Alternative Titles: Actinidia deliciosa, Chinese gooseberry, kiwifruit Kiwi, (Actinidia deliciosa), also called kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, woody vine and edible fruit of the family Actinidiaceae. The plant is native to mainland China and Taiwan and is also grown commercially in New Zealand and California. The fruit has a slightly acid taste and can be eaten raw or cooked. The juice is sometimes used as a meat tenderizer. Raw kiwis are high in vitamins C and K.
Kiwi vines are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate individuals. Generally, one male plant can facilitate the pollination of three to eight female plants. The ellipsoidal kiwi fruit is a true berry and has furry brownish green skin. The firm translucent green flesh has numerous edible purple-black seeds embedded around a white centre. The deciduous leaves are borne alternately on long petioles (leaf stems), and young leaves are covered with reddish hairs.A number of other species are also grown for their fruits. Golden kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) has fewer hairs and yellower, sweeter flesh than A. deliciosa and is grown commercially in some places. Other kiwis include two cold-hardy species (A. arguta and A. kolomikta), Chinese egg gooseberry (A. coriacea), red kiwi (A. melanandra), silver vine (A. polygama), and purple kiwi (A. purpurea).Kiwi is no ordinary fruit, both in terms of the way it looks as well as its nutritional content. The vibrant green slices specked with little black seeds have always worked wonders in sprucing up desserts and fruit bowls. It is a sight for the eyes and the refreshing flavour makes it a favoured choice among fruits. Said to be Chinese in origin, it has been valued for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Ironically, along the course of history, it came to be known as the national fruit of New Zealand instead and was reintroduced to the world as ‘kiwi’ rather than its old monikers – yang tao and Chinese gooseberry. Apparently, it found its way to New Zealand via the missionaries, and gained such popularity in the country that it started being cultivated commercially and was marketed as ‘kiwi’. The Europeans and the Americans too dipped in to its popularity, as they readily started using it in their cereals, desserts and other food items. There are many kiwi benefits, if you add the to your daily diet, it is known to improve your health in many ways. The Nutritional Benefits Of Kiwi Fruit
While we credit apple as the miracle fruit, kiwi too is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and works in many ways to give you a nutritional boost. Here are some kiwi fruit benefits:
1. High Source of Vitamin C
If you thought that lemons and oranges were the highest sources of Vitamin C, then think again! According to the nutritional break-up of kiwi fruit, per 100 grams contain 154 percentage of Vitamin C, which is almost twice that of lemons and oranges. Vitamin C acts as powerful antioxidant, eliminating free radicals that could cause inflammation or cancer. It also helps in boosting the immunity of the body against harmful pathogens.
2. Sleep Inducer
Having trouble sleeping? According to a research done by Taipei Medical University, “Numerous studies have revealed that kiwi fruit contains many medicinally useful compounds, among which antioxidants and serotonin may be beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders.” It is said that having two kiwi fruits one hour before bedtime can help immensely in inducing sleep.
3. Good Source of Dietary Fiber
This exotic fruit is loaded with dietary fiber, which helps in the prevention of numerous diseases. According to a study done by the University of Leeds, “Increasing consumption of fibre-rich foods can lower risks of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).” According to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, high fiber foods keep one full for longer and control metabolic markers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. It also facilities weight loss and is often recommended to diabetics.
4. Helps in Digestion
Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme known as actinidain which is known for its protein dissolving properties, similar to that of papain in papaya. This is the reason why it is commonly used as a meat tenderiser. Moreover, it helps in the digestion of proteins in the body and is also known to help patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Kiwi fruit benefits: Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme known as actinidain
5. Good Source of Folate
It is not without reason that the Chinese valued kiwi for its medicinal properties. It is a good source of folate, which is said to be beneficial for pregnant women because it helps in the development of the foetus, making it healthy. It is also considered to be good for growing children.
6. Powerhouse of Vitamins and Minerals
Kiwi fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B6, B12, E, and potassium, calcium, iron and mag
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