Here are some health benefits of Kiwi

These brown fuzzy fruits have a sweet and slightly tangy taste with green flesh on the inside that lends a unique flavor and tropical zing. Kiwi boasts a whole range of nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, folate, copper, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin K. The skin and seeds are edible, though many people choose to peel it off because of its fuzzy texture. Kiwis are a tough growing fruit and are readily available throughout the year in supermarkets.

The fruit also comes in 50 different varieties with flesh ranging from custard-like gold to bright pink, each with a varying flavor profile and use. Here are some health benefits of Kiwi:

Kiwi prevents blood clotting

Kiwis were found to prevent blood clotting and manage blood pressure by reducing the amount of fat in the blood. It was found that this happened without negatively affecting blood cholesterol levels. Aspirin is usually the recommended drug to prevent those from cardiovascular events. However, Aspirin can cause inflammation and ulcers in the GI tract. Studies show that consuming 2 to 3 kiwi fruits a day can replace a daily aspirin to help thin the blood and improve heart health over a period of time.

Kiwi can help asthma

Asthma can be debilitating. Wheezing and breathlessness are some of the most common symptoms relating to this condition. It has been found that the high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwis can help control symptoms of asthma. A study demonstrated that lung function was improved in those who consumed Kiwi regularly.

Kiwi improves digestion

Kiwi contains a good amount of dietary fibre making it useful for improving digestion. Apart from the fibre content, kiwi also contains an enzyme, actinidin which can effectively break down proteins in the gut. After eating a large meal, it's advised to eat a kiwi because it can help break down tough proteins from meat and fish that often can cause bloating. Kiwis also have a mild laxative effect that can help a slow digestive system.

Helps pegulate blood pressure

Kiwis can help reduce high blood pressure and prevent diseases such as heart attack and stroke. A study showed that those who ate 3 kiwis a day for 8 weeks had a reduction in their diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Kiwis contain an antioxidant, lutein that may be the cause of its blood pressure regulating ability. The vitamin C in kiwis can also contribute to a reduction in blood pressure.

Supports immune function

Vitamin C is important for the cellular function and protecting cells from free radicals damage in the body. It's responsible for the growth and repair of tissues and provides support for the immune system.

The high concentration of vitamin C in kiwis can do wonders for the immune system. At 103% of your recommended value of vitamin C per 1 cup, eating kiwis can effectively ward off infection, common cold and flu when eaten regularly.

Reduces DNA damage

Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This process can also cause strand breakage of DNA. This can lead to health problems, some which can be hard to detect or treat.

Kiwi fruit contains antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress. A study that tested people's cells by damaging them with peroxide, showed that those who supplemented with kiwi showed an improved ability of the DNA to repair itself after applying the peroxide. This means that kiwi can possibly help prevent long term cancers and lifestyle diseases such as colon cancer, which is closely linked to DNA damage.

Prevents vision loss

Kiwis can prevent macular degeneration and ultimately, vision loss. Kiwi contains zeaxanthin and lutein (or the "eye vitamin). These two compounds perform the same function as antioxidants as well as help to form vitamin A, an essential nutrient for your eyes. They also absorb excess light that may damage our retinas and protect the eye from cataracts and other eye-related diseases.

A healthy nervous system can have positive effects on your retina which contains the highest concentration of nerves and is essentially the center of communication of the eye. Kiwis also contain a good amount of copper, which is an essential nutrient that supports the nervous system and therefore supports the healthy functioning of the eyes.

Fights inflammation

Bromelain is an enzyme found in kiwis, pineapple and green papaya which can break down proteins and heal inflammation. Upon consuming the kiwi, bromelain is released in the bloodstream where it breaks down inflammatory complexes. Kiwi has also shown to lower the inflammation relating to arthritis and prevent it from leading to other diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

High amounts of vitamin C can also curb inflammation by fighting against free radicals that can cause an inflammatory response in the body. Since Kiwis have a high concentration of vitamin C it can promote the healing of inflammation when consumed regularly.

Improves skin health

Collagen is an essential nutrient that supports the structure of the skin and strengthens bones. The vitamin C in kiwi is a key component in the synthesization of collagen in the body. Eating kiwi can help support the structure of your skin and keep it hydrated and healthy.

Acne is an inflammation of the skin and can cause embarrassing pimples on the face and body.The anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin C in kiwis can be beneficial for those dealing with acne and can greatly reduce sebum production in pores. Just apply kiwi extract mixed with aloe vera to your skin and leave overnight for best results. (Agencies)

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