05/12/2022

Health Benefits of Kiwi

Top 5 health benefits of kiwi fruit

A kiwi is a small, plum-sized fruit with fuzzy, brown skin, bright green flesh and small black seeds. Typically, only the flesh of the kiwi fruit is eaten but the skin is also edible.

Top 5 health benefits:
  • May alleviate symptoms of asthma - Kiwi fruit is well-known for its high vitamin C content – this and the other antioxidant nutrients it supplies appears to help alleviate some of the symptoms of asthma.
  • Supports heart health - Including kiwi fruit as part of a healthy diet may support your heart health.
  • Aids digestion - Rich in fibre, kiwi fruit supports digestive regularity. It also contains an enzyme called actinidin, which facilitates the breakdown of protein, helping us more efficiently digest protein-rich foods.
  • May support immune function - Kiwi fruits are exceptionally rich in immune-supportive nutrients including the vitamins C, E, K and folate, as well as carotenoids, fibre and phytochemicals.
  • Rich in protective antioxidants - Kiwi fruits are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which have antioxidant properties – these help reduce oxidative damage and as a result may reduce the risk of chronic disease.


Health Benefits of Kiwi

The kiwi – shortened from its full name, the kiwifruit – is actually a large berry that grows on a species of woody vine in the genus Actinidia. Kiwis have been famously cultivated in New Zealand, but this bold berry actually originated in eastern China. 

The kiwi typically grows in the shape of an oval and is roughly around the size of a typical chicken egg. Its skin is camel-colored, fibrous, and coated in a light fuzz. Despite its fuzzy covering, the kiwi’s skin is edible and tart. The kiwi’s flesh is bright green with a unique but pleasing texture and rows of distinctive tiny black seeds, which can also be eaten. Kiwis have a sweet, tart, and bold taste — making them a popular addition to a healthy breakfast or lunch. Kiwis are high in Vitamin C  and dietary fiber and provide a variety of health benefits. This tart fruit can support heart health, digestive health, and immunity. The kiwi is a healthy choice of fruit and is rich with vitamins and antioxidants. Its tart flavor, pleasing texture, and low calorie count make it a delicious and healthy option for snacking, sides, or a unique dessert.  

Health Benefits:
  • Immunity - Kiwi contains abundant amounts of Vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. In fact, the kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This bold fruit provides a burst of immune-boosting nutrients in every bite.
  • Heart Health - The kiwifruit possesses properties that lower blood pressure. By helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure and providing a boost of Vitamin C, the kiwifruit can reduce the risk of stroke  and heart disease.
  • Digestive Health - Both in its tough skin and flesh, the kiwifruit contains high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber can help reduce constipation and a variety of other gastrointestinal issues and discomfort.
  • Treatment of Asthma - The abundance of Vitamin C in kiwis has been linked to the reduction of wheezing symptoms in some asthma patients.
  • Ocular Health - When consumed with other healthy vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, the high levels of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids found in the kiwifruit may aid in preventing eye disease and promote overall ocular health. 


4 Health Benefits of Kiwi

Kiwis, also known as kiwifruit, are a type of fruit native to the mountains and hillsides of Southwest China.

They’re now grown in many other areas of the world, including New Zealand, which is a top producer of this popular fruit. Kiwis are also grown in many other areas of the world, including the United States.Kiwis were first brought to New Zealand in 1904 by a schoolteacher named Isabel Fraser, who brought kiwi seeds back home with her after traveling through China. Once known as Chinese gooseberry, kiwis were given the name “kiwi” by New Zealand fruit exporters after the flightless kiwi birds, which are endemic to New Zealand

Kiwi benefits:
  • Excellent source of beneficial plant compounds - In addition to containing the antioxidant nutrients vitamin C and vitamin E, kiwis are an excellent source of plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
  • May benefit heart health - Consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruits like kiwis is a smart way to support heart health.
  • Benefits digestive health - Kiwis contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. Studies show that kiwis contain about one-third soluble and two-thirds insoluble fiber 
  • Excellent source of vitamin C - Kiwis are exceptionally high in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps protect your cells from oxidative damage and plays many other important roles in the body.


What are the health benefits of kiwi fruit?

The kiwifruit, or Chinese gooseberry, originally grew wild in China. Kiwis are a nutrient-dense food — they are rich in in nutrients and low in calories. A schoolteacher introduced the fruit  to New Zealand in 1904, upon returning from China with seeds. The New Zealanders called it “kiwi” after their national bird.

Possible health benefits:
  • Healthful skin - Vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen, a key component in cells and organs throughout the body, including the skin. The vitamin also boosts the body’s ability to heal wounds.
  • Better sleep - A 2011 study looked at the effects of kiwifruit on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. The researchers found that eating kiwis improved sleep, according to self-reported measures.
  • Heart health and blood pressure - Kiwis contain fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, all of which may support heart health.
  • Kidney stone prevention - According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a high potassium intake may also help prevent kidney stones from forming.
  • Cancer prevention - The National Cancer Institute note that high levels of free radicals in the body can cause damage to DNA that can result in various types of cancer.
  • Constipation prevention - A 2019 study concluded that when healthy people eat kiwis, their small intestines are better able to retain water, leading to greater stool frequency and softer stool consistency.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects - Kiwellin and kissper are proteins in kiwifruit that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • During pregnancy - Kiwifruit contains folate, which is essential for cell division. During pregnancy, doctors advise women to take additional folate, as it may protect the fetus from developmental problems, such as neural tube abnormalities.
  • Bone health - Kiwi contains vitamin K and traces of calcium and phosphorus, all of which contribute to bone health. An adequate intake of vitamin K may help prevent osteoporosis.


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