7 Amazing Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit

More than an added value on how a bowl of cereal, a smoothie or a fruit bowl looks and tastes, this little fruit has more to it than how it appears to be.

Health Benefits of Kiwi

Kiwi has been with us since the 20th century, a small oval-shaped power fruit that has been in the market that long but hasn’t surpassed any other fruit when it comes to popularity as a source of a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Considered as one of the world’s exotic fruits, Kiwi is said to be Chinese in origin became very popular when it was brought by the missionaries to New Zealand, anchoring its name in relation to the country’s National Bird, “Kiwi” which was brown and fuzzy. This fruit became well known for fibre and vitamins. Based on research, Kiwi contains much more Vitamin C than an equivalent amount of Orange. To name a few of the most beneficial effects of Kiwi, here are some:

Improves Cardiovascular Health 

Having a good amount of fiber and potassium content which plays a great role on how our blood vessels and the heart performs, research has shown that consuming about 3 servings of Kiwi fruit a day can greatly affect and improve one’s circulation and Cardiovascular health in general. This stems from the fact, that Kiwi is a regulator of blood flow, lowering blood fats (triglycerides) therefore prevents any possible clot formation which would likely cause any heart attack related injuries.

A Good Antioxidant

Not only being a good source of fiber, Kiwi contains a good amount of Vitamin C that helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals in the human body which causes inflammation that leads to sickness or cancer. Having more Vitamin C content than your ordinary orange fruit, Kiwi not only hits a good effect on your Cardiovascular health but boosts the energy and protection your need to pump the immune system.

Protection against Respiratory Diseases

Not only does the vitamin C content in Kiwi boosts the immune system, but it can also play a great role in preventing any respiratory-related health problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath or night coughing especially in children. A study was conducted proving that those who eat about 5-7 servings of Kiwi per week had 44% less incidence of respiratory-related sickness specifically constant wheezing which can lead to an asthma attack.

Preventing Old Age Blindness 

One part of the human eye is called the Macula. It is the small central part of the retina which provides the sharp, central vision we need for seeing things in fine details such as reading or driving. According to a study published in the Archives of Opthalmology indicated that consuming a good amount of 3 or more servings of Kiwi fruit per day may lower your risk of what is referred to as Macular Degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss in older adults. Due to its Vitamin content, Kiwi can very much give the needed amount of Vitamins A, C, and E to prevent onset of Macular Degeneration.

Improves overall Colon Health

Considering Kiwi fruit as one of the highest fiber rich fruits in our food ranking system, the fruit has a huge help in providing enough dietary fibre content to improve bowel movement. It aids in digestion and especially helps remove waste and toxins stored in our body specifically in the colon. Overall, it is very helpful in preventing colon cancer.

Aids in Foetal Development 

Vitamin B6 also known as folate is one of the major vitamins that play an important role in improving the immune system, especially for healthy foetuses development, protecting pregnant and breastfeeding women. This vitamin is vital in formation of a healthy developing brain and supports healthy hair, skin, and liver.

Improves Skin 

As mentioned to be high in Vitamin C and E, Kiwi is said to be great for skin as it acts as an antioxidant preventing skin degenration. Consuming Kiwi which is generally an alkaline fruit, it affects our body by regulating the PH levels keeping us healthy and active in return giving us youthful healthy glowing skin.