8 Health Benefits of Kiwi
Health Benefits of Kiwi | Healthbiztips
People usually associate the fruit kiwi with the country New Zealand, but did you know that this fruit originate in China. It's also known as Chinese gooseberry. Let's explore the health benefits of this delicious fruit.
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| Health Benefits of Kiwi | Healthbiztips photo credit: Stephan Henning @unlesbar @unsplash |
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog
1. Boosts immunity
Did you know that the vitamin C content of kiwi is twice that of an orange. When you eat 1 whole kiwi fruit, you meet 106 % of your daily vitamin C needs. Wow! That's how extraordinary kiwi is.
Vitamin C boosts your immune system so you don't easily catch typical diseases like common cold and flue. You know getting sick is a real bummer.
2. Good for digestion
Kiwi is a good source of dietary fiber which helps with proper digestion. Each kiwi fruit contains about 2.1 grams of fiber.
Eating kiwi aids in the digestion of protein in the diet because it contains an enzyme called actinidin. Kiwi's actinidin content is also the same enzyme which makes this fruit a good meat tenderizer.
Did you know that you can actually eat kiwi's brown hairy skin raw. It's just so happen that many people find it's skin unpalatable.
3. Antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
Daily consumption of kiwi is good for your general health and wellbeing.
Kiwi is a good source of copper, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Kiwi contains traces of vitamin A, calcium, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, and manganese.
Eating kiwi's skin gives you additional fiber, minerals, and nutrients.
4. Low in calories
One medium sized kiwi fruit contains only 46 calories which makes it a low calorie snack. It's natural sweet taste helps satisfy cravings. Snacking on kiwi is perfect when you're on diet!
5. No saturated fats and cholesterol
You know you got to take care of your heart especially when you have high cholesterol level or high blood pressure. Kiwi is good for your heart because it technically contains zero cholesterol and saturated fats.
6. Low in sodium
Kiwi is low in sodium, but is a good source of potassium. For each fruit of kiwi, you get a negligible amount of sodium which is about 2.1 mg and roughly 215.3 mg of potassium.
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that can raise blood pressure when taken in excess so you will want to make sure you do not exceed its recommended daily consumption.
7. Natural blood thinner
Kiwi contains components which interfere with blood clotting. Research has shown that eating 2 to 3 kiwi can reduce blood clotting. People who are at risk of heart attack and stroke can benefit when they incorporate kiwi into their diet since this fruit helps prevent the formation of deadly blood clots.
Daily consumption of kiwi can also help individuals who have varicose veins.
However, if you have a blood clotting abnormality or will undergo surgery, then eating kiwi may do more harm than good to you.
8. Low glycemic index
Each kiwi is packed with roughly 6 grams of sugar, but since this fruit has low glycemic index, it does not cause your blood sugar to shoot up rapidly. Kiwi is one of the fruits people with diabetes mellitus can incorporate into their meal plan.
Kiwi is a delicious fruit that's packed with incredible health benefits. You can choose to eat it as is, added to beverages, foods, or dishes.
