Persimmons are sweet, juicy, and super popular in autumn. Many of us enjoy eating them fresh, dried, or even chilled in the fridge.

But recently, there's been talk that eating too many persimmons can cause "stones" in our stomach. That sounds scary—so is it true? Let's dive into the facts together.

What's in a persimmon?

Persimmons are rich in tannins, especially when they're still a bit astringent. These are natural compounds that give the fruit a dry, puckery taste. They also contain pectin and dietary fiber, which are generally good for digestion. But when eaten in large amounts, especially on an empty stomach, the tannins can bind with stomach acid and form hard lumps, called phytobezoars.

What are phytobezoars?

Phytobezoars are clumps of indigestible plant material that gather in the stomach. When persimmons are involved, the high tannin content reacts with the acid in our stomach and the fibers from the fruit stick together, slowly forming a sticky mass. In rare cases, this lump can grow bigger and cause stomach discomfort, bloating, pain, or even blockages that might need medical treatment.

Who should be extra careful?

Not everyone is at high risk, but some of us do need to watch out:

• People with weak digestion or stomach disorders, like ulcers or slow emptying

• Older adults who have slower metabolism or eat less variety

• Those who love to eat persimmons on an empty stomach or eat them with crab, shrimp, or high-protein foods (these combinations can make the situation worse)

If we or someone we care about fits into one of these groups, it's smart to enjoy persimmons in moderation and never as the first thing in the morning.

How much is too much?

For most healthy adults, eating one small to medium persimmon a day is totally fine. But once we go beyond two or three in one sitting, especially if they're unripe or very astringent, the chance of forming phytobezoars goes up. So the key is not to overdo it—even with healthy fruits like this.

Tips for eating persimmons safely

Here are a few simple habits to help us enjoy persimmons without worry:

• Eat them when ripe: Soft, sweet persimmons have less tannin than unripe ones

• Don't eat them on an empty stomach: Have some rice or bread first

• Avoid eating them with seafood or high-protein meals

• Drink enough water to help with digestion

• Chew well to make sure fibers don't clump up in our stomach

Can persimmons still be part of our diet?

Absolutely! Persimmons are full of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which support our skin, eyesight, and immune system. They also have fiber to help with gut health—as long as we eat them in smart portions.

Let's eat wisely, not worry

At the end of the day, no fruit should be feared. Even persimmons, when eaten properly, are a tasty and healthy treat. The key is moderation, timing, and knowing our own body.

Lykkers, have you ever eaten too many persimmons at once? Or did you grow up hearing this warning from parents or grandparents? Let's chat—what's your favorite way to enjoy persimmons safely?