Unbeatable Nutritional Benefits of Kiwi Fruit - Facts You Must Know

By Andy Croucher 

Produce Marketing Association performed a research very recently, which revealed that the nutritional characteristics of kiwi are quite different from most other fruits. As a matter of fact, there are many instances in which the this fruit's nutritional value has preceded other fruits belonging to the same family or related products. Nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit have become unparallel to any other fruit.

While the vitamin profile of kiwifruit always looked impressive, it also contains desirable fiber and natural sugar that provides energy to the body. It is loaded with the goodness of vitamin C, and surprisingly the vitamin C content is more than orange.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are more than 20 quintessential nutrients contained in this fruit. This makes nutritional benefits of kiwi quite impressive. However, it has also been revealed that the nutritional makeup of this fruit makes it less of a fruit and more like a vegetable.

The Kiwi Family

Kiwis belongs to the family of berries. Its nutritional presence is quite different from fruits like pears, citrus, apples and peaches. Berries usually have some amazing characteristics which gives them those added nutrients.

Kiwi fruits have seeds and pulp; the nutrient content of seeds and pulp are different.

The kiwi seed contains nutrients like proteins, minerals, vitamins and energy. The whole fruit contains the goodness of whole grains that supplies the body with a lot of fiber.

Nutritional Facts

Nutritional benefits of kiwis can be defined with some facts that have been disclosed by studies. Because of the amazing nutritional benefits of this fruit, studies have been conducted at large to learn more about the potent benefits of this fruit and to use it to the optimum for health benefits.

Lutein

Lutein is a magical phytochemical contained in kiwi fruit. In fact, kiwis contain adequate lutein to ensure that it affects the body efficiently to reduce the risks of heart diseases and some cancer types. It can also help in preventing macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein has carotenoid functions. It is also an antioxidant. Kiwi fruits are the best and richest source of this essential ingredient available in the world.

Fiber

Nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit can be assessed by its fiber content. It contains rich fiber that prevents diabetes and heart diseases. Kiwis contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. While soluble fiber profile looks after the heart and blood glucose levels, insoluble profile ensures protection against some cancers, diverticulitis and constipation.

Copper

Kiwi fruit is also rich in copper, which is essential for the growth and development of infants and children. It can promote brain development, bone strength and build stronger immunity. Copper also contributes to the formation of red blood cells.

Potassium Profile

Nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit reveal that kiwi fruit contains potassium (more than bananas). Potassium derived from vegetables and fruits are vital for the effective functions of the heart and for controlling the blood pressure levels. It also maintains fluid balance in the body.

Nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit to the immune health

Yellow or gold kiwi fruit is the best for enhancing immune responses. The fruit promotes antibody production in the body, which leads to a healthier immune heath.

Nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit to heart

Kiwi fruit is known to work like Aspirin for the heart. Taking Aspirin a day to improve the health of the heart is a common thing. Now, kiwis can also be taken to reduce blood clotting, thinning of blood and lowering fat in bloodstream. Kiwi fruit has excellent blood pressure lowering properties and it keeps the cholesterol levels in control too.

Additional Information

Apart from all these nutritional benefits of kiwi fruit, kiwis also contain vitamin E, magnesium and folate. It does not contain cholesterol or saturated fat. Hence, it is the best thing you can have every day to keep you healthy and strong.

Andrew Croucher manages Balance Your Digestive Health. He is a consumer advocate, and a dedicated researcher on digestive health.

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The Health Benefits of Eggs

By Christopher C Weaver  

If eggs are not currently a part of your diet, its worth looking into some of the health benefits that they offer and reconsider adding them. Eggs are an all natural source of high quality protein and provide all 9 essential amino acids (those are the ones that the body cannot produce independently). Research at Wageningen University concluded that egg protein is the most absorbed and utilized protein source in the food supply. One egg contains 6.3 grams of protein and only 68 calories. Consuming an adequate supply of protein daily helps with the production of new cell membranes, healthy nerves, building muscle, boosting the immune system and in maintaining healthy skin and nails.

One of the most important nutrients that eggs supply is choline, which is important in brain and nerve functioning. While our bodies do naturally produce choline, we do not manufacture an adequate supply, therefore it is important we consume choline rich foods. Choline assists in the reduction of inflammation in the body, which in part is a result of being high in Omega-3 Fatty acids. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to such serious health conditions like Alzheimer's, heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. A study conducted at the University of NC at Chapel Hill notes that choline is involved in shutting off promoter regions of genes that are involved in inflammation. Choline is also necessary in the development of the brain and memory in the fetal stage, making it especially important to pregnant women. It is estimated that 90% of Americans do not clonsume an adequate supply of choline.

Eggs also contain a high amount of Lutein, which plays an important role in eye health including the prevention of cataracts and a condition called Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years old. The macula is the central part of the retina that controls fine vision.

Eggs are a good source of B vitamins including B-12 which is important for cardiovascular health. Eggs also supply us with tryptophan, selenium, iodine, molybdenum, phosphorus and are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D.

At one point, nutritionist and medical providers were discouraging people from eating eggs on a daily basis due to the cholesterol they contain, yet more recent research released by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (circa 2000) concludes that people that eat a low-fat diet can consume one to two eggs daily with no noticeable change in blood cholesterol levels. The Harvard School of Public Health concluded that there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease.

There has also been considerable research conducted in terms of eggs and their impact on weight loss. In a particular study conducted in 2008 and published in the International Journal of Obesity, half of the people in the research group were given a breakfast containing two eggs, while the other half were given breakfast without eggs. At then end of the study, those in the group that consumed the breakfasts containing two eggs lost an average of 65% more weight than those in the other group. It is suggested from the outcome of this research that eggs help to curb the appetite throughout the remainder of the day, making a person less likely to overeat.

Some other noticeable health benefits are their link to lowering risks of blood clots and stroke (due to the proteins in the yolks) and a reduction in the risk of breast cancer in women. A recent study concluded that women that eat a diet including 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 66%. Eggs also have a high sulfur content which promotes healthy hair and nails. When buying eggs I recommend getting the cage-free, vegetarian fed variety. Also look for those that a labeled free of antibiotics and hormones, which can have negative impacts on our overall health. As always, speak with your healthcare professional before drastically modifying your diet, especially if you have certain health conditions such as high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease.

Christopher Weaver BS, MA, CFT lives and works in Asheville, NC. Learning to live a wellness based lifestyle is a key component to finding health and happiness. My goal as a Certified Fitness Trainer, yoga instructor, social worker and health educator is to share my own personal health journey, including accomplishment and mishaps along the way. For more writings and information visit my website athttp://www.issacertifiedtrainer.com/christopherweaver and my blog at http://www.punkrockwellness.blogspot.com

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