Kiwi, or Chinese gooseberries, are nutrient-dense foods with many health benefits.
They are low in calories and high in nutrients.
For example, kiwi fruit contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium.
In addition, kiwifruit is a powerful source of fiber that may help lower blood pressure, maintain bowel movements, and more.
Table of Contents
Kiwi Nutrition Profile
Kiwis have a high nutrient profile.
The following is the nutritional profile for a 3.5 ounce (100-gram) serving of raw, green kiwi flesh (1):
- Calories: 64
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.44 grams
- Vitamin C: 83% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin E: 9% of the DV
- Folate: 7% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 34% of the DV
- Copper: 15% of the DV
- Potassium: 4% of the DV
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Kiwis are extremely high in vitamin C. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) Kiwi provides over 80% of the average daily vitamin C requirement.
In the body, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. It also plays a role in immune function and is required by the body to produce collagen and neurotransmitters (2).
Kiwis also have potassium, copper, vitamin K, folate, and vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient with antioxidant properties and an important role in immune health (3).
Kiwis are low in calories and high in fiber.
Here are 7 health benefits of kiwi.
1. Good for Digestion
Kiwis have enough fiber, which is perfect for digestion. The proteolytic enzyme in Kiwi known as actinidin can help break down proteins.
One recent study found that actinidin enhanced the digestion of most proteins (4).
2. May Help Treat Asthma
The high content of vitamin C and antioxidants found in kiwifruit will, in fact, benefit people with asthma.
One study found a beneficial effect on lung function among those who regularly ate fresh fruit, including kiwis.
Fresh fruit such as kiwis can decrease wheezing in susceptible children (5).
3. May Strengthens Immune System
Kiwis are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. Only 1 cup of Kiwi offers about 273% of your recommended daily value.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for boosting your immune system and preventing disease.
One study found that kiwis could help immune function and decrease the risk of contracting cold- or flu-like illnesses (6).
This is true for people at risk, such as adults over 65 and young children.
4. May Control Blood Pressure
Kiwifruits can help you control your blood pressure. Research found that three kiwis a day had better effects on blood pressure than one apple a day (7).
This could also mean a decreased risk for disorders such as strokes or heart attacks in the long term.
5. May Decrease Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress will damage your DNA. This can lead to many chronic diseases. A study shows that daily intake of kiwi or kiwi extract decreases the risk of oxidative stress (8).
The oxidation can damage DNA and cause colon diseases. Regular consumption of kiwi may reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
6. May Protect Against Vision Loss
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, and kiwis may help protect your eyes against it.
One study found that eating three servings of fruits a day decreased macular degeneration by 36% (9).
The zeaxanthin and lutein compounds found in fruits and vegetables can contribute to this effect.
7. May Reduce the Risk of Blood Clotting
Kiwis might reduce blood clotting. In addition, it may help you control blood pressure (7).
Research by the University of Oslo found consuming three kiwis a day substantially decreased the risk of blood coagulation (10).
They have also found that it can decrease blood triglyceride levels. Researchers said those results were like those of those who were taking aspirin to enhance cardiac safety.
Potential Risks
Except for those who are allergic to it, kiwifruit is safe for most people. Kiwi allergy symptoms include an itchy throat, a swollen tongue, swallowing problems, vomiting, and hives (11).
If you are allergic to hazelnuts, avocados, latex, wheat, figs, or poppy seeds, you should not consume kiwifruit.
Kiwis may slow blood clotting and increase bleeding. This could make bleeding disorders more serious. If you have a bleeding disorder or are about to undergo surgery, avoid eating kiwis.
How to Eat Kiwi
You can eat kiwis as a smoothie or blended. It is best to avoid cooking kiwis so they can keep their vitamin C content.
You can also find kiwifruit extracts as a supplement. Supplements can be as powder, tablets, or capsules, and are made from kiwi extract.
Eating one to three kiwis a day is enough to help most people get the nutrient boost from the fruit. Some kiwi powders have a daily dosage of around 5.5 grams.
Follow the advice on supplements you are taking or ask your doctor before beginning a new supplement regimen. They will tell you exactly how much is good for you.
Conclusion
Kiwis contain an exceptionally outrageous amount of vitamin C.
Because of this, kiwis are good for immune support, control blood pressure, and can even help with diseases like asthma and macular degeneration.
Kiwi contains a special enzyme capable of fighting inflammation and improving digestion.