BENEFITS OF KIWI FRUIT

Study Shows Benefits of Fuzzy Fruit are Similar to Asprin

People who take aspirin daily to improve heart health might like to know about a much tastier way to get the same effects – eat two to three kiwifruit a day.
A study conducted by the University of Oslo in Norway reveals that consuming two to three kiwifruit per day can work to thin the blood, reduce clotting and lower fat in the blood that can cause blockage, without negatively affecting cholesterol levels. In short, kiwifruit consumption has similar effects to the daily dosage of aspirin recommended by physicians to improve heart health, without the side effects.

 “Platelet inhibitory drugs, such as aspirin, have been shown to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Asim K. Duttaroy, who spearheaded the research, at the Institute for Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo, Norway. “Our study shows that consuming two or three kiwifruit per day for 28 days significantly reduced platelet aggregation [blood clotting] in human volunteers. Moreover, plasma triglyceride levels were also reduced in these volunteers.”
One thing is clear: consuming kiwifruit is an effective way of inhibiting blood clotting and can improve cardiovascular risk profiles in healthy adults.
Volunteers who participated in the study consumed two to three kiwifruit per day for a period of 28 days and experienced significant reductions in platelet aggregation when compared to controls. This is despite the fact that all the volunteers maintained their regular diets during the supplement period. Furthermore, after a two-week wash out period in which the volunteers stopped kiwifruit consumption, their blood levels returned to pre-supplement period baseline.

Duttaroy explains that the dosage level in the study was restricted to two to three fruits per day to prevent any negative side effects. He also noted that it could be assumed kiwifruit consumption would not create any of those risk factors associated with aspirin such as stomach pain, excessive bruising or bleeding, nor does kiwifruit appear to disrupt the effects of any other medications.
“The results of our study are quite promising and are an indication that kiwifruit is an excellent choice for people trying to improve heart health through diet,” said Duttaroy. “Further research is warranted, but for now, we would recommend kiwifruit consumption to help prevent or halt processes that lead to cardiovascular disease.”

The kiwifruit has more potassium than a banana and more vitamin C than an orange. It also has less than 50 calories and is a great on-the-go, healthy snack

10 reasons to go Kiwi

1. Vitamin C - One serving of kiwifruit has 240% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C! This flu-fighter also wards off the effects of aging and stress, and powers up the immune system.
2. Fiber – Rough makes you smooth – two kiwifruit contain more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal. Fiber promotes
   a healthy heart, regular digestion, and helps lower cholesterol levels.
3. Potassium – A serving of kiwifruit has more potassium than a banana. A great fit for active lifestyles, potassium
   maintains fluid and electrolyte balance and releases energy during exercise.
4. Low Glycemic Index – Kiwifruit is an excellent addition to any weight-conscious diet as well as being diabetes friendly. With a low glycemic index (52), this low-fat, low-carb fruit makes a satisfying snack.
5. Antioxidant – Kiwifruit is an antioxidant all-star! Antioxidants attack free radicals and harmful by-products in your body, reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
6. Folate – Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folate, vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.
7. Magnesium – Two kiwifruit have a healthy 30 mg of magnesium, which powers up energy levels and improves nerve and muscle function.
8. Lutein – This phytochemical found in kiwifruit helps to prevent age-related blindness and protect eyes against environmental stress and high-energy light.
9. Zinc – Important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. Everyone else needs the zinc in kiwifruit for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails.
10. Vitamin E - Kiwifruit is one of the few low-fat sources of this potent cleanser and antioxidant. It also helps to lower cholesterol and boost the immune system.

Healthy mouth-watering smoothie recipe

MINTY KIWIFRUIT CUCUMBER SMOOTHIE

 INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup honey dew melon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz yogurt, plain
• 1/2 cup English cucumber, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-1/2 tbsp mint leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup ice cubes, crushed
• 6 ZESPRI GREEN Kiwifruit

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine melon, yogurt, cucumber, honey, mint, and lemon juice in a blender. Pulse until smooth and blended.
2. Add ice cubes one at a time, and process until smooth.
3. Slice kiwifruit into halves and spoon the fruit into the blender with existing mixture. Pulse until just blended.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4, 1-cup servings

Nutritional Analysis per Serving: 190 Calories (8% Calories from Fat), 5g Protein, 42g Carbohydrate, 4g Fiber, 1.5g Fat, .5g Sat. Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 5mg Cholesterol, 50mg Sodium


Source: Duttaroy AK, Jøorgensen A. Effects of kiwi fruits consumption in human volunteers on platelet aggregation and plasma lipids in vitro. Platelets. 2004; 15:287-292, zesprikiwi.com