Benefits Of Kiwi: As we saw in our recent article on immune-boosting foods, there are a number of fruits that are high in nutrients that can be beneficial for immune health.
But one best food fruit in particular has a host of health benefits that can be especially beneficial this time of year: kiwi!
Benefits Of Kiwi, Want to learn why you should be adding more kiwi to your plate this winter? Keep reading for 10 interesting benefits of kiwi fruit and some tips for including it in your diet.
Benefits Of Kiwi: Kiwi Nutrition Facts
Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit that can be a good source of dietary fiber, is low-calorie, and is known for its high vitamin C content. But that’s not all: kiwi also contains nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
Let’s take a look at the full breakdown of the macro and micronutrients present in this fruit. One raw kiwi contains:
Kiwi fruit may remind you of New Zealand, and for good reason. New Zealand exported over $10 billion in kiwis in 2015, and this number has only kept growing.
Benefits Of Kiwi, However, you may be surprised to know that while kiwis have a strong association with New Zealand, they are not native to this country. Kiwis are actually thought to come from China, and were originally called Chinese gooseberries. In the 1950s, their name changed from Chinese gooseberry to kiwi fruit.
10 Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit
Benefits Of Kiwi, So, why should you stock up on kiwi fruit? Here are 10 reasons you may want to make a habit out of snacking on kiwi.
1. Full of Important Nutrients
Benefits Of Kiwi, In addition to their delicious, sweet taste, kiwis are full of micronutrients such as copper, potassium, vitamin C, and folate.
Copper helps support connective tissue and healthy collagen production. Potassium plays a crucial role in the fluid balance of cells and is also important for blood pressure regulation.
Kiwi fruit also contains an extremely high amount of vitamin C, which can support the immune system and also functions as an important antioxidant in the body.
2. Shown to Benefit Sleep Quality
Benefits Of Kiwi, Eating kiwi may also improve your sleep quality. One interesting study found that consuming kiwis for four weeks led to higher quality sleep in adults who had sleeping problems.
Sleep quality is very important for your mood, weight regulation, and many other aspects of health. Your diet can have a major impact on your sleep in many ways.
3. Kiwi Seeds Contain Essential Fatty Acids
Benefits Of Kiwi, The black seeds found inside kiwis also contain small amounts of some healthy fats, specifically polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
Though some have suggested that kiwis are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, this may not be entirely true. Kiwis actually contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a precursor fatty acid to the “active” omega 3 fats, DHA and EPA.
Benefits Of Kiwi, Only a very small percentage of ALA will be converted to EPA and DHA in the human body, so while kiwis may contain some small amounts of ALA, they are not a good source of EPA or DHA.
4. May Improve Digestive Health
Benefits Of Kiwi, One kiwi contains more than two grams of fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Scientists that have analyzed the type of fiber in kiwi found that this fruit contains about one-third soluble fiber and two-thirds insoluble fiber.
Soluble Fiber
Viscous (or gel-like), fermentable
Dissolves in water
Benefits Of Kiwi, Can act as a prebiotic or a “food source” to the beneficial bacteria in your gut
Insoluble Fiber
Does not dissolve in water
Is not fermentable to the bacteria in your gut
Helps to bulk stool for healthy stool formation and bowel movement
May aid in preventing constipation
Benefits Of Kiwi, Some people may be more sensitive to fiber than others. If you are someone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may need to be mindful of the amount of fiber you are consuming.
You may consider consulting a registered dietitian for further advice on adding fibrous foods to your diet.
5. Good Source of Antioxidants
Benefits Of Kiwi, Kiwis are also a good source of antioxidants known as polyphenols. In addition to all the vitamins and minerals we’ve discussed, kiwis contain what’s called phytochemical antioxidants such as phenols and carotenoids.
Antioxidants help to reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress and free radicals, which are known to be detrimental to overall health. Phenols in particular, may also reduce the risk of certain conditions such as age-related diseases.
6. Can Benefit Skin Health
Benefits Of Kiwi, Because of its antioxidant properties as well as its role in collagen production, vitamin C can be especially beneficial for many aspects of health such as skin health and your immune system.
One review looking at the effects of topical application of vitamin C with vitamin C consumption (through supplements) found that increasing vitamin C intake through fruits and vegetables can be just as beneficial in improving skin elasticity, complexion, and texture.
Vitamin C supports skin health in the following ways:
Promoting collagen gene expression
Reducing expression of pathways that promote dark spots
Reducing oxidative stress that can damage the skin
Benefits Of Kiwi, Dermatologists have been using Vitamin C for decades as a topical treatment to achieve a brighter, more even complexion. Luckily, just one kiwi a day can help you reach your daily recommended consumption of vitamin C! It’s important to note that, as with every single nutrient, more isn’t always better. Much higher intakes of vitamin C could act as pro-oxidants (the opposite of what we want!), so moderation is the way to go.
7. May Support Better Metabolic Health
Benefits Of Kiwi, Given all the nutrients, antioxidants, fiber content, and the low GI of kiwis, it’s not a stretch to say that kiwi fruit within the context of an overall balanced and healthy diet may support better metabolic health.
One study found that eating three kiwis a day for three weeks led to reduced blood pressure in the people studied, for example. Other research indicates that low GI of kiwi fruit in addition to its fiber content make it a generally safe option for optimal blood sugar responses. Pair with some protein for optimal glucose support!
Benefits Of Kiwi, While the metabolic benefits of kiwi may vary depending on your unique body, it does appear that this fruit has some promising effects on health. If you want to learn how kiwi might affect you and your health, you may want to consult a registered dietitian.
8. Can Boost Your Immune System
Benefits Of Kiwi, As we mentioned earlier, vitamin C is crucial for healthy immune function. Vitamin C supports the immune system by working with certain immune cells, and increasing their antimicrobial activity.
But why is this important? Well, increasing your intake of this beneficial vitamin may reduce the duration of cold, though higher doses above estimated needs will offer no additional immune benefit for most. One kiwi contains about 75 mg of vitamin C.
9. May Improve Asthma Symptoms
Benefits Of Kiwi, Another way vitamin c can affect the immune system is by reducing respiratory infections and symptoms.
In fact, researchers investigating the benefits of this vitamin C in wheezing children found that consuming vitamin C rich fruit may help to reduce wheezing symptoms.
10. Can Be Good for Cardiovascular Health
Benefits Of Kiwi. Kiwi fruit can also support heart health. A number of studies have supported the benefits of kiwis for cardiovascular health, suggesting it provides these benefits both through its antioxidant and non-antioxidant properties.
Benefits Of Kiwi, These benefits include reduction in platelet hyperactivity (which can increase the risk of clot formation), reducing blood pressure, and promoting healthier blood lipid, or blood fat, levels.
Also Read:
16 Best Fruits For Glowing Skin
12 Wonders Benefits Of Cherry Fruit For Body Health
6 Of The Best Fruits For Diabetics (Based On Sugar and Nutrients)
10 Types Of Fruit That Are Low In Sugar And High In Fiber!
The Worst Fruits For People With Diabetes And The Best
Fruits Good For The Heart: The 8 Best Fruits, Good For The Heart Health
