Kiwi fruit, full of important vitamins and minerals, can have a very positive effect on your health. These brown fuzzy fruits have a sweet and slightly tangy taste with green flesh on the inside that lends a unique flavor and tropical zing. Kiwi boasts a whole range of nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, folate, copper, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin K. Find the 7 amazing benefits of Kiwi:
1. Kiwi prevents blood clotting
Kiwis were found to prevent blood clotting and manage blood pressure by reducing the amount of fat in the blood. It was found that this happened without negatively affecting blood cholesterol levels.
2. Kiwi can treat asthma
Asthma can be debilitating. Wheezing and breathlessness are some of the most common symptoms relating to this condition. It has been found that the high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwis can help control symptoms of asthma.
3. Kiwi improves digestion
Kiwi contains a good amount of dietary fibre making it useful for improving digestion. Apart from the fibre content, kiwi also contains an enzyme, actinidin which can effectively break down proteins in the gut. Kiwis also have a mild laxative effect that can help a slow digestive system.
4. Kiwi regulates blood pressure
Kiwis can help reduce high blood pressure and prevent diseases such as heart attack and stroke. A study showed that those who ate 3 kiwis a day for 8 weeks had a reduction in their diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Kiwis contain an antioxidant, lutein that may be the cause of its blood pressure regulating ability. The vitamin C in kiwis can also contribute to a reduction in blood pressure.
5. Kiwi supports immune function
Vitamin C is important for cellular function and protecting cells from free radicals damage in the body. It’s responsible for the growth and repair of tissues and provides support for the immune system. The high concentration of vitamin C in kiwis can do wonders for the immune system.
6. Kiwi reduces DNA damage
Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This process can also cause strand breakage of DNA. This can lead to health problems, some which can be hard to detect or treat. Kiwi fruit contains antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress.
7. Kiwi prevents vision loss
Kiwi contains zeaxanthin and lutein (or the “eye vitamin). These two compounds perform the same function as antioxidants as well as help to form vitamin A, an essential nutrient for your eyes. They also absorb excess light that may damage our retinas and protect the eye from cataracts and other eye-related diseases.