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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Include kiwi fruits in your diet

Know your plastic

This hairy, light brown fruit - also known as Chinese gooseberry - when cut into half, looks very appealing because of its bright green color and a circle of black sesame-like seeds in the centre. Kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa) or kiwis as they are popularly called, have a become a common sight in the Indian grocery market in recent years and  is a very popular item used for fresh cakes, tarts, fruit salads and other types of desserts. This exotic looking fruit is rich in many vitamins, minerals and falvonoids. Its high amount of Vitamin C, as much potassium as bananas, and a good amount of beta-carotene make it a healthy choice.

This fruit has a hairy exterior that many find quite unappealing. The furry skin of kiwifruit is edible but most people peel the skin (it might feel like sandpaper on your tongue!) before consuming it.

When you are buying this fruit you need to choose the ones that are plump, wrinkle-free and a little firm. These fruits can be ripened at home and then eaten. You can leave it at room temperature. Don't purchase kiwis that are very soft or are shriveled.

How much do you really know about the nutritional and other benefits of this fruit? Read on to find out more...

#  Having a regular intake of kiwi in one's daily diet helps to improve the cardio vascular health by preventing accumulation of deposits and plaques on the walls of the arteries.

#  Possessing a number of carotenoid, falvonoids and Phyto nutrients makes the kiwi a good source of anti-oxidants to help fight against cancer.

#   Kiwi contains lutein, a compound that helps in prevention of muscular degeneration or weakening of one's eyesight, glaucoma and cataracts due to ageing.

#   A good source of vitamin E, consuming kiwi in your daily diet is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

#   Kiwi can help tenderize meat because it contains an enzyme called actinide that is similar to papain in papayas that reacts chemically to break down proteins.

Why kiwi?
- Prevents asthma
- Prevents wheezing and coughing, especially in children
- Protects our DNA from mutations
- Provides a healthy amount of antioxidants and vitamins

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