By Brenda Cobb

Kiwi is an unusual-looking fruit with a vibrant green interior specked with little black seeds, and a hairy brown exterior. Chinese in origin­—its Chinese name is yang tao (gooseberry)—it has been used for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Many Chinese are fond of giving the fruit to growing children and to women after they’ve gone through childbirth.

Missionaries brought the fruit to New Zealand, where it became so popular they named it after their national bird and called it their national fruit. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and has twice the Vitamin C—a powerful antioxidant that can help eliminate free radicals, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and help in healing various diseases—of oranges.

Kiwi can be helpful in helping heal colon, liver, breast, stomach and lung cancers. The fruit is toxic to malignant cancer cells without having any negative effect on normal, healthy cells. Catechin, a phytochemical present in kiwi, reduces the toxicity of anti-cancer agents by stimulating bone-marrow proliferation.

Those who have trouble sleeping can try eating a few kiwi fruits an hour before bedtime; they are rich in serotonin, which could help induce a good night’s sleep.

Kiwi is loaded with fiber, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and normalize blood pressure and blood sugar. It can help people feel full longer and can even assist with weight loss.

Actinidain, an enzyme in kiwi that can break down proteins, is sometimes used as a meat tenderizer and can be good for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Kiwi is a good source of folate, which is beneficial for pregnant women because it helps in the development of the fetus. Kiwis are loaded with potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A, B6, B12 and E. These support good blood circulation, managing stress, iron absorption, healthy bones and teeth, and good vision. The potassium in kiwi helps in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and the magnesium helps with nerve and muscle functions.

Vitamins C and E in kiwi are great for the skin by applying a few slices topically. Kiwi’s Omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids and polyphenols make it good for the heart. Kiwi can even remove excess sodium from the body.

Kiwi can improve lung function, reduce wheezing and help treat asthma. Its natural laxative properties can relieve constipation. The polysaccharides present in the fruit help stimulate probiotic bacteria in the colon, which helps sustain good digestive health. Eating kiwis can reduce the symptoms of a cold, flu orother upper-respiratory infections.

Kiwi contains kissper, a cysteine-rich peptide helpful in treating cystic fibrosis. The anti-inflammatory properties of kiwi help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Kiwi has a low glycemic index, which makes it a good fruit for diabetics, and it aids in the reduction of triglycerides in the blood, which improves heart health. It also helps protect the eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision destroyers.

There are only 55 calories in 100 grams of kiwi, so they are a great food for weight loss. Their soluble fiber promotes satiety and reduces hunger pangs. Kiwi helps improve iron absorption in the body even better than a banana.

It’s best to buy kiwis that yield to gentle pressure. If they are overly firm, they will soften and sweeten in about a week left at room temperature.

Kiwi is tart and sweet with a slightly crisp texture. Be sure to remove the hairy brown skin before eating. Slice or dice them and include them in a smoothie or a salad for a fresh, raw treat. Try this nourishing and flavorful Kale Kiwi Salad.

Kale Kiwi Salad

3 cups fresh kale, chopped

1 cup raw asparagus, chopped

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1 cup fresh kiwi, chopped

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Himalayan salt

pinch cayenne pepper

Soak the almonds in 2 cups of alkaline water overnight and drain. Combine all the ingredients, toss and feast!

 

Brenda Cobb is author of The Living Foods Lifestyle® and founder of The Living Foods Institute, an educational center and therapy spa in Atlanta offering healthy lifestyle courses on nutrition, cleansing, healing, anti-aging, detoxification, relaxation and cleansing therapies. For more information, call 404-524-4488 or 1-800-844-9876 or visit www.LivingFoodsInstitute.com