Health Best Benefits of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwifruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is a delicious berry of a woody, twining vine and is popularly known by its shortened name ‘kiwi’. It belongs to the Actinidia genus which includes about 60 species. Globally, the most consumed varieties are the ‘fuzzy’ and ‘golden’.

According to the doctors kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Other vitamins including vitamin A, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone) are also present in good amounts. The mineral wealth of kiwi includes a tremendous quantity of potassium along with other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The fruit also contains antioxidants and comes with an added bonus of dietary fiber. A 100 gram serving of kiwifruit has around 61 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates. Thus, a small kiwifruit stores a treasure of nutritional surprises.

Health Benefits of Kiwi

Treats Asthma

Due to the high antioxidant and vitamin C content in kiwifruit, it is known to treat asthma. It improves lung function and also prevents wheezing among children.

Aids in Digestion

Kiwi proves valuable for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It is a delicious source of fiber which promotes digestion and maintains intestinal health. An expert says, “Kiwifruits are now widely recognized for their strong laxative properties, and these have been confirmed by controlled clinical studies.” It helps in providing relief from constipation by stimulating the bowel system. The natural laxative properties of this fruit owing to its fiber content add bulk to the stool and make it soft.

A study conducted on kiwi revealed that it is rich in proteolytic enzyme actinidin, which improves the digestion of proteins and facilitates smooth traffic through the digestive system. Polysaccharides present in the fruit help in averting the adhesion of enteropathogens and stimulating the probiotic bacteria in the colon. Kiwi extracts promote the growth of lactic acid, inhibit the development of Escherichia Coli bacteria, and aid in sustaining digestive health.

Boosts Immunity

Kiwi contributes favorably to the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune system which is very critical for the healthy functioning of the body. Consumption of kiwifruit helps in fighting seasonal infections and other ailments attributing to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal action.

Extracts from kiwi have shown to exert bacteriostatic action against various pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pyogenes. Kiwifruit helps in reducing the symptoms of cold and flu and other upper respiratory tract infections. It also exerts anti-inflammatory effects and exhibits the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Antioxidant & Vitamin C Rich

Kiwi offers an impressive amount of vitamin C, phenolic components, and carotenoids which promote good health. A comparative study involving kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit revealed that kiwifruit contains stronger antioxidant properties as compared to the latter. Attributing to the presence of nourishing phytochemicals, it has the ability to protect the DNA present in the body cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of inflammation and diseases.

Controls Diabetes

Kiwi has a low glycemic index (GI) which makes it suitable for diabetics. A study conducted on kiwi extracts demonstrated that intake of this fruit helps regulate adipogenesis, which is critical for preventing diabetes. Dysfunction of adipose tissues in the body is strongly implicated in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

 Reduces Blood Clotting

According to a study, consumption of a few kiwis on a daily basis helps in reducing the platelet aggression response or the risk of blood clotting. This fibrinolytic effect of the fruit on your blood vessels prevents the risk of thromboembolic and cardiac disorders like atherosclerosis.

Regulates Blood Pressure

The bioactive compounds present in kiwis can help lower the blood pressure levels in the body. It therefore also helps mitigate the risk of certain conditions caused by high blood pressure, including strokes and heart attacks.

Improves Heart Health

Kiwifruit is rich in protective polyphenols, which along with vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium help maintain cardiovascular health. An investigative study revealed that this fruit exerts inhibitory activities which aid in the reduction of triglycerides in the blood, thereby improving overall heart health.

Promotes Vision

Kiwi, being a rich source of phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, is suitable for eye care, says a study. These helpful components along with vitamin A protect the eyes from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other vision-destroying disorders.

Weight Loss

With a 100 gram serving of kiwis containing only 55 calories, they become a great food for weight loss. Their distinct taste also comes with soluble fiber which promotes satiety and hence reduces the hunger pangs.

Induces Better Sleep

According to a study, kiwi is a good source of serotonin, which helps in improving sleep quality. It may also help in improving the sleep onset and in reducing waking time after the onset, hence providing relief from any sleep disturbances. A study conducted suggests that irregular sleep patterns are a major reason behind the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.

This fruit contains flavonoids such as quercetin, naringenin, rutin, catechin, and epicatechin, which modulate the sleep-inducing receptors and are considered an effectual plant-based sedative agent. Attributing to this, the peel of kiwi is a potent ingredient for the development of natural sleeping aids.

Improves Iron Absorption

Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C and many phytochemicals such as lutein and zeaxanthin that help prevent iron deficiency disorders. A comparative study published ,performed between kiwi and banana has revealed that consumption of kiwi along with an iron-rich breakfast cereal results in a significant increase in iron in the body as compared to banana.

Beneficial in Pregnancy

Kiwi is a perfect fruit for a pregnant woman due to the abundance of folate in it. Folate helps prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in unborn babies and is essential for their brain and cognitive growth. Other vital nutrients such as vitamin C, E, and K along with flavonoids present in the fruit also contribute to the overall health and development of the fetus and the expectant mother.

Skin Care

Kiwifruit helps maintain healthy and smooth skin due to its significant contribution to the process of collagen synthesis. It contains vitamin C, which helps the skin become firm and expedite the healing of cuts and abrasions. Vitamin E in kiwi assists in reducing the fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps in reducing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, while the antioxidants present in this fruit work as a perfect anti-aging agent and prevent the skin from early degeneration, and keep it rejuvenated.

Prevents Cancer

Kiwifruit has been traditionally trusted in Chinese folk medicine for its effectiveness in healing various types of cancers such as colon cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer. Extracts of the kiwifruit inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells and protect against endogenous DNA damage. The fruit works against cancer by being cytotoxic to malignant cancer cells without affecting the normal, healthy cells. The antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins, and fiber contribute beneficially to the effectiveness of kiwi in the prevention or healing of cancers. Catechin, a phytochemical present in kiwi helps in reducing the toxicity of anti-cancer agents by stimulating the bone marrow proliferation.

Treats Cystic Fibrosis

Kiwifruit contains kissper, a cysteine-rich peptide, which may prove valuable in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Anti-fungal

Kiwi is used in the preparation of anti-microbial products to reduce the development of resistance towards the conventional medications for fungal and bacterial infectivity.

Treats Arthritis

Attributing to its anti-inflammatory properties, kiwi is valuable in treating rheumatoid arthritis. So include this fruit in your diet to bring a nutritionally dramatic flair to your health.

Improves Alkaline Balance

The presence of rich minerals in kiwi helps in neutralizing acidity in the stomach, thereby reducing the discomfort and nausea caused by it.

Side Effects

Kiwifruit can pose certain side effects including the following:

• Allergic Reactions: The allergic reactions may vary from mild, oral allergy to fatal conditions such as anaphylaxis which may be fatal. Studies suggest that the presence of significant allergens in the kiwifruit can cause severe reactions predominantly in young children.
• Oxalates: Kiwi is a source of oxalate raphide crystals. Excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods like kiwi can pose a threat to the development of calcium oxalate kidney stones in some individuals. It may also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients including calcium and magnesium in the body.

Other Side Effects

• Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)
• Diarrhea
• Latex allergy
• Pancreatitis problem
• Dermatitis
• Bleeding disorders

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before eating this fruit. The fruit has natural blood-thinning qualities without any side effects like aspirin, but still, moderation is advised.

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