Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit can and should be eaten whole. The skin increases tartness and offers additional vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you desire something less tart; cut the kiwi in half and eat as you would a passion fruit scooping out the flesh; or peel and slice it like a pineapple. 

Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Components

Talk about a fruit packing a punch in taste and vitamins. Kiwi fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and is high in potassium. By comparison it’s content is less than a banana’s, but you’d eat more anyway. It also contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants as well. Didn’t I say to eat the skin?

The kiwi fruit seed oil contains on average 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. More than 90% of the fruit is made up of water, so it only has 90 calories per serving. A 5-oz. serving of kiwifruit averages over 450 mg of potassium, beating out the banana and the orange.

It also has about 230% of the RDA for vitamin C and has approximately 10% of the RDA for folic acid and vitamin E.

Medicinal Uses Based on Scientific Studies

The kiwifruit has also been reported in some cultures to have been used for slight cases of diarrheic illnesses, being induced as a mild laxative. It is chock full of fiber, since the large amount of little black seeds found in the kiwifruit make for a great method of aiding digestion (hence the use as a mild laxative). The way in which this is accomplished, is by providing a natural fruity way of feeling a better sense of fullness.

When a kiwifruit is found in its raw state, high contents of actinidin (an enzyme that dissolves protein) can be found. This compound is often found in commercial production as a means of tenderizing meat. This same substance can cause allergic reactions for some people, and also an allergen inducer for others. In that same sense, those individuals who find themselves allergic to pineapples, latex, or other similar substances within that category should be aware that they are most likely allergic to the common kiwifruit as well.

Common allergic reactions to kiwifruit involve tingling and a sore mouth, puffing up of the face, tongue and lips; rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting, and in the some critical cases, difficulties of breathing, such as wheezing. As most of these symptoms are more commonly found in children, it is quite possible that they will be outgrown later in life. Regular checkups should be made to the doctor on an annual basis to see if your body has grown into the ability of consuming this fruit, with the addition of developing a tolerance to similar substances.

Aside from containing large amounts of allergens, vitamins, proteins and fibers, the kiwifruit holds a mild level of lutein, also known as a phytochemical. This chemical has been tested in scientific experiments in search of links with the prostrate and lung cancer prevention. In addition, this exotic yet common fruit holds an abundance of carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, and xanthophylls), phenolic compounds, and antioxidants including, but not limited to, vitamins C and E. Another way of improving the strength and durability of blood vessels, which helps to decrease inflammation in the veins, is through flavonoids – also found in kiwifruits.

Another substance that is found in kiwifruits is called inositol, a natural sugar type alcohol. Recent scientific studies have shown that the function of inositol serves as a precursor for certain brain neurotransmitters of relatively high importance. This translates into the benefit of serving as a method of improving the conduction of nerves within the field of diabetic neuropathy. Also within the field of neurobiology, the kiwifruit contains a high content of serotonin, having a calming effect on most individuals with a particular lack of serotonin producers, serving as a dual agent in helping to calm anxiety or depression.

Another reason that the high content of vitamin C in the kiwifruit is so important has to do with the natural reasons behind the benefits of vitamin C itself. Vitamin C is known to be beneficial towards the gums and their rejuvenation, and healing for wounds. The high content of magnesium found in the kiwifruit nears the sixth percentile range of the daily value for healthy intake, making it a well balanced snack. The levels of magnesium in the body are particularly important to watch with regards to preventing heart disease, myocardial infarction, and hypertension.

The kiwifruit is also the proud container via scientific tests of a wide range of electrolytes. These microscopic minerals are a necessity for replenishing energy after exercise during any time of the day. Get up and go with kiwi fruit!