The kiwi is a fruit native to China cultivated in warm climates. Today, the fruit grows primarily in California and New Zealand. The fruit is small and brown with short, stiff hairs that grow from the skin and light green flesh that contains edible seeds. The flavor is similar to a combination of strawberry and banana. The fruit's harvest season is during the month of November. The kiwi's nutrients provide a variety of benefits.
Vitamin C
A kiwi fruit provides 64 mg of vitamin C, more than 100 percent of the 60 mg the FDA recommends you consume each day. Your body uses vitamin C to generate collagen, a component of skin tissue necessary for the development and repair of skin. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C are also important. The vitamin protects your cells, tissues and organs from toxins produced during normal metabolism that can cause damage eventually leading to premature aging and disease.
Potassium
A kiwi provides 215 mg of potassium, or 6 percent of the 3,500 mg the FDA recommends. Including foods that contain potassium in the diet is important for regulating fluid balance in the body and reducing high blood pressure caused by excessive sodium common in the standard American diet. Potassium also supports muscle contraction in the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
Fiber
A kiwi fruit provides 2 g of fiber, or 8 percent of the 25 g the FDA recommends. The average American does not meet the daily fiber requirement and eats only 14 g. Including ample fruits and vegetables in the diet is important for supporting regular elimination, carbohydrate digestion and blood glucose balance and providing sustenance to curb hunger between meals.
Calories
A kiwi contains 42 calories, only 2 percent of a 2,000 calorie diet. Consuming nutritious, low-calorie and flavorful foods, like the kiwi, satiates your appetite and provides vitamins and minerals that support your metabolism so that your body functions optimally. You can slice a kiwi in half and eat the flesh with a spoon, or peel and slice it and add it to yogurt and salads for a flavorful, healthy addition to your meal.
Member Comments