PESHAWAR: These days a sweet fruit with honey-like taste fruit has arrived in the fruit markets known as “Japanese fruit” but in Pashto/Urdu it is Amlok while in English it is called persimmon.
Amlok is a Chinese fruit that has been cultivated for thousands of years and grow in various varieties around the world. Now the question is why is it called Japanese fruit or Japani Phal? The reason for this is “Diospyros kaki”, a world-wide popular variety grown in Japan.
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This fruit is not only known for its sweetness and honey-like taste but it is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to health in many ways. In fact, a single amlok contains 118 calories, 31 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber, 55% of daily required vitamin-A. 22% of daily required vitamin C, 6% of daily required vitamin E and 5% of vitamin K, 8% of daily requirement of vitamin B6, 8% of daily requirement of potassium, 9% of copper and 9% of magnesium.
In addition, the fruit is a good source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folate, Magnesium and phosphorus and the presence of fiber with low calories makes it a good for weight loss. In addition to vitamins and minerals, it also contain plant compounds such as flavonoids and carotene, which have a very positive effects on health.
Japanese Fruit: A powerful source of antioxidants
Amlok contain plant compounds that have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. The oxidative stress can lead to various diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, but the use of foods rich in antioxidants such as Japanese fruit (Japani Phal) can help fight this oxidative stress and reduce the risk of these specific diseases. Foods rich in flavonoids are also thought to be helpful in protecting against heart disease and lung cancer. The beta carotene in amlok can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, various types of cancer and metabolic diseases such as diabetes or blood pressure. One study found that high levels of beta-carotene significantly reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
Beneficial for heart health
Heart disease is considered to be the leading cause of death worldwide and affects the lives of millions of people. Fortunately, prevention of most types of heart disease is possible by taking care of various factors such as avoiding poor diet. The combination of different ingredients in Japanese fruit makes it an ideal choice for heart health. This food is also rich in flavonoids and can help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, lowering heart cholesterol levels reducing inflammation and can also lower blood pressure.
The “Japanese fruit” is a good source of vitamin C and 22% of the daily requirement can be obtained from a single fruit. This vitamin plays a key role in protecting cells from free radicals and help the body fight inflammation. Research reports have found that high intake of vitamin C in the diet reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, bladder cancer and diabetes. Japanese fruits also contain carotene, flavonoids and vitamin E, all of which are antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Full of fiber
High levels of cholesterol in the body, especially LDL cholesterol, which is considered harmful as it increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Consumption of water-rich fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables helps lower cholesterol levels. The “Japanese fruit” is a high-fiber fruit that can lower LDL cholesterol levels.