Keep Yourself Supercharged During Summer With Kiwi Fruit

You might think kiwi's name is an instant giveaway of its place of origin, but not quite. This succulently delectable national fruit of New Zealand did not originate in the land down under but can be traced back to ancient China.

Back in the day, the fruit was known by its Chinese name yang tao, which can be translated to Chinese gooseberry; it was highly valued not just for its refreshing taste but also for its therapeutic benefits. Kiwi is essentially an edible berry about the size of a regular egg. The fuzzy brown peel envelops a vibrant lime green fruity flesh, speckled with black seeds in an oval pattern around a creamy white center. This unique appearance makes kiwifruit a cut above regular berries and a treat for the eyes as well.

• Aids in Digestion

Frequent sufferers of digestive problems can benefit greatly from increasing their intake of kiwifruit. Not only is it replete with dietary fiber, but this fruit also contains a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin, which helps in the quick breakdown of protein, much like papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.This is particularly favorable for people with regular bouts of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Boosts the Immune System

The high vitamin C content in kiwifruit can help strengthen your immunity. This antioxidant helps bolster your immune system to ward off diseases and protect the body against harmful pathogens.A 2007 study published in the Nutrition Research journal was found that the body can absorb certain antioxidants more effectively from kiwifruit than from other antioxidant-rich fruits, such as spinach and red pepper.

• Improves Vision Health

Kiwifruit is beneficial for your eyesight because it contains vision-promoting compounds known as lutein and zeaxanthin.Lutein helps increase pigment density in the macula, the oval-shaped yellow spot near the center of the retina, which in turn protects the retina and lowers the risk of macular degeneration.

• Supports Cardiovascular Health

Kiwifruit is loaded with vitamin C and E, polyphenols, and a good amount of potassium. All these nutrients contribute to maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.

The antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, aid in removing free radicals from the blood and help prevent cell damage that has been linked to cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis.Further, kiwis may help reduce the risk of blood clots and lower the amount of fat content in the blood. Parallels have been drawn between the anticlotting effects of kiwi consumption and a daily dose of aspirin, wherein the fruit was found to be as conducive for a healthy heart as the drug.

• Improves Blood Sugar Control

Not only is kiwi safe to be consumed by diabetics, but it may also be useful in managing their sugar levels. It has a low glycemic index that ranges from 47 to 58, which implies that it will not raise your blood sugar level instantly or drastically.

Being high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, kiwi aids in controlling blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. Also, it helps treat complications associated with diabetes, such as neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

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