Kiwi: 10 benefits and properties of this exotic fruit

Kiwi is a fruit with a very particular flavor and textures that make it a somewhat exotic fruit. But in addition to its exquisite flavor, kiwi has vitamins and minerals that are very good for our body.

We tell you what the main properties and benefits of kiwi for your health, so that you are encouraged to consume this special and healthy fruit.

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Kiwi characteristics

The kiwi is an oval, small, brown fruit full of hairs that cover its skin on the outside; but when you open it, pulp is vibrant green and yellow, a little darker towards the skin and lighter towards the inside, in which its nucleus full of seeds and flashes of white color resembles the iris of an amplified eye.

Much of the kiwi is grown in New Zealand, where this delicious and exotic fruit was named kiwi, due to its similarity to the bird of the same name. This bird, which is iconic in the country, shares characteristics with the fruit, as both are small, round and hairy, with a very similar color. As a curious fact, "kiwi" is also used as an affectionate name for New Zealanders.

This is also why some people affectionately call New Zealanders “kiwi”. But the truth is that the true origin of the kiwi occurred in China, which was later brought to New Zealand. Since then this fruit has been expanding more and more to the rest of the world and thanks to the new crops we can enjoy delicious kiwis at home.

Since kiwi is an exotic fruit, some think that it comes from the tropics, but what makes kiwi even more special is that it grows in humid and preferably cold environments. This makes the properties of kiwi very beneficial for our body. We will tell you about them below!

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10 properties and benefits of kiwi

The benefits of kiwi go beyond its exotic appearance and flavor, as its properties include different types of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which can help improve the functions of our body and prevent diseases.

1. Kiwi helps you lose weight

One of the properties of kiwi is its high fiber content, equivalent to half a bowl of cereals. This helps improve digestive functions, cleanse the intestine of toxins, and process fats faster. Fiber makes us feel more satiated when eating a kiwi, making it an excellent choice for nutritional weight loss plans. In addition, its contribution of calories and fat is very low.

2. Prevent constipation

When we consume kiwi on a regular basis we are providing a large amount of soluble fiber to our body, what it does is regulate intestinal transit and keep our digestive system clean so that it works well. Thus Another of the benefits of kiwi is to avoid constipation.

3. Decreases fluid retention

Kiwi provides very few calories, but a lot of water, necessary for all the organs of the body to function properly. At the same time, helps us reduce fluid retention thanks to its low sodium content.

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4. Strengthens the immune system

The benefits of kiwi also include our immune system, as it is strengthened thanks to the large amount of vitamin C and folic acid that this fruit contains. This results in increased production of white and red blood cells and antibodies, which do not allow viruses such as those that cause the flu to prevail.

5. In blood circulation and cardiovascular function

As if that were not enough, omega 3, omega 6 and vitamin E They are also part of the properties of kiwi, which are essential for the good health of the arteries. These lower cholesterol in the blood and avoid tension in the arteries, so the blood can flow much better through them.

6. For stress and anxiety

Nothing better to relieve the stress of everyday life than eating a kiwi, especially if you are nervous before making a presentation at your work, for example. The large amount of vitamin C that kiwi provides It helps us reduce stress and lower anxiety levels.

7. Protects us from UV rays

On summer days many of us love to get out in the sun and catch a bit of color, but for others this can be suffering, as they are very sensitive to the effects of UV rays. Well, this is one of the benefits of kiwi that comes in handy if this is one of your problems, then a property of kiwi is lutein, a substance that acts as an insulating filter for the skin and protects from UV rays.

8. Strengthens bones and teeth

Kiwifruit is rich in copper, magnesium and potassium, all essential minerals to strengthen bones and teeth. So, with each kiwi we eat, we are contributing 10% of each of these minerals to our body.

9. Balances the pH

Our body must maintain its pH balanced between acidity and alkalinity and, if possible, a little more alkaline. One of the benefits of kiwi is that its great contribution of minerals helps us to counteract acidity of other foods we eat and restore alkalinity to the body.

10. Control blood pressure

Another benefit of kiwi is that it helps us maintain balanced blood pressure, since potassium and fiber, two of the properties of kiwi, are excellent for counteracting the effects of sodium, which is what increases blood pressure. In addition, potassium not only helps blood pressure, but also helps us maintain muscle mass.

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