Despite their diminutive size, kiwis pack plenty of flavor and health benefits. While it’s commonly known as the national fruit of New Zealand, kiwi is actually said to be Chinese in origin, where it was valued for its medicinal properties since ancient times.

Today, kiwi is known to be full of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate and potassium. It’s also known for being rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber.

Kiwi is also quite versatile, perfect for cereals, fruit bowls and desserts, as well as readily available – they’re in season year-round due to being grown in different locations.

If you’re still not convinced about this tangy green fruit, here are seven reasons to try kiwi.

Aids digestion

Kiwi has plenty of fiber, which is good for your digestion. In addition, it also contains a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin that can help break down protein. In fact, studies show that kiwi extract with actinidin enhances the digestion of most proteins.

Supports your immune system

Kiwi is very rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient when it comes to boosting your immune system to ward off disease. In fact, just one cup of kiwi provides you with 237 percent of your recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C.

Studies show that thanks to its high vitamin C content, kiwi may support your immune function and reduce the risk of you developing cold- or flu-like illnesses.

May help treat asthma

The high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwi are thought to actually help treat people with asthma. A study from 2000 found that people who consumed fresh fruit, including kiwi, regularly experienced beneficial effects on lung function. Kiwi may also help reduce wheezing in susceptible children.

Can help manage blood pressure

On top of boosting your immune system and protecting you from asthma, studies show that kiwi can also help you manage your blood pressure. Specifically, a 2014 study found that eating three kiwis a day can help lower your blood pressure more than one apple a day.

Reduces blood clotting

On top of helping you manage your blood pressure, kiwi can actually help reduce blood clotting. One study, from the University of Oslo, found that eating two to three kiwis a day significantly lowered the risk of blood clotting.

The same study also found that kiwis help reduce the amount of fat in the blood. According to the researchers, the effects of eating kiwi were the same as taking aspirin every day for heart health.

May protects against loss of vision

Kiwis may help protect your eyes from macular degeneration – one of the leading causes of vision loss. One study found that eating three full servings of kiwi a day decreased macular degeneration by 36 percent. This was thought to be because of the fruit’s high levels of zeaxanthin and lutien.

Reduces risk of other health conditions

Oxidative stress is a major cause of health problems due to how it can damage your DNA. In the long run, this can lead to conditions such as colon cancer.

Thankfully, kiwi is full of antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress. In particular, studies show that regular consumption of kiwi or kiwi extract can reduce your likelihood of oxidative stress.

Kiwi is a wonderful and versatile fruit that can provide you with a number of amazing health benefits. Give the fruit a chance so that you too can experience these benefits and more.

Sources:

Healthline.com

Pubs.ACS.org

CDNSciencePub.com

Thorax.BMJ.com

TAndFonline.com 1

JAMANetwork.com

TAndFOnline.com 2