Beautiful skin to Vitamin C booster: Benefits of kiwi you shouldn’t miss out on

To make the most of its nutritional value, it is said that the best way to have it is on its own, as a raw fruit.

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. Placed under the category of exotic fruits, kiwi often features as a topping in pavlovas or in fruit bowls, salads and smoothies. Very rarely it is cooked; in desserts especially, it is used fresh as an enzyme present in it tends to break down milk proteins rather quickly, interfering with the final texture of the dish.

It also acts as a tenderizing agent for meats and is commonly used in the preparation of roasts and curries. However, to make the most of its nutritional value, it is said that the best way to have it is on its own, as a raw fruit.

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% of Vitamin C, which is almost twice that of lemons and oranges. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, eliminating free radicals that could cause inflammation or cancer. It also helps in boosting the immunity of the body against harmful pathogens.
 

Sleep Inducer: Having trouble sleeping? 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.
 

Good Source of Dietary Fiber: This exotic fruit is loaded with dietary fiber, which helps in the prevention of numerous diseases. Increasing consumption of fibre-rich foods can lower risks of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). 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.
 

Helps in Digestion: Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme known as actinidin 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.

Powerhouse of Vitamins and Minerals: Kiwi fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B6, B12, E, and potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. These contribute collectively to the proper functioning of the body such as blood circulation through the vessels, fight stress, iron absorption for healthy bones and teeth, good vision, etc. The high levels of potassium, 312 mg per 100 grams, help in maintaining blood pressure whereas magnesium helps in the nerve and muscle functions.

Beautiful Skin: Kiwi is alkaline in nature, which means it helps in countering the effects of acidic foods that we quite often consume. A healthy body is one which has a good pH balance, which helps in keeping you active, full of energy, and with a youthful skin. The vitamins prevent in kiwi (C and E) are said to be great for the skin as they act as antioxidants, preventing skin degradation. Take a few slices and apply them on your skin for good results.

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