According to recent studies, Kiwifruit is the most nutrient dense of all the major fruits. Many people already know that kiwifruit is packed with more vitamin C than an orange. But here are a few of the other healthful nutrients you’ll get when you enjoy a fresh kiwi:
Lutein . . .
This phytochemical is receiving a great deal of recent attention for its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration – a leading cause of blindness. This carotenoid functions as an antioxidant, and next to yellow corn, a single serving of kiwifruit (2 medium kiwifruit) is the richest source of lutein in the vegetable world
Fiber . . .
Soluble fiber protects against heart disease and diabetes, while insoluble fiber reduces the risk of some cancers, constipation, and diverticulitis. A single serving of kiwifruit contains both types of fiber!
Copper for Kids . . .
California Kiwifruit is high in Copper, vital for infant growth, bone strength, brain development, and building immunity. Copper is a mineral involved in making red blood cells and developing a strong immune system.
More Potassium than Bananas . . .
Potassium from fruits and vegetables helps the heart work more efficiently, and is significantly in controlling blood pressure – the “silent killer”. Potassium controls heart activity and maintains fluid balance. A single serving of kiwifruit outranks bananas as the top low-sodium, high-potassium fruit
Yellow kiwifruit may boost immune health: study
A puree from gold kiwifruit may enhance the immune response by promoting the production of antibodies in mice, suggests a new study from the home of the fruit.
“These results indicate that Zespri Gold kiwifruit can modulate an antigen-specific immune response and suggest that Zespri Gold Kiwifruit may represent a new type of functional food ingredient,” wrote the researchers in the journal Nutrition Research.
More Info at : http://www.foodnavigator.com/Product-Categories/Health-and-nutritional-ingredients/Yellow-kiwifruit-may-boost-immune-health-study
Kiwifruit Benefits Heart Health Similar To Aspirin
If you’ve been taking aspirin daily to improve heart health, you’ll be interested to know about a much tastier way to get the same effects – to thin blood, reduce clotting and lower fat in the blood that can cause blockage, without negatively affecting cholesterol levels.
That comes from recent research conducted by the University of Oslo, in short, kiwifruit consumption has similar effects to the daily dosage of aspirin recommended by physicians to improve heart health.
“Our study shows that consuming two or three kiwifruit per day for 28 days significantly reduced platelet aggregation (blood clotting) in human volunteers, similar to aspirin. Moreover, plasma triglyceride levels were also reduced in these volunteers.”
Not to Mention . . .
Folate, Magnesium, and Vitamin E are all well represented in kiwifruit, offering health benefits that range from bone formation to reduced risks of heart disease. Plus kiwifruit contains no saturated fat or cholesterol.
A single serving containing Folate, helps protect against birth defects, cancer and heart disease, and helps prevent 70% of neural tube in babies each year. This is especially important for all woman of child bearing age.
Magnesium found in a serving of kiwifruit is a vital mineral, whose intake often falls short in the American diet, but is important for bone formation, heart rhythm regulation, muscle relaxation and nerve function.
The Vitamin E found in a serving of kiwifruit may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and exercise-induced oxidative damage. Unlike most sources of Vitamin E, kiwifruit is a low-fat food source of vitamin E (typically found in high-fat foods like oils and nuts).
Though the skin is edible, most people peel kiwifruit before using it in dishes or by itself. To peel, lop off both ends then peel off skin with a sharp stainless steel paring knife or vegetable peeler. The fruit is then cut in thin slices or halved, lengthwise, then cut it into half moon slices.
Sunkist Sectionizer: Insert kiwifruit into sectionizer with blossom end down and stem end up. For best results, use cutter that cuts fruit into quarters. This type of cut allows you to make 1/4 to 1/2 cup servings, depending on fruit size (refer to Fruit Size/Portion Chart). The sectionizer also makes kiwifruit easy to eat like an orange. Eat kiwifruit skin and all. The kiwifruit skin doubles the dietary fiber content to 7.5 grams.
Cut N Scoop: Cut kiwifruit in half and serve with a spoon and let the kids scoop it out.
Slice in Rings: For fruit salad or salad bar, remove blossom and stem ends first and slice into attractive slices with the skin on.