Kiwifruits are one of my favorites because they are delicious and it’s fun to say their name. Kiwifruit is associated with New Zealand although it was originally from China. It was brought to New Zealand by missionaries in the early 20th century and was known as Chinese Gooseberries. Kiwifruit were introduced to North America and other areas of the world in the 1960’s when they took on their new name in honor of the national bird of New Zealand, the Kiwi! This fruit is wonderful to eat alone or with a fruit salad. Here are some of the health benefits of eating kiwifruit.
- Kiwifruit has more vitamin C than the equivalent of one orange!
- There are an abundance of health-promoting carotenoids and flavonoids found in kiwifruit which provides powerful antioxidant protection against the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- One kiwifruit contains only 46 calories!
- Studies have shown that the more kiwifruit (and citrus fruit) that children consume, the less respiratory-related health problems they have including wheezing, shortness of breath, and night coughing.
- The dietary fiber found in kiwifruit has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
- Kiwifruit is a great source of potassium and magnesium, two minerals that are important in regulating blood sugar. It is also a good source of copper and manganese which are cofactors in a powerful antioxidant.
References
Mateljan, G. (2007). The Worlds Healthiest Foods. Seattle, WA: George Mateljan Foundation.
