Kiwi
fruit can and should be eaten whole. The skin increases tartness and
offers additional vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you desire something
less tart; cut the kiwi in half and eat as you would a passion fruit
scooping out the flesh; or peel and slice it like a pineapple.
Talk
about a fruit packing a punch in taste and vitamins. Kiwi fruit is a
rich source of vitamin C and is high in potassium. By comparison it’s
content is less than a banana’s, but you’d eat more anyway. It also
contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid
antioxidants as well. Didn’t I say to eat the skin?
The
kiwi fruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an
omega-3 fatty acid. More than 90% of the fruit is made up of water, so
it only has 90 calories per serving. A 5-oz. serving of kiwifruit
averages over 450 mg of potassium, beating out the banana and the
orange.
It also has about 230% of the RDA for vitamin C and has approximately 10% of the RDA for folic acid and vitamin E.
Medicinal Uses Based on Scientific Studies
The
kiwifruit has also been reported in some cultures to have been used for
slight cases of diarrheic illnesses, being induced as a mild laxative.
It is chock full of fiber, since the large amount of little black seeds
found in the kiwifruit make for a great method of aiding digestion
(hence the use as a mild laxative). The way in which this is
accomplished, is by providing a natural fruity way of feeling a better
sense of fullness.
When
a kiwifruit is found in its raw state, high contents of actinidin (an
enzyme that dissolves protein) can be found. This compound is often
found in commercial production as a means of tenderizing meat. This same
substance can cause allergic reactions for some people, and also an
allergen inducer for others. In that same sense, those individuals who
find themselves allergic to pineapples, latex, or other similar
substances within that category should be aware that they are most
likely allergic to the common kiwifruit as well.
Common
allergic reactions to kiwifruit involve tingling and a sore mouth,
puffing up of the face, tongue and lips; rashes, abdominal pain,
vomiting, and in the some critical cases, difficulties of breathing,
such as wheezing. As most of these symptoms are more commonly found in
children, it is quite possible that they will be outgrown later in life.
Regular checkups should be made to the doctor on an annual basis to see
if your body has grown into the ability of consuming this fruit, with
the addition of developing a tolerance to similar substances.
Aside
from containing large amounts of allergens, vitamins, proteins and
fibers, the kiwifruit holds a mild level of lutein, also known as a
phytochemical. This chemical has been tested in scientific experiments
in search of links with the prostrate and lung cancer prevention. In
addition, this exotic yet common fruit holds an abundance of carotenoids
(beta carotene, lutein, and xanthophylls), phenolic compounds, and
antioxidants including, but not limited to, vitamins C and E. Another
way of improving the strength and durability of blood vessels, which
helps to decrease inflammation in the veins, is through flavonoids –
also found in kiwifruits.
Another
substance that is found in kiwifruits is called inositol, a natural
sugar type alcohol. Recent scientific studies have shown that the
function of inositol serves as a precursor for certain brain
neurotransmitters of relatively high importance. This translates into
the benefit of serving as a method of improving the conduction of nerves
within the field of diabetic neuropathy. Also within the field of
neurobiology, the kiwifruit contains a high content of serotonin, having
a calming effect on most individuals with a particular lack of
serotonin producers, serving as a dual agent in helping to calm anxiety
or depression.
Another
reason that the high content of vitamin C in the kiwifruit is so
important has to do with the natural reasons behind the benefits of
vitamin C itself. Vitamin C is known to be beneficial towards the gums
and their rejuvenation, and healing for wounds. The high content of
magnesium found in the kiwifruit nears the sixth percentile range of the
daily value for healthy intake, making it a well balanced snack. The
levels of magnesium in the body are particularly important to watch with
regards to preventing heart disease, myocardial infarction, and
hypertension.
The
kiwifruit is also the proud container via scientific tests of a wide
range of electrolytes. These microscopic minerals are a necessity for
replenishing energy after exercise during any time of the day. Get up
and go with kiwi fruit!
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