The most exotic in our childhood was kiwi. And even in adulthood, most people love this funny green fruit. But, in addition to the pleasant taste, kiwi also has an impressive set of useful properties. About them read in our material!
The historical homeland of the kiwi is China, that is why it is sometimes called Chinese gooseberry. But now the kiwi plantations located in many countries. For example, in Ukraine these fruits imported from Italy, Spain, Greece.
A large part of the kiwi is water (about 84%). In addition, it contains proteins (1%), fats (less than 1%), carbohydrates (10%), and dietary fiber, Niacin, mono – and disaccharides. Kiwi is low in calories, but very rich in vitamins and useful microelements. And the biggest plus that they do not break down in conservation, thanks to the acidity of the kiwi.
Health benefits of kiwi
Source of vitamin C
If you thought that lemons and oranges are the main sources of vitamin C, think again. Actually, the fruit per 100 grams contains 154% of vitamin C, which is almost twice more than in lemons and oranges. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, eliminating free radicals which may cause inflammation or cancer. They also help the immune system to fight against harmful pathogens.
Helps to fight sleep disorders
Sleep problems? According to a study by the Taipei Medical University, “numerous studies have shown that kiwi fruit contains many medically useful compounds, including antioxidants and serotonin, which can be useful in treating sleep disorders.” It is said that eating two kiwi fruits an hour before bedtime can improve the quality of sleep.
Good source of fiber
This exotic fruit is rich in fiber, which helps in the prevention of numerous diseases. According to a study conducted by the University of Leeds, “increased consumption of foods rich in fiber may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD)”. According to scientists from the medical school of the University of Massachusetts, products that contain fiber, longer retain the feeling of satiety and metabolic control markers: blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. In addition, fiber promotes weight loss and is often recommended for diabetics.
Improves digestion
Kiwi fruit contains the enzyme actinidin, a well-known protein dissolution property. That is why Kiwi is often used to make meat softer. In addition, it helps in the absorption of proteins in the body and is also useful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
A good source of folic acid
No wonder the Chinese appreciated kiwi for its healing properties. It is a good source of folic acid, which is said to be beneficial for pregnant women because it contributes to the healthy development of the fetus.
A storehouse of vitamins and minerals
Kiwi contains vitamins a, B6, B12, E as well as potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Together, they contribute to the normal functioning of the body, improving blood circulation in the vessels, helping to combat stress, to absorb iron for healthy bones and teeth, improving eyesight, etc. High level of potassium 312 mg per 100 g, helps maintain blood pressure, whereas magnesium normalizes the work of nervous and muscle functions.
The benefits of kiwi for beauty
Beautiful skin
Kiwi has an alkaline nature, which means that it helps to counteract the effects of acidic foods we often eat. A healthy body is a body with a good pH balance, which helps maintain your energy levels and youthfulness of the skin. They say that the vitamins contained in kiwi (especially C and E), very useful for skin since they act as antioxidants, preventing skin aging.
In addition to the above-mentioned qualities, kiwi fruits contain omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and promote heart health. The benefits of kiwi are innumerable, so adding them to your diet will be very useful.
Recipes for beauty
Nourishing mask for the skin
Mix the pulp of one kiwi, 1 tbsp cream and 1 tsp of honey. Apply the mixture to cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Keep the mask on your face for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water.
Rejuvenating peeling with kiwi
Mix the flesh of one kiwi and 2 tbsp. coffee ground finely ground. Gently massage the skin with a scrub, leave it for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Mask for combination skin
The pulp of one kiwi, mix with one whipped egg white, 1 tsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp of green clay. Stir all until smooth and apply on face for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Winter mask against greasy hair
In winter the hair is longer fresh, once a week to do the mask. Mix the flesh of two kiwis, the juice of half a lemon and 100 ml natural yogurt without additives. Apply the mixture on the roots of dry hair, and after 15 minutes, pull the mask over the entire length. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and rinse your hair with shampoo.
Contraindications to the use of kiwi are: gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, acute gastritis and pancreatitis, allergic to.
