Kiwi Fruit Benefits
Kiwi fruits originated in China where it has been used since ancient times as a health tonic especially for women after child birth .It was also used as a health tonic to enhance immunity in children. The potential nutritional kiwi fruit benefits were first identified by the people of New Zealand who started its cultivation commercially.
Kiwi fruit has a brown hairy peel with green flesh and white pulp. It has green creamy and yummy flesh and tiny black seeds. Kiwi fruits are full of Vitamin C and usually used as appetizers in meat dishes , fish , salads, puddings , cakes and pies. Many people are not aware of the many health benefits associated with this delicious fruit.
Nutritional Value of kiwis
Kiwis are very rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin E, and Magnesium .It also contains traces of Sodium ,saturated fat and cholesterol.
The following are the five benefits of kiwis:
1. Protecting your eyes
Kiwi fruits contain Zeaxanthin and Lutein which are natural chemicals found in the human eye.Lutein helps in filtering blue light which is damaging to the eye.It also helps in preventing muscular degeneration associated with old age.Lutein also offers protection against cataracts and glaucoma. Zeaxanthin also works together with Lutein in contributing to good eye health.
2.Maintaining Good Health of the Heart
Consuming kiwi fruit enhances the health of your heart. Being rich in fiber and Potassium and also low in Sodium, kiwi fruit gives you the most important dietary change to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. High potassium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke , preservation of bone mineral density ,reduction in the formation of kidney stones and protection against loss of muscle mass.
3.Prevention Of Cancer
Kiwi fruits contain a variety of Carotenoids and Flavonoids which have clearly demonstrated antioxidant activity. These are phytonutrients that protect the DNA from oxygen -related damage. Preventing the DNA from damage ensures that cancer growth is inhibited and prevented.
4.Boosting Immunity
Due to the high content of Vitamin C in kiwis and the presence of antioxidant compounds,they have proven to good immune boosters.
5.Lowering Blood Pressure
Because of their high Potassium content, kiwis are able to negate the effects of sodium in the body. Potassium plays a major role in body cells by keeping body fluids and electrolytes in balance. This helps in controlling the heart rate and blood pressure by negating the effects of sodium.
There are many more benefits that are not mentioned here. All these kiwi fruit benefits should lead you to consider giving them a try and incorporating them in your diet for your health.