Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 01, 2026 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Medical News: A new scientific study has revealed that discarded persimmon fruits may hold surprising health benefits, especially for postmenopausal women, while also offering a sustainable solution to food waste. Researchers have shown that persimmon powder made from surplus fruits can positively influence gut bacteria linked to digestion, immunity, and metabolic health.
Discarded persimmons transformed into powder may support gut health in postmenopausal women
Turning Discarded Fruits into Functional Nutrition
Large amounts of persimmons are often rejected during harvesting and retail due to cosmetic imperfections. Instead of being thrown away, scientists explored whether these fruits could be transformed into a valuable food ingredient. Persimmons are naturally rich in dietary fiber and plant compounds known as polyphenols, both of which are known to support gut health. This
Medical News report highlights how careful drying and milling can preserve these beneficial compounds and make them useful as a functional food ingredient.
Who Conducted The Research
The research team came from multiple institutions including the Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería de Alimentos FoodUPV at Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain, the Área de Genómica y Salud at FISABIO Public Health Foundation in Valencia, the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health at Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid, and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universidad Ecotec in Ecuador.
How The Study Was Carried Out
Researchers tested different drying methods and particle sizes to identify the best way to turn persimmons into powder. Hot air drying at seventy degrees Celsius followed by fine milling produced the most stable powder with high fiber and antioxidant content. The powder was then subjected to simulated digestion and tested using advanced gut models that mimic the human colon. Stool samples from healthy postmenopausal women were used to observe how gut bacteria responded to the persimmon powder.
Key Findings Explained Simply
The study found that persimmon powder acted like a prebiotic, meaning it fed beneficial gut bacteria. Levels of health associated microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased during supplementation. These bacteria are linked to reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and better gut barrier function. The powder also boosted the production of short chain fatty acids like propionate and isobutyrate, which play roles in blood sugar control, immune support, and gut health.
Why This Matters For Postmenopausal Women
After menopause, hormonal changes can disrupt gut balance and increase risks of metabolic and inflammatory conditions. The findings suggest that persimmon powder could help restore healthier gut activity during this stage of life. Importantly, the benefits were observed without drugs or supplements, using a natural food-based ing
redient instead.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that persimmon waste can be transformed into a high value functional food ingredient that supports gut health in postmenopausal women. By promoting beneficial bacteria and encouraging the production of health supporting metabolites, persimmon powder shows promise as a natural prebiotic. At the same time, it offers an environmentally friendly way to reduce fruit waste and strengthen the circular food economy. Further human trials will be needed to confirm these benefits in everyday diets.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Foods
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/15/3/480
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/menopause
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