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Killer Kiwi Facts

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on October 4, 2013

Did you know that kiwi fruits have more vitamin C than an orange? One kiwi can provide a day’s worth of vitamin C for the majority of people. Now, that’s impressive!

Here are some more facts to enjoy:

• The Kiwifruit is the edible berry of a woody vine in the genus Actinida.
• It’s named after the native bird of New Zealand.
• It has a soft texture and a sweet but unique flavor.
• Kiwifruit is a native to southern China where it is the national Fruit of China. It was brought to New Zealand by by missionaries in the early 20th century.
• Firm kiwi can be stored at room temperature for a few days to a week and in the fridge for up to a month. Avoid direct sunlight.

Health benefits of the kiwifruit:

• It’s the most nutrient-dense popular fruit!
• Did we mention its vitamin C content? Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, so we’re glad that kiwis provide so much of it.
• Its high vitamin C content may help with respiratory symptoms of asthma.
• Kiwis decreases the severity of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Evidence shows that kiwis can prevent colon cancer (by decreasing constipation) and diabetes (by balancing blood sugar) due to their high fiber content.
• Kiwis are heart healthy; they help to prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease. They decrease the risk of blood clots by protecting the integrity of blood vessels and the heart.
• Kiwis boost immune function.
• They are good sources of vitamin K, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus. They help with iron absorption, too.
• Kiwis help to decrease the risk of macular degeneration.

Nutrient content (one 3.5 oz kiwi): 
61 calories
1 g fat
14 g  carbohydrate
3 g fiber
92.7 mg Vitamin C

We hope you enjoyed the photo of Monica’s granddaughter, Lucy, eating kiwis! She was definitely the inspiration for this post. Now, everybody go eat kiwis!