Despite its rather drab exterior, the vibrant and juicy fruit it contains is remarkably nutritious. Here four very good reasons to keep a handful ready in your fruit bowl - apart from the fact that they are delicious!
Super Nutritious: One kiwi contains 71 percent of your recommended daily vitamin C requirements (just behind oranges at 80 percent). Kiwis are also a great source of potassium, as one kiwi packs 215 micrograms of potassium, which is not quite as much as a banana provides, but the trade off is that kiwis contain less sugar and calories. Other beneficial nutrients include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, and manganese.
Good for your Gut: Gut health is a big subject these days so, the next time you fancy a kiwi, make sure to eat the (edible) skin, which along with the seeds, contains insoluble fibre. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, which is wonderful for keeping your gut healthy because it adds bulk to your diet and has a diuretic effect. The juicy green flesh of the kiwi also has soluble fibre. Both types of fibre are linked to improved bowel function and help prevent constipation.
Promotes Blood Clotting: Kiwis are a superb source of vitamin K, a nutrient that is lacking in most people’s diets. One kiwi contains 23 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, which is essential for bodily functions like normal blood clotting, which works to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding should you injure a blood vessel.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Eating three kiwis a day may keep the doctor away better than an apple a day, as kiwis lower your blood pressure even more than the classic apple. The knock on benefit of this is that lower blood pressure is linked to reduced risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Late Night Snacks for Better Sleep: Kiwis also feature amongst the 6 best foods and drinks you can enjoy before bed to enhance your quality of sleep. Read on...