(NaturalPath) People like Kiwis due to their sweet taste and bright color, but there are better reasons to like this fruit that makes one think of New Zealand. Health Benefits! This wonderful fruit has several ways to help keep you healthy.
1. | Digestion
Just like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple the actinidain in a raw kiwi is a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal.
2. | Blood Pressure
Kiwi’s high levels of potassium helps keep our electrolytes in balance by counteracting the effects of sodium.
3. | Boosts Immunity
Just like many other fruits, Kiwis have many antioxidant compounds that have been proven to boost the immune system, fighting infections and keeping you healthy. One such antioxidant compound Kiwis have is vitamin C.
4. |Smart Carb for Weight Loss
Kiwi’s low glycemic index and high fiber content means it will not create a strong insulin rush like other fruits with high sugar contents and therefore the body will respond by not storing it as fat.
5. | Digestive Health and Toxins
Since Kiwis are a great source of fiber they can prevent constipation other intestinal problems while also helping bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.
6. | Eye Health
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on more than 110,000 men and women showed that eating three or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36 percent. This is thought to be associated with the kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin – both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye.
7. | Heart Health
Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18 percent and reduce triglycerides by 15 percent. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with not side effects, just additional health benefits.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
