Sweet and fresh kiwi taste makes this fruit popular as a fruit juice and salad. The benefits of kiwifruit are not just sweeteners, but also good for maintaining health while preventing illness.
Fruit that is identical to New Zealand has the Latin name Actinidia deliciosa. Kiwifruit originates from mainland China and in the 20th century began to be cultivated in New Zealand. Its shape resembles a chicken's egg, with a dull skin grayish brown, and fine feathers enveloping its outer surface.
The flesh is bright green or gold with soft black seeds that can be consumed simultaneously. The taste is soft, sweet, and at the same time slightly acidic, this fruit likes to be consumed by children to adults.
Kiwi benefits
Kiwifruit can be consumed directly or processed into various types of food and drinks. Its fresh taste makes kiwi can easily be combined with a variety of other healthy meals, for example made as part of salads, yogurt mixtures, sweetener ice cream, smoothies, cake, juice, to pudding.
The benefits of kiwifruit to the body are as a source of nutrients that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, amino acids, folate, and calcium. In addition, this fruit also contains many antioxidants and is a source of fiber.
Various studies have been conducted to reveal the health benefits of kiwifruit, including:
Relieve asthma
The high antioxidant and vitamin C content in kiwi can relieve asthma symptoms. Research shows, there are improvements in the condition of the lungs in people who eat fruit regularly, including kiwifruit. Eating fresh kiwifruit is thought to reduce wheezing and shortness of breath in asthmatics.
Maintain digestive health
Studies show that kiwifruit can act as a prebiotic, namely by increasing the growth of good bacteria in the intestine (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria). The fiber and prebiotic content in kiwi is good for maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the effectiveness of these prebiotics depends on the digestive conditions of each individual, and only lasts for 24 hours and lasts only while consuming kiwifruit.
Increase endurance
About 180 grams of kiwi are sufficient for vitamin C in a day. Vitamin C is an important element in increasing the body's resistance in fighting disease, one of which is the flu.
Reducing blood pressure and risk of disease
The content in kiwi can reduce blood pressure. This means, kiwi can help prevent the risk of diseases that arise due to high blood pressure, such as heart attacks and strokes. In addition, high antioxidant content can prevent diseases caused by DNA damage, such as heart disease and cancer.
Improve sleep quality
Besides containing antioxidants, kiwi also contains serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in deep sleep. Serotonin is also beneficial in improving memory and cardiovascular function. This hormone deficiency is associated with depression and mood disorders.
Reducing the risk of blood clots
The study found that consumption of two to three kiwifruit a day can reduce the risk of blood clots and decrease the amount of fat in the blood. Blood clots are associated with various diseases and serious conditions that can be life-threatening, such as stroke, heart disease, and pulmonary embolism.
Maintain eye health
Another benefit of the kiwi is protecting the eyes and preventing blindness. This is thanks to lutein and zeaxanthin contained in kiwi.
Behind the benefits of kiwifruit, this fruit can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Allergic reactions that appear in the form of swollen lips, itching of the skin and throat, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to be aware of allergic symptoms when giving kiwi to children for the first time.
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