Eat Me: Eight healthy reasons to love kiwi fruit

Kiwi fruit is a bright-green coloured exotic fruit named after the New Zealand Kiwi bird — an unusual flightless bird — because both are small, brown and furry.

Kiwi is packed with a lot of essential nutrients that are just healthy for the body.

Below are nine health benefits of kiwi fruit.

Aids digestion

Raw kiwi contains actinidain, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.

This is the reason why it is commonly used as a meat tenderiser. Moreover, it helps in the digestion of proteins in the body and is also known to help patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

‘Prevents’ DNA damage

A study by Collins, Horska and Hotten showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in kiwi helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts suggest this can help prevent cancer.

Boosts immunity

Kiwi’s high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

Detoxifies the body

The fuzzy fiber of kiwi helps bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.

Good heart health

The fiber and potassium in kiwis support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, MD, MS, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School.

High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

Suitable for diabetics

Kiwi is in the ‘low’ category for glycemic index, meaning it does not raise your blood sugar quickly. It has a glycemic load of 4 which means it is safe for diabetics.

Creates alkaline balance

Kiwi has a rich supply of minerals to replace the excess of acidic foods most individuals consume. Some of the benefits of a properly acid/alkaline balanced body are; youthful skin, deeper sleep, abundant physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis and reduced osteoporosis.

Protects skin from degeneration

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.