Persimmon Allergy: Vitamin Therapy Requires Caution

Every fall, the media reminds us to take advantage of the seasonal abundance of fruits and vegetables and to supplement our bodies with vitamins. A special place in these recommendations is occupied by attention to such an exotic fruit as persimmon. On the one hand, this fruit, which botanists refer to as berries, and we used to call fruit, appeared on our menu not so long ago and is not typical of our latitudes, and therefore is seen as exotic for many. On the other hand, its bright orange color and juicy pulp against the background of gray autumn slush drives away the melancholy and promises the joy of healing from many diseases. However, doctors warn that an allergy to persimmon – quite common, and it is recommended to be careful with this fruit.

Why can you develop an allergy to persimmon

The main property for which persimmon is valued and for which it is recommended to include it in the menu – it is the high content of beta-carotene that gives it such a joyful bright orange color. Indeed, the content of beta-carotene in one medium-sized fruit is about a quarter of the daily requirement of an adult for this pigment. In addition, due to it, persimmon also has excellent antioxidant properties due to its active inclusion in many biological processes occurring in the body. Here, oddly enough, lies the danger to people & nbsp; with increased sensitivity – it's an allergy to persimmons.

During absorption, beta-carotene activates many chemical processes in the body, including the suppression of the production of certain omega-acid products, such as arachidonic. At the same time, a large amount of prostaglandin is produced. This metabolite causes vasodilation and increases the permeability of their walls, provokes the release of leukocytes and the development of an allergic reaction – persistent hyperemia, blistering and even, in severe cases, the development of bronchospasm. In addition, an allergy to persimmons can manifest:

• abdominal pain, flatulence,
• diarrhea, nausea,
• tachycardia,
• a sharp drop in blood pressure.

People with hypersensitivity and a tendency to allergic reactions should also be aware of the likelihood, albeit rare, of developing anaphylactic shock after consuming a large amount of persimmon and developing an allergy to persimmon.

What, besides an allergy to persimmon, can this fruit be dangerous

For those who like mono-diets, especially fruit ones, when the list of recommended dishes does not mention anything other than, say, persimmons for breakfast, lunch and dinner, experts recommend remembering the following. Yes, the calorie content of persimmon is approximately 70 kcal per 100 g, but this fruit is extremely rich in fibrous fiber. It helps to create the effect of saturation, but it is extremely poorly digested. As a result of the use of a large amount of persimmon, bezoars of the stomach can form – tightly matted fibrous lumps. Their formation can take several days or weeks, the density – reach stone, and the size – up to 20 cm. Bezoars threaten not only pain in the stomach, but also ulceration of its walls, and the development of intestinal obstruction.

There is an opinion that excessive consumption of beta-carotene is extremely unhelpful for cystic mastopathy and some diseases of the female organs of the reproductive system, and can also significantly aggravate the condition of smokers suffering from bronchopulmonary diseases.

Thus, persimmon allergy – this is a very real nuisance that can overtake lovers of immoderate consumption of exotic fruits. Of course, vitamins in the form of juicy fragrant fruits will bring a lot of benefits to the body, but you should always remember about the characteristics of the body and its sensitivity to various microelements, and not provoke it by excessive consumption of any kind of food.