5 Reasons Why You Should Be Keen on Kiwi
By Brandi Goodman
Also known as Chinese gooseberry, kiwi fruit is roughly the size of a goose egg. After peeling away the fuzzy, brownish skin, you reveal the green flesh with black seeds. This fruit makes a tasty addition to your menu and should be consumed more often for the benefits it brings.
It's a Low-Calorie Snack
Finding something to snack on can be difficult when everything contains lots of calories, sugar, sodium, and fat. Fruit is the ideal solution. A kiwi contains just 42 calories, making it a low-calorie snack that is safe to enjoy. You could even have a full cup of kiwi slices and only add a little over 100 calories to your daily count.
Packed With Vitamin C
Adults need 65 milligrams or more of Vitamin C each day. Just one small kiwi provides this amount. Eat one each day and you're getting a great source of the vitamin that helps to boost the immune system and fight symptoms of the common cold and other illnesses. A kiwi even offers more Vitamin C than a small orange.
Helps the Digestive Process
Each kiwi offers more than 2 grams of fiber. Paired with actinidin, a proteolytic enzyme, proteins can be broken down for digestion more easily. This fruit helps the digestive process so it can work efficiently.
Lowering Blood Pressure
An apple a day is said to help lower blood pressure, reducing the chance of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke. Three small kiwis a day can have a greater effect. Bioactive substances paired with vitamins in kiwis can boost the immune system and lower blood pressure over time. This keeps the heart functioning well and limits the chance for stroke and heart disease.
Boosting Vision
The eyes are an important part of the body to keep healthy. Poor vision can make it difficult to see and manage simple tasks. Macular degeneration can lead to vision loss and becomes more and more possible as people age. Eating kiwis, which are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins, can help to prevent macular degeneration from setting in. Just three servings of fruit in general can ward off vision loss.
Enjoy kiwi more often to get the benefits. It's a healthy snack solution that you can add to meals as well when you're looking for something sweet. The limited calorie amount and lots of vitamins makes it extremely beneficial to consume regularly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Noblesville, Ind.