Kiwifruit are a nutrient-dense fruit that can benefit your digestive, immune, and metabolic health.
They are high in vitamin C and contain an array of other nutrients, notably dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and folate, as well as a wide range of antioxidants, phytonutrients and enzymes that provide functional and metabolic benefits.
Kiwi fruit is well-known for its high vitamin C content, which plays an important role in keeping cells healthy and helping with wound healing. They’re also a source of some vitamin E, which helps to support the immune system, plus folate, the natural form of folic acid that helps the body form healthy red blood cells; calcium, a building block of healthy bones and teeth, and potassium, which supports heart health.
Eating 1 kiwi gives you approximately 85% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes cells responsible for damaging other cells and creating inflammation. It also plays an important role in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to help reduce the severity of skin disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and colon cancer. Other studies have shown that consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Kiwi has a high dietary fiber content which helps regulate blood sugar and improves digestion. Studies show that foods high in fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels, which can prevent heart disease and heart attack. Fiber also helps remove waste and toxic substances from the digestive track.
One cup of kiwi contains 552mg of potassium, more than the 467mg found in a small banana. Potassium is a mineral that helps keep your body's fluids and other minerals in balance. Too little potassium may lead to weakness, stroke and irregular heartbeat. A potassium-rich diet helps to control blood pressure.
These benefits are just some of the reasons why adding kiwifruit to your diet is a good idea. Remember that whole foods, food that has been processed or refined as little as possible and is free from additives or other artificial substances, is the most important addition to our diets. Fresh vegetables and fruits, such as kiwi, are an excellent way to add more whole foods to your plate.
Contact us if you have any questions about incorporating whole foods into your diet.