5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwifruit, or simply kiwi, is a beautiful fruit. Basically, it is an edible berry about the size of a regular egg. The fuzzy peel surrounds a green fruit with black seeds and a creamy white center. When the fruit is peeled and cut, it looks lovely. It has a slightly sweet and tangy taste that most people like.

Apart from its beauty and taste, kiwifruit offers a wealth of nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and also contains good amounts of vitamins A, E, and K. The mineral content of kiwi includes a good amount of potassium as well as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

* Helps Treat Asthma

The vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwi help treat asthma. Vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of histamine and prostaglandins, which are involved in bronchoconstriction. This, in turn, prevents asthma attacks.

* Aids Digestion

This fruit contains plenty of dietary fiber, which is good for digestion. Moreover, the proteolytic enzyme called actinidin in it helps break down protein, which in turn aids the digestion process. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports that under simulated gastric conditions, kiwifruit extract containing actinidin enhanced the digestion of some, but not all, food proteins.

* Controls Blood Sugar Levels

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 like neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.A 2014 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences reports that natural compounds in kiwifruit including protein-dissolving enzymes aids in improving different aspects of the wound-healing process. Based on these benefits, researchers concluded that kiwifruit aids in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

* Induces Better Sleep

This tangy and sweet fruit contains many medicinally useful compounds like antioxidants and serotonin that may be beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders.In a 2011 study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers analyzed the effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. They found that kiwifruit consumption may improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adults with self-reported sleep disturbances. However, more research is needed to understand the sleep-promoting properties of kiwifruit in detail.

* Supports Cardiovascular Health

The antioxidants like vitamins C and E aid in removing free radicals from the blood and help prevent cell damage that has been linked to cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis. Further, kiwis help reduce the risk of blood clots without negative consequences, unlike aspirin.