Kiwis are one of the most loved fruits all over the world. But have you ever wondered why this delicious fruits, which once belonged to China, is one of the most eaten fruit over the world? Kiwis are a store house of several essential nutrients and effectively keeps many diseases at bay. With the plethora of health benefits it offers, kiwis can very well be referred to as ‘superfruit’.
Nutrition facts
Kiwi is a store house of health promoting nutrients. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, which will often keep many of the prominent citrus fruits lagging behind. Along with that, kiwi also contains minerals like folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc. together with dietary fibers, carotenoids, polyphenols, chlorophyll, glutathione, pectin, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, traces of Vitamin A or beta carotene. It is a low calorie fruit, having only 93 calories against two kiwis. It is also rich source of powerful antioxidants.
What the research says?
Expert opinions regarding kiwis are really interesting. The scientists at the Rutgers University carried out an extensive research on twenty seven different fruits and found out that kiwis have high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. They have almost 20% more potassium than any citrus fruits. Pratt, one of the scientists of a leading university further advocated that kiwis have great quantities of lutein, a compound that promotes healthy heart and eye sight. Norwegian research scientists further found out those adults, who consume two kiwis a day, have 15% reduced chances of cholesterol build ups in their blood.
Kiwi: A real superfruit
Kiwi is regarded as a super food due to its wondrous health benefits. Here is list of some health benefits associated with the regular consumption of kiwis.
a. Fights cancer
Cancer is a disease that causes mutation of the genes. Kiwis, on the other hand, comprise of anti-mutagenic components, that retard the mutation of genes and prevent occurrence of cancer. It has also been found that kiwis act as anti-dote for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The lutein found in kiwis also prevent prostrate and lung cancer.
b. Prevents heart blockage
Kiwis contain a component known as arhinine. It is a sort of amino acid that liquefies the blood and prevents the formation of plaque within the arteries. Thus, the future occurrence of stroke and other cardiac disease is kept at bay with kiwis.
c. Fights depression
Inositol, a component found in kiwis act effectively against fighting depression. Thus, medical science uses kiwi as anti depressant.
d. Prevents diabetes
Inositol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol compound, found in kiwis also fights effectively in regulating the blood sugar level and improves the conditions of diabetes-mellitus.
e. Improves conditions of hypertension
Scientists have found that kiwi has the perfect balance of sodium and potassium, which balances the blood pressure level and fights hypertension.
Serving tips
Although kiwis are mostly eaten raw as any other fruit and forms an important part of the breakfast platter, but here is a great serving tip of kiwi you will really love to indulge in. It will take just ten minutes to prepare the dish. Take a look.
Ingredients:
1.8 oz. low fat vanilla or soy yogurt
2. 3 Tablespoons of fresh orange juice
3. 1 Tablespoon of cream
4. 1 Tablespoon of honey
5. 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
6. 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
7.1 kiwifruit, shredded
8. 4 strawberries, shredded
Process
Put the entire yogurt in a medium sized bowl. Pour in orange juice, honey and the grated oranges and lemons into the same bowl and whisk up well till all the ingredients get blended up well. Now, place two serving bowls on the table and arrange them further by placing chopped kiwi slices at the bottom of each of the bowls. Next, cut the strawberries too, in the lengthwise direction and place over the kiwis. Now, pour the yogurt, honey and orange juice mix over each of these serving bowls. Garnish each of the dishes further with cubes of orange, rings of kiwis and strawberries. You can also sprinkle some grated walnuts or pecans on these if you wish so. Finally, refrigerate for one and a half hours and enjoy the kiwi dessert while it is chilled.