8 benefits of kiwifruit

The health benefits of kiwifruit

1- Helps Your Digestion with Enzymes

Raw kiwi contains actinidin, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.

2- Protects from DNA Damage

A study by Collins, Horska and Hotten showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in Kiwi fruit helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts conclude this can help prevent cancer.

3- Boosts Your Immunity

Kiwis high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

4- Improve Digestive Health

Kiwis are a great source of fiber. That prevents constipation and other intestinal problems

5- Helps Fight Heart Disease

Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18% and reduce triglycerides by 15%. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with no side effects, just additional health benefits.

6- Protects Against Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Problems

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on over 110,000 men and women showed that eating 3 or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36%. This is thought to be associated with the kiwis high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin — both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye. Although both fruits and vegetables were studied, this same effect was not shown for vegetables.

7- Great for the Skin

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.

8- Exotic Taste and Look for Food Variety

Kiwis look and taste great. Kids often love them because they are so different from most fruits.

For nutritional balance it is always good to eat a variety of foods. Each food has its own unique qualities and powers. The trouble with most people’s diet is that we eat such a limited number of foods. It increases our chances of not getting enough of important nutrients.

the kiwi fruit contains:

§  Calories: 42

§  Protein: 0.8 grams

§  Total fat: 0.4 grams

§  Fiber: 2.1 grams

§  Vitamin C: 64 milligrams

§  Vitamin A: 3 micrograms

§  Iron: 0.2 milligrams

§  Potassium: 252 milligrams

§  Folate: 17 micrograms

How to Enjoy

Kiwifruit are so delicious, they can be eaten as is. One of our favorite ways to do so is to peel with a paring knife and slice.

Add kiwifruit to tossed green salads.

Serve sliced kiwifruit and strawberries, fruits whose flavors are naturally complementary, topped with yogurt.

Mix sliced kiwifruit, orange and pineapple together to make chutney that can be served as an accompaniment to chicken or fish.

Blend kiwifruit and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled soup. For a creamy consistency, blend yogurt in with the fruit mixture.

Kiwifruit have a wonderful flavor and appearance for use in fruit tarts