Kiwi is one of the most popular fruits around the world, mostly because of its portability, sweetness, and taste! Both kids and adults alike love this bright green fruit because it’s fun to eat, and tastes great. But, as with many fruits, there are plenty of ‘hidden’ benefits to kiwi that you may not know about. Check out these 5 health benefits and reasons to eat kiwi, and to bring it in as a staple of your diet as often as possible.
#1: It Helps With Digestion
Kiwi actually contains a specific enzyme that can help to break down proteins in your body, aiding with digestion. If you struggle with things like stomach issues, heartburn, or even if you have a stomach ache after eating a meal, try slicing up a kiwi and enjoying it for a bit of ‘dessert.’ Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it will help you to digest your food more efficiently, and with fewer problems. It is an excellent source of fiber, which can also aid with constipation if it’s a regular problem for you.
#2: Manages Blood Pressure
If you struggle with high blood pressure, you may already know of some specific foods that can help to regulate it, or even lower it. Many people automatically reach for a banana to help with their blood pressure, because of the high potassium levels, but kiwi has almost as much potassium as one banana, and you could easily eat two or three as a snack! Kiwi helps to fight back against sodium in the body, effectively lowering blood pressure, and keeping it where it’s supposed to be.
#3: It’s A Superfood
Kiwi is packed with antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. One of it’s biggest benefits is how much vitamin C it packs into such a small ‘package,’ so the next time you’re feeling under the weather, having a few kiwi can really help to boost your immune system. It’s also important not to ignore the fuzzy skin on the outside of the fruit. Most people peel it away and discard it, but the skin is actually extremely beneficial as well. It can help to bind up toxins from your intestinal tract, and remove them from your body. Consider eating a whole kiwi to be somewhat of a ‘cleanse’ for your body!
#4: Good For The Heart
Did you know that kiwi actually has many similar properties to aspirin, when it comes to reducing the risk of blood clots? The small fruit can actually reduce the risk of clotting by up to 18%. Blood clots are what typically cause heart conditions in a lot of people, and they can be potentially dangerous, which is why a lot of people take at least one aspirin every day. But, kiwi is an all-natural source of the same properties that you can enjoy again and again, without any risk or negative side effects (plus, you’re getting a sweet treat along with it, too!).
Keep It Up With Kiwi
Kiwi has been listed again and again as one of the ‘safest’ foods to eat all over the world, because much of the kiwi crop we find in stores is actually organic, and free of pesticides, thanks to the way it grows. Additional benefits include tons of Vitamin E, which is great for the skin. Kiwi is also an incredibly alkaline fruit, which can help to balance the pH levels in your body and leave you with younger looking skin, more vibrancy, and more energy.
So, don’t be afraid to pack a couple kiwi in your next lunch, send one with your kids to school, or enjoy the versatile fruit as a snack, knowing all of the amazing things it’s doing for your body.
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Eat the peel? I don’t know if I could, but I guess I’ll try it.