Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) originates from South China where it is declared “national fruit“, and as an exotic plant in Europe, it was brought from New Zealand in the early 20th century, where the first plantations were planted. He got his name after the Kiwi bird living in New Zealand.
Depending on the place where it can grow, it can reach a height of 9 m, and it is characterized by local, juicy fruit, with intense taste and creamy structure, with small black seeds. Nowadays, the largest producer of kiwi is Italy, and in the same extent, it falls into New Zealand, Chile, France, Greece, Japan, USA, Spain, and Israel.
This exotic fruit, known all over the world, is increasingly used in our country. Some nutritionists also call it “superfood” because it has an ideal balance between the minimum number of calories and the maximum healing effect that this fruit has on the human organism. Exotic smell and flavor hide a small treasure trove of various vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that maintain and improve health.
It contains three times more vitamins C, compared to the lemon, so it acts favorably on the cardiovascular system, prevents heart and stroke, strengthens immunity, increases iron absorption (favorable in anemia) and protects the gums from bleeding. Besides vitamin C, it includes other antioxidants like vitamin A and flavonoids that protect the body from harmful free radicals (against melanoma, liver cancer).
This fruit is abundant with soluble fiber that helps digest food, protects the mucous membrane of the gut, allows the reduction of elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels and by reducing colon to exposure to toxic substances it can prevent colon cancer.
Also prevents the appearance of eye diseases caused by aging because it has a lot of vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, sodium). As low-calorie fruit is perfect for every diet because it accelerates metabolism and allows weight reduction.
Consumption of kiwi is very important in the diet of pregnant women because it is rich in vitamins from the B group and folic acid that enable the healthy and proper development of the fetus.
It is also ideal for those who have high blood pressure, asthma, but also for those who have problems with stones or sand in the kidneys, bladder or bile. Research shows that only one piece of this fruit is enough in the morning to prevent blood clots, as it acts as a tablet aspirin and protects against atherosclerosis.
In addition, it is a true remedy against fatigue and bad mood, which are common in the winter months (the inositol present). You can eat kiwi raw, and also you can use it for the preparation of fruit salads and cakes. But you should also know that an excessive consumption of this fruit can cause an allergy.