Tired of eating the same old bananas, apples and oranges? Try some kiwifruits for a change. These round little fruits might not be as popular as other nutrient-dense superfoods out there, but don’t be fooled. Each one of them boasts an incredible nutrition profile rich in essential nutrients, minerals and potent plant compounds.

The goodness of kiwifruit

Here are some science-backed health benefits of this humble fruit:

Supports digestion

Kiwifruit is a great source of fiber, an essential nutrient that softens stool and aids digestion. It also contains actinidain, a plant enzyme that helps process proteins in the gut and facilitates gastric digestion.

Therefore, eating the fruit after a meal can help ease bloating, indigestion and other common gastrointestinal problems that occur soon after eating. Some people also eat the fruit peel because it contains most of the fruit’s fibers.

Supports heart health

Kiwifruit is rich in potassium, an essential mineral for blood pressure control. In fact, potassium helps protect against high blood pressure, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

The fruit has also been found to reduce bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. If left unchecked, high amounts of bad cholesterol can clog the arteries and cause them to stiffen. This raises the pressure in the bloodstream and heightens the risk of ruptures and blood clots.

Fights inflammation

Kiwifruit contains another protein-digesting enzyme called bromelain that has been found to reduce inflammation and ease muscle soreness. In fact, bromelain is often used for treating acute inflammation and sports-related injuries because of its natural analgesic effects. It has also been used as a natural medicine for treating arthritis-related inflammation and joint pain.

Aids in weight loss

Despite its rich nutrient content, the kiwifruit itself is low in calories, so eating more than one after a meal shouldn’t be an issue. The fruit’s high fiber content also helps sustain feelings of fullness for longer periods of time. This means that the fiber keeps the gut preoccupied hours after a meal, tricking it into thinking that it’s still full. In essence, this leads to weight loss.

Boosts immune functions

Kiwifruit has also been found to enhance immune functions because of its rich vitamin C content. This essential nutrient helps protect against disease-causing pathogens responsible for the common cold, the flu and other illnesses. Vitamin C also helps get rid of harmful free radicals responsible for causing inflammation and cancer-related DNA damage.

Prevents excessive bleeding

Eating kiwifruit can also help stanch bleeding from damaged blood vessels. This effect can be attributed to the fruit’s high amounts of vitamin K, a nutrient essential for blood clotting. That said, vitamin K is also essential for preventing blood clots that can trigger an ischemic stroke.

Protects against macular degeneration

Besides suppressing inflammation and fighting harmful pathogens, the antioxidants in kiwifruit also protect against age-related macular degeneration that can lead to vision loss. Kiwifruit also contains lutein, a plant compound hailed for its protective effects against common vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma.

Kiwifruit offers a number of incredible health benefits, from better digestion to better heart health. Eat this superfood as part of a balanced diet to make the most out of its nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.

Sources:

PinkVilla.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov