Nutritional Value of Kiwi

The small kiwifruit stores a treasure of nutritional surprises. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Others vitamins including vitamin A, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin K (phylloquinone) are also present in good amounts. The mineral wealth of kiwi fruit includes tremendous quantity of potassium along with other minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. All these vital nutrients in kiwifruit come with an additional bonus of dietary fiber.

Immune System Benefits

Kiwi contributes favorably in 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 its anti-microbial and anti-fungal action. Extracts from kiwi have shown to exert bacteriostatic action against various pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphyloccous pyogenes. Kiwi fruit 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.

Macular degeneration

Kiwi is the fruit for the eye and it contributes beneficially towards the eye health. As already stated, kiwi is a source of phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin which are critical components residing in the human eye. These healthful components along with vitamin A protect the eyes from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other vision-destroying disorders.

Digestive Health

Kiwi may prove valuable for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It is a delicious source of fiber which promotes digestion and intestinal health. Kiwi helps in providing relief from constipation by stimulating the bowel system. The natural laxative properties of kiwi fruit owing to its fiber content add bulk to the stool and make them soft.  A study conducted on Kiwi has revealed that kiwifruit stores a good amount of proteolytic enzyme actinidin which improves the digestion of proteins and facilitates smooth traffic through the digestive system. Polysaccharides present in kiwi helps in averting the adhesion of enteropathogens and stimulate the probiotic bacteria in the colon. Kiwi extracts promotes the growth of lactic acid and inhibits the development of Escherichia Coli bacteria and aids in sustaining digestive health.

Better sleep

Kiwi fruit is a source of serotonin which helps to promote better sleep. An investigative study conducted in this regard has shown that consumption of kiwi helps in improving the sleep efficiency and total sleep time. Kiwi may also help in improving the sleep onset and reducing the waking time after the onset and hence provides relief from the sleep disturbances. Kiwi contains good amounts of flavonoids such as naringenin, quercitin, rutin, catechin, epicatechin which modulates the sleep inducing receptors and is 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.

Cardiovascular Protection

As mentioned, kiwi fruit is rich in protective polyphenols along with vitamin C,   vitamin E and potassium which are effective in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. An investigative study has revealed that kiwifruit exerts inhibitory activities which aids in the reduction of triglycerides in the blood. According to the study, consumption of couple of kiwis on a daily basis helps in reducing the platelet aggression response or the risk of blood clotting. This fibronolytic effect of kiwifruit on the blood vessels prevents the risk of thromboembolic and cardiac disorders like atherosclerosis.

Diabetes Aid

Kiwi has low glycemic index which makes it suitable for the individuals with diabetes. A study conducted on kiwi extracts demonstrated that consumption of kiwi helps in the regulation of adipogenesis which is critical for the prevention of diabetes. Dysfunction of adipose tissues in the body is strongly implicated in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Pregnancy

Kiwi is a perfect fruit for a pregnant woman attributing to the abundance of natural folate.  Folate helps to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in the 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 kiwi also contribute beneficially in the overall health and development of the fetus and the expectant mother.

Skin Health

Kiwifruit helps to maintain healthy and smooth skin attributing to its significant contribution in the process of collagen synthesis. Kiwi contains generous amount of vitamin C, may be more than oranges which helps to keep the skin firm and expedite healing of cuts and abrasions. Vitamin E present in kiwi assists in reducing the fine lines and appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin E also helps in reducing the harmful effects of ultra-violet radiation on the skin. Antioxidants present in kiwi work as a perfect anti-aging agent, prevent the skin from early degeneration and keep it rejuvenated.

Cancer

Kiwi fruit have been traditionally trusted in the Chinese folk medicine for their effectiveness in healing various types of cancers such as liver cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer and lung cancer. Extracts of the kiwi fruit inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells and protects endogenous DNA damage. Kiwifruit works against cancer by being cytotoxic to malignant cancer cells without affecting the normal, healthy cells. The plethora of antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins along with fiber contribute beneficially in 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

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