17 Interesting Facts About Kiwi Fruit

Introduction

The kiwi fruit, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, has become an increasingly popular food item over the past few decades. Though native to China, today kiwi fruits are grown commercially in several countries around the world.

Kiwis are small, oval-shaped fruits with brown fuzzy skin and vibrant green flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. Their unique appearance, sweet and tart flavor, and impressive nutrient content make them a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet.

Here are 17 fascinating facts about this remarkable fruit:

Interesting Facts About Kiwi Fruit

1. Kiwi plants are dioecious. Kiwi vines have male and female reproductive organs on separate plants, meaning that a male plant is needed to pollinate female plants in order for them to bear fruit. Generally, one male kiwi plant can pollinate 3 to 8 female vines.
2. The skin is edible. While many people peel kiwis before eating them, the fuzzy brown skin is entirely edible. Leaving the skin on provides additional fiber, nutrients, and flavor.
3. They contain actinidin enzymes. Kiwis are rich in actinidin, a type of protease enzyme that helps break down and digest proteins in the body. This makes them great for improving digestion.
4. Kiwis have more vitamin C than oranges. Ounce for ounce, kiwis contain more than twice the vitamin C of oranges. One large kiwi fruit provides over 230% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake.
5. They have high antioxidant levels. Kiwis are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds help prevent cell damage by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
6. The seeds are edible. While you can scrape them out if you prefer, kiwi seeds are entirely edible, providing extra nutrition and fiber. Their small size and soft texture make them easy to chew and swallow.
7. Kiwis may help manage blood pressure. Several studies have found that eating kiwis regularly can reduce blood pressure levels, likely due to their high potassium content. Maintaining healthy blood pressure promotes heart health.
8. They promote healthy sleep. The serotonin and antioxidants in kiwi have been shown to improve sleep efficiency and quality. Eating kiwis before bed may help you fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed.
9. Kiwis support immune function. The vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants in kiwi all help strengthen immune response and prevent infection-causing pathogens from taking hold in the body.
10. They can help reduce asthma symptoms. Multiple studies have shown links between eating kiwis and reduced asthma symptoms, due to their anti-inflammatory nutrients and ability to improve lung function.
11. Kiwis may lower blood sugar levels. The low glycemic index and high fiber content of kiwis mean they provide a slow, steady release of sugars into the bloodstream. This effect may help manage and prevent diabetes.
12. They promote healthy digestion. Kiwis contain enzymes that facilitate digestion and nutrient absorption. Their high fiber content also promotes regularity and healthy gut bacteria levels.
13. Kiwis support heart health. The nutrients and antioxidants in kiwi help reduce oxidative damage, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation – all protecting cardiovascular health.
14. They contain calcium and phosphorus. Kiwis provide decent amounts of minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
15. Kiwis may have anticancer effects. Some research indicates the unique antioxidants in kiwis, including vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids, may help prevent or slow the progression of certain cancers by neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals.
16. They are environmentally sustainable. Compared to other fruit crops, kiwi plants require relatively little water, fertilizer, or pesticides. This makes them one of the more ecologically sustainable fruits to grow and consume.
17. Kiwis can be stored long-termWhen stored properly in a cool environment, kiwis can last up to 6 months after harvest. This allows them to be enjoyed year-round, even when out of season in most regions.

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Conclusion

With their stellar nutrient profile, unique taste and texture, and an array of potential health benefits, kiwi fruits are truly one of nature’s superfoods. As the global kiwi supply continues expanding, their delicious flavor and versatility help explain their soaring popularity across the world.

Whether enjoyed on their own, sliced into fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used to garnish dishes, kiwis make for a tasty and nutritious addition to any diet. So next time you’re browsing the produce aisle or perusing a smoothie menu, consider adding some fresh, healthy kiwi fruits into the mix.