Kiwi fruit
Kiwi fruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is the edible berry of a tree native to China. It is a popular fruit in New Zealand and eaten all over the world. It has high nutritious value and delicious taste. The fruit is brown, hairy and oval shaped; it grows on a woody wine. It contains a white pulp at the center, rows of tiny black seeds and greenish flesh.
Chemical components: Kiwi fruit is very nutritious. It consists of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. It has a higher vitamin C content than oranges, and is very rich in potassium. It also contains vitamins A, K and E, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. The seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E and the skin is rich in flavonoids.
Medical benefits:
Kiwi fruit contains a lot of antioxidants, which helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Regular consumption of Kiwi fruit reduces signs of aging and wrinkle formation.
Kiwi fruit mixed with curd, honey and almond is commonly used as a facial cleanser. Due to the presence of vitamin C and E, Kiwi fruit can soften the skin and give it a glow. Applying mashed kiwi fruit on the face and leaving it for 10 minutes helps rejuvenate the skin and shrink pores in the skin.
High fiber content in Kiwi can help treat constipation, lowers cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, maintains blood sugar level and may prevent prostrate and lung cancer.
Kiwi improves immunity and prevents respiratory problems such as asthma, cough and cold. It can also keep your eyes healthy and help treat age related eye diseases and macular degeneration.
The presence of folic acid in Kiwi helps reduce birth defects in fetus during pregnancy. Hence it is strongly recommended for pregnant women.
Magnesium, copper, phosphorus and calcium in the fruit contribute to improving bone density, strengthen bones thus prove helpful in osteoporosis.
Contraindications: Raw kiwi fruit contains the protein digesting enzyme actinidin. Hence it should not be consumed with milk and milk products. Kiwi fruit can trigger food allergy in some people. Excess consumption can cause bloating and diarrhoea.
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