2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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