively impact your health. Potential side effects include weight gain, blood sugar spikes, digestive issues, tooth decay, kidney stones, and medication interactions. Stick to one persimmon per day and be cautious if you have diabetes or food allergies.
