Health benefits of kiwi fruit

The Kiwi fruit is an oval shaped fruit about the size of a large hen’s egg. It has a thin, fuzzy, fibrous, tart but edible light brown skin and light green or golden flesh with rows of tiny, black edible seeds. A simple way to eat it is the cut-and-scoop method whereby you cut the fruit into half and scoop with a spoon. You can also wash your kiwifruit and cut it into slices without  peeling its skin.

Image Kiwi fruit smoothie. Source;pexels.com

The Kiwi can also be enjoyed by biting into its skin like you would eat an apple. The juicy fruit can also be enjoyed by blending it to produce the sweet tangy juice.

The Kiwi is full of nutrients like Vitamins C,K,E and folate and potassium. In addition to being packed with a lot of antioxidants. It is also a good source of fiber.

The benefits of eating the Kiwi and its skin are quite numerous. Below area few:

1.Kiwi skin is a good source of fiber

They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. The soluble fiber has polysaccharides that retain water and form gels which aid in digestion, while insoluble fibers of the Kiwi consists mostly of cellulose and hemicelluloses which aid in adding bulk to stool and also ensure efficient digestion and bowel movement.

2.Kiwi fruit skin adds vitamins and minerals to the

body

This fruit is packed with high folate levels. This is an important nutrient, especially to expectant mothers and  growing infants. The skin itself provides 34% more folate. The fruit also has high levels of vitamin C which when combined with vitamin E from the skin, it boosts the immune system and contributes to a healthy skin.

3. Can help treat asthma

Kiwi fruit can help reduce wheezing in children. The high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in a kiwi can help treat people with asthma.

4. Kiwi helps in managing blood pressure

The bioactive substances in three kiwis a day can lower blood pressure. This is also means that they play a role in controlling high blood pressure-related conditions like stroke or heart attacks.

5. Protects against vision loss

Zeaxanthin and lutein’s high level concentration in the kiwi help protect the eyes from vision loss.

6. Kiwifruit helps in reducing blood clotting

Research has shown that eating two to three Kiwis a day significantly helps in reducing the risk of blood clotting. They also play a role in reducing blood fat. However, when going for surgery, or if you have a bleeding disorder avoid eating the kiwi fruit as it can slow blood clotting and increase bleeding.

Feature Image;ecowatch.com