Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) aka: Chinese gooseberries, are small oval shaped fruits with a thin brown furry skin, light green inner pulp, and little black edible seeds at their center.
Health benefits of Kiwifruit
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit are ready to eat when they yield gently to pressure and have a sweet smell. Avoid kiwis which are overly soft, or withered. Kiwis which are still firm can be bought and kept to ripen till they become soft.
How to store Kiwifruit
Ripe kiwis can keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, when bought firm they can last for up to eight weeks at room temperature. Store kiwis in a paper bag ripen them quickly.
Climate and origin
Kiwifruit originated in East Asia, probably China, and in the 1800s spread to most of the rest of the world. The climate they can tolerate depends on type, but most do well in warm temperate climates with a few being able to survive colder areas. (Zones 4-9 in the U.S.)
Taste
Kiwifruit have a tart taste and a mushy texture.
Miscellaneous information
Although commonly associated with New Zealand, Italy is actually the top producer of kiwi fruit, growing over four hundred thousand metric tons a year. Over one million metric tons are grown each year in the world.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 61 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.52g | 1% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 3mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 14.7g | 5% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% | ||
| Total Sugars 9g | 18% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.1g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 92.7mg | 103% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.31mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 34mg | 3% | ||
| Potassium 312mg | 7% | ||
| Phosphorus 34mg | 3% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||