Kiwifruit, also known simply as Kiwi and Chinese gooseberry is a large berry that’s oval in shape and roughly the size of an egg. The skin is camel-coloured, fibrous, and coated with a light fuzz. It’s edible though a little tart to the taste. The flesh of kiwifruit is bright green with tiny black edible seeds and has a sweet and tangy taste. Kiwis are highly nutritious, rich in vitamins C and dietary fibre as well as a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some health benefits of eating kiwi.
Highly nutritious
Kiwi is an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It also has vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Kiwifruit is low in protein and fat but is naturally high in carbohydrates.
Vitamin E helps support the immune system. It also helps maintain healthy and smooth skin and assists in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Folate acid forms folic acid which helps the body form healthy red blood cells. Calcium is critical in the development of healthy bones and teeth.
Boost immunity
Vitamin C in kiwi stimulates the body’s immune system reducing the risk of disease. It helps the body fight infections and shortens the duration of illness. Aside from vitamin C which has antioxidant properties, kiwifruit is also rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage ultimately protecting the body from inflammation and disease.
Health: Foods That You Should Eat To Boost Your Immunity
Aids in digestion
Food rich in dietary fibre promotes healthy digestion and may help relieve constipation. The fibre in kiwifruit also slows down digestion giving the feeling of fullness longer thus preventing overeating. It is advised that one monitor their intake of the fruit though because slowing down digestion means that if you eat too much, it may lead to weight gain.
May help treat asthma
The vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwi may help treat people with asthma. One study found a beneficial effect on lung function among patients who consumed fresh fruit including kiwi. Fresh fruit including kiwi may help reduce wheezing in susceptible children.
Health: Asthma – Causes, Symptoms And Management
Improve heart health
Potassium in kiwi helps lower levels of blood pressure. It also helps counter the effects of sodium which constricts blood vessels which increases blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor in a variety of diseases including strokes and heart disease.
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Protects against vision loss
Kiwi helps protect the eyes from macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is blurring on the central vision caused by ageing and is the leading cause of vision loss. Antioxidants in kiwifruit help protect the eyes from it.
Health: Vision 20/20 – Taking Care Of Your Eyes
Beneficial in pregnancy
Kiwi is rich in folate making it great for pregnant women. Folate helps prevent the occurrence of neural defects in unborn babies and is essential for their brain and cognitive growth.
Parenting: Nine Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy
May help induce sleep
Eating kiwifruit before bed can induce sleep and improve the quality of sleep as well. 7 Ways To Fix Your Sleep Schedule Especially For Those With Irregular Sleep Patterns
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