Lately Katherine’s been loving eating kiwi as a snack or adding it to her smoothies and for good reason. Not only is kiwifruit super delicious but it’s also low in calorie, a great source of energy and extremely nutritious.
Benefits of Kiwis
As a superfood, kiwis have so many health benefits that impact the entire body. They are a significantly more nutrient dense option than many other go to fruits like apples or oranges which is why they’re always a great choice.
Helps Fight the Aging Process
Kiwifruit is loaded with Vitamin C which plays a large role in skin health especially because it helps regulate collagen production. Collagen, a protein that our bodies produce naturally, is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. As we age, our collagen production starts to decrease which is why wrinkles or sagging skin appears and when vitamin C is needed even more. Since kiwis have over 270% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, it’s no wonder that they’re known for helping improve overall the aging process and overall skin health.
Lutein, a carotenoid and antioxidant, is also highly present in kiwis. Lutein is important because it helps protect the skin from UV light which can cause premature aging, wrinkles and other skin damage.
Improves Eye Health
Lutein also significantly impacts our vision by helping to protect our eyes and prevent eye related damage and diseases. In addition, kiwis also contain vitamin A which helps our eyes see in low lights and helps sustain a clear cornea.
Supports Bone Health
Kiwi is potent in vitamin K which is necessary for bone development. Vitamin K works with calcium to make bones and vitamin A deficiencies can be very dangerous. Studies show that a diet high in vitamin K can decrease the risk of diseases and injuries affecting the bones and luckily kiwis are a great source.
Amazing for the Cardiovascular System
Kiwis are incredible when it comes to heart health. In addition to helping our bones, vitamin K prevents calcium buildup in the arteries which lowers the risk of heart attacks. Kiwis are also a great source of potassium which helps lower blood pressure. To top it off, kiwis are filled with vitamin E, omega 3s, copper and magnesium all of which aid in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Just one kiwi per day can help decrease the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular disease and strokes.
Aids with Respiratory Health
Kiwis have been directly linked to the health of the respiratory system and can help with symptoms for people suffering from respiratory infections and illnesses such as asthma..
Potent in Antioxidants
As a great source of antioxidants, kiwis help combat free radical damage which is linked to many diseases. Two of the most well-known and potent antioxidants found in kiwis are vitamin C and E and help lessen oxidative damage.
Great for the immune System
It’s no wonder that kiwis are great for boosting immunity since they’re packed with vitamin C which is imperative to healthy immune system.
Aids with Digestion
Studies show that kiwis impact the digestive system and can reduce symptoms related to digestive and bowel disorders. The fiber and antioxidants in kiwis act as anti-inflammatories enabling more efficient bowel movements which is why kiwis are great for digestion.
Possess Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
The seeds of kiwifruit are known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties so it’s a good thing that they’re edible. While both golden and green kiwis have these abilities, golden kiwis in particular contain actinchinin which is where it’s antifungal properties come from. It’s no problem if you don’t like kiwi because it’s extract has also been shown to be helpful combating several bacterial strains and can be used topically.
Helps Combat Cancer
Known as a cancer-fighting food, kiwis have been used as medicinal treatments in China for many years. In addition to being high in antioxidants, kiwifruit is an important anticancer food because it also helps inhibit cancer cell growth.
Sleep and Mood Enhancer
Serotonin is a chemical that is found in kiwi and one that affects our mood and sleep. The levels found in kiwi have been known to affect sleep time and efficiency and can also positively impact our moods.
There’s no doubt that kiwis are an incredible fruit for so many reasons. Fortunately, they are harvested in many places in the world and can be found all year round which is great since they’re an awesome fruit that should be incorporated into everyone’s diet.