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The whole world knows a fruit called kiwi… It grows on treelike vines. The beneficial properties of kiwi are simply amazing. Not everyone knows that it is customary to refer it to exotic berries. The pulp of the fruit is tender and juicy. It is widely used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology.
No wonder people want to know about all the beneficial properties of kiwi and its contraindications. Kiwi is considered a unique product as it contains many useful minerals and vitamins. It rarely causes allergies, so it can be given to young children. Let’s talk about all this in more detail.
General benefits
1. Normalizes blood pressure.
Kiwi is high in potassium, which can lower blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients need to consume at least one fruit per day.
2. Treats oncology.
Numerous observations of doctors have revealed that people with cancer, who include kiwi in their diet, have a decrease in cancer. This effect is achieved thanks to the antioxidants that are part of kiwi.
3. Removes excess salt.
Kiwi’s uniqueness lies in the fact that this fruit removes excess salt from the body. In addition, it cleans the walls of blood vessels.
4. Increases hemoglobin.
Kiwi contains a lot of iron. It helps to cope with anemia and increase hemoglobin. The fruit contains vitamin B, which helps to restore the psyche and has a calming effect.
5. Improves liver function.
The fruits are rich in tocopherol. It is a natural antioxidant that has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, kidneys and the endocrine system.
6. Digestive system.
The introduction of kiwi into the diet improves digestion, relieves heaviness in the stomach and fights heartburn. This is especially necessary for lovers of salty food, because kiwi removes excess sodium from the body.
7. Promotes weight loss.
Frequent consumption of kiwi helps to get rid of extra pounds over time. Kiwi speeds up the fat burning process, normalizes metabolism and speeds up metabolism. However, we should not forget that kiwi is not a panacea. To lose weight, you need to eat right and exercise.
8. Restores the nervous system.
Kiwi fruit successfully fights stress. With its help, you can get rid of insomnia, the nervous system will return to normal, and a good mood will last for a long time. Vitamin C and iron in kiwi are responsible for the mental and nervous system.
With regular use of kiwi, the psyche returns to normal, irritability goes away, a feeling of cheerfulness appears. The benefits of kiwi are invaluable for people with erratic work schedules, especially when they have chronic sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. Daily consumption of berries restores the body and replenishes the supply of nutrients.
9. Reduces cholesterol levels.
The benefit of kiwi is that it perfectly cleanses the body of cholesterol. If this is not done, then cholesterol accumulates in the body and leads to the formation of cholesterol plaques. With an increase in the level of cholesterol in the body, various pathologies associated with the heart and blood vessels begin to develop.
In order to bring cholesterol levels back to normal, it is enough to eat two kiwi fruits daily. Then you will not need the help of medications. But, again, it is better to consult a doctor first. Self-medication is not always good for your health.
10. Normalizes insulin levels in diabetes.
Doctors recommend that diabetics include kiwi in their diet. It is scientifically proven that the pulp normalizes insulin levels and dampens the desire to eat sweets.
11. Fights constipation.
Kiwi has a slight laxative effect due to its high fiber content. To improve the work of the intestines and normalize the stool, you need to eat three fruits with the peel a day.
12. Treats hemorrhoids.
Most modern men spend their time in the office, this adversely affects their health and often leads to the appearance of an ailment such as hemorrhoids. But pectin, which is part of kiwi, is actively fighting the disease.
13. Removes alcohol from the body.
To avoid alcoholic intoxication, you need to eat one fruit before the feast, and then eat kiwi.
14. It has a positive effect on other systems of the body.
In order to prevent the formation of urolithiasis and improve the respiratory system, doctors advise introducing kiwi into your diet. For lovers of such heavy food as fried meat, kiwi is a must, as it promotes the breakdown of fats and prevents the formation of heaviness in the abdomen.
Benefits for women
15. Favorable for pregnant women.
Pregnant women need to include kiwi in their diet. The fruit prevents the likelihood of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. It also has a beneficial effect on the formation of the fetus. Kiwi helps the expectant mother to keep the body in good shape and gently cleanses the intestines from toxins and toxins. The product saves pregnant women from intoxication.
16. Strengthens the body.
Not every woman is ready to become a mother, and therefore takes contraceptives. As a rule, drugs are oral. They do not always have a beneficial effect on women’s health and often provoke the formation of thrush. Kiwi fruit prevents its occurrence and boosts immunity.
Skin Benefits
17. Nourishes.
Thanks to the vitamins and minerals contained in kiwi, it has nutritional properties. To prepare a nutritious mask, you will need kiwi puree, a teaspoon of honey and sour cream each. The mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.
18. Moisturizes.
Kiwi is great for those with dry and flaky skin. To moisturize your skin, you will need to make a special mask. Take a teaspoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese, and one kiwi puree. Mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the skin for 25 minutes. Then wash with warm water.
19. Rejuvenates.
A rejuvenating kiwi mask is suitable for giving the skin freshness and youth. Take one teaspoon each of applesauce, heavy cream, and kiwi pulp. Mix the ingredients and apply the finished mask on your face for 20 minutes. Rinse your face with cool water.
Another simple mask consisting of egg white mixed with two tablespoons of kiwi pulp will help you fight age-related changes. Apply the mixture to your face for 15 minutes. Kiwi helps rejuvenate skin and smooth wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.
20. Brightens the skin.
If you want to brighten your face or get rid of freckles, the following mask will help you. Take one teaspoon each of potato starch and kiwi pulp. Mix and apply on face for 30 minutes. Wash yourself with cool water.
21. Eliminates acne.
Kiwi helps to get rid of acne. It perfectly cleanses the skin and tightens pores. This berry successfully fights acne due to its high amount of organic acids. To do this, just knead the kiwi pulp and apply it on your face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with water.
22. Gives the face a natural complexion.
If you have an uneven complexion, then regular consumption of kiwi or the use of masks based on it will help you cope with this problem. Kiwi removes oily shine on the face. Vitamin E in fruits controls the production of the sebaceous glands.
23. Reduces crow’s feet around the eyes.
Many women after 30 years old begin to suffer from such a problem as crow’s feet near the eyes. To eliminate them, it is enough to use a kiwi mask. You will need half a teaspoon of kiwi puree and a tablespoon of fatty cottage cheese. Apply the product to the area around the eyes and leave it on for 15 minutes. To get the desired result, it is advisable to use the mask at least twice a week.
24. Tightens the contour of the face.
For a facelift, it is enough to use the following remedy. Mix one tablespoon of kiwi puree with the same amount of semolina. The mask is applied to the face and neck for 25 minutes. The procedure should be done at least twice a week.
25. Eliminates blackheads.
In order to get rid of blackheads, you can use a lotion based on kiwi and lemon juice. Add the same amount of lemon juice to one tablespoon of kiwi puree. Wipe your face with the resulting lotion. Wash your face after 15 minutes.
Hair Benefits
Kiwi is widely used in cosmetology, not only for the skin of the face. For hair, masks are made based on fruit.
26. Strengthens hair.
Kiwi strengthens hair, nourishes hair follicles. Hair breakage disappears thanks to vitamin E, which is a part of kiwi.
27. Restores hair structure.
When kiwi is consumed, the hair becomes soft and silky, it is easy to comb and does not get tangled after washing. The oily sheen at the roots disappears, the activity of the sebaceous glands returns to normal. Dandruff also goes away.
28. Activates hair growth.
To activate hair growth, you can use kiwi not only inside, but also make masks out of it. They are made from the pulp located closer to the peel, since if small grains get into the mask, it will be extremely difficult to comb them out of the hair.
Benefits for men
29. Improves sex life.
Kiwi is considered a male berry, it helps to increase libido, increase male sexual activity and attractiveness in the eyes of women.
30. Increases fertility.
It is believed that couples who dream of having a child, but for some reason cannot achieve what they want, should add kiwi to their diet. The vitamins and amino acids that make up this berry increase fertility.
31. Strengthens potency.
Regular consumption of kiwi increases male potency. There have been cases when men completely got rid of erectile dysfunction problems. It is recommended to consume kiwi every day for men over 40 years old.
Harm and contraindications
1. May cause diarrhea.
Kiwi fruit is not recommended for people suffering from diarrhea, bladder disease, kidney and stomach problems.
2. Promotes allergies.
If a person has an individual intolerance to kiwi, then from its use, severe swelling or even dermatosis of the throat may appear. Therefore, you should not take risks, it is better to refrain from eating this berry. Kiwi is considered an allergenic product, therefore, it is prohibited to give it to babies in infancy.
3. Do not overuse.
Even if you are very fond of kiwi, then you can use it only in moderation.
Chemical composition of the product
Nutritional value of kiwi (100 g) and percentage of daily value:
- The nutritional value
- Vitamins
- Macronutrients
- Trace Elements
- calories 47 kcal – 3,3%;
- proteins 0,8 g – 0,98%;
- fats 0,4 g – 0,62%;
- carbohydrates 8,1 g – 6,33%;
- dietary fiber 3,8 g – 19%;
- water 83,8 g – 3,27%.
- And 15 mcg – 1,7%;
- beta-carotene 0,09 mg – 1,8%;
- S 180 mg – 200%;
- E 0,3 mg – 2%;
- V1 0,02 mg – 1,3%;
- V2 0,04 mg – 2,2%;
- PP 0,5 mg – 2,5%.
- potassium 300 mg – 12%;
- calcium 40 mg – 4%;
- magnesium 25 mg – 6,3%;
- sodium 5 mg – 0,4%;
- phosphorus 34 mg – 4,3%.
conclusions
As we have seen, kiwi is the most useful product. It has many advantages and a minimum of contraindications. It is highly recommended that you include this unique fruit in your diet for maximum health benefits.
Useful Properties
- Normalizes blood pressure.
- Treats oncology.
- Removes excess salt.
- Increases hemoglobin.
- Improves liver function.
- It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
- It contributes to weight loss.
- Restores the nervous system.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Reduces sugar levels in diabetes.
- Fights constipation.
- Treats hemorrhoids.
- Removes alcohol from the body.
- It has a positive effect on other systems of the body.
- Good for both men and women.
- Good for skin and hair.
Harmful properties
- May cause diarrhea.
- Promotes allergies.
- Do not overuse.
Additional useful information about kiwi
How to use
1. In cooking.
Kiwi can be added to many dishes. You can make charlotte from it. The main ingredient in this dish will not be apples, but kiwi. If you bake chicken with kiwi, then the meat will turn out to be tender and juicy. If you follow the right diet, then be sure to make a smoothie with this exotic fruit.
It may seem strange, but you can make sandwiches with bread with kiwi. According to many reviews, they are delicious. Kiwi jam turns out to be delicious and unusually beautiful. Kiwi compote is not only healthy, but also perfectly quenches thirst. There are many recipes using kiwi. The exotic fruit is used in cooking all over the world.
2. In medicine.
Doctors recommend not only eating fresh fruits, but also using kiwi-based products. For example, ointments, infusions, medicines are made from it. To determine the dosage, consult your healthcare professional.
3. In cosmetology.
Kiwi is an excellent component of creams, masks, shampoos. Alternatively, you can make your own kiwi mask.
How to choose
A large number of kiwi varieties are known. This fruit comes in many shapes and tastes. But regardless of this, there are a number of rules, guided by which it is necessary to choose a product.
- The diameter of the fruit should not exceed 8 centimeters.
- The color of the peel, depending on the variety, is green or dark brown.
- Kiwi peel is always thin and with small villi.
- Kiwi flesh is green in color and contains a large amount of seeds.
- Depending on the variety, kiwi can be oval or round.
- Often in stores you can find fruits packed in containers. In this case, the fruits must be carefully examined. If the bottom of the container contains any accumulations, then it is better to refrain from acquiring such kiwi. Also, there must be no condensation on the walls of the container. If it is present, then this indicates improper storage of the product.
- Ripe fruit is always firm. If you press on it, there will be no dents on it. But at the same time, it should not resemble a stone.
- The scent of kiwi should be soft and fruity, but not harsh.
- If the fruit is too hard, then this indicates its immaturity.
- Soft kiwi not only indicates the ripeness of the product, sometimes it can be a sign that it has gone bad.
- White bloom on the villi is considered the main sign of fetal rotting.
- Spoiled fruit smells like wine.
- Spots or dots on the skin indicate a soreness of the product.
- If you find sticky substances on the surface of the kiwi, then it is better to refuse to purchase such a fruit, since it has been chemically treated to extend its shelf life.
How to store
Kiwi is classified as a fruit that does not have a long shelf life. In most cases, it is purchased already ripe, and the shelf life will depend on the degree of ripeness.
If after buying kiwi it is not planned to consume it for several days, it would be preferable to buy an unripe fruit. At home, kiwi ripens perfectly.
- Kiwi can be stored both at room temperature and in the refrigerator, and even in the freezer.
- One of the amazing qualities of kiwi is the ability to retain its nutritional value no matter where it is stored. In any case, the fruit will not lose its taste.
- An exception is considered to be peeled kiwi, such a product is not stored for a long time, since after a day the surface of the sliced kiwi will begin to attack the microbes that accelerate its oxidation.
- For kiwi to be well preserved, it needs oxygen, so the fruits are placed in open containers or bags with holes.
- If, during storage, the fruit becomes covered with a white coating, this means that it has begun to rot. It is better to discard such a product.
- To prevent extraneous odors from absorbing into the kiwi, it must be stored away from strong-smelling foods.
- An apple will help to reduce the ripening time of the fruit. To do this, place the fruits in a bag, and after two days the kiwi will ripen.
- It is only necessary to wash kiwi before storage if it is planned to be stored in the freezer.
- The ideal humidity for kiwi is 90–95%. In such conditions, the product will last longer.
- You need to know one storage rule: the longer the product is stored, the softer it will be.
- The ideal temperature for kiwi is at least 0 degrees. If you create the right conditions for storing the fruit, then it can be stored for three months.
- At temperatures from +10 to +15 degrees, kiwi will retain its qualities for a month. The main condition is the complete elimination of sudden temperature changes.
- The frozen product can be stored for several months. To do this, remove the skin from the fruit, cut them into pieces or wedges, depending on preference, and place them in freezer bags.
The story of
The inhabitants of ancient China were the first to grow kiwi; the fruit was brought to New Zealand in 1906. The kiwi we are now accustomed to appeared as a result of long-term human experiments on the almost inedible ancestor of the fruit only 73 years ago. This can be attributed to the most famous discovery of the New Zealanders.
Initially, the fruit was named “Chinese gooseberry”, later they decided to rename it in honor of the country’s national symbol, which is a miniature kiwi bird. Chinese medicine has been using kiwi for many years to treat the digestive system, prevent many problems with blood vessels and bones.
A long-term study of the fruit has shown its antitumor antioxidant effect. In some countries, kiwi is recommended to be given to athletes as a rejuvenating agent.
Kiwi plantations are found in places where there is a favorable climate for growing. These include the following countries: Italy, South Korea, Chile, Greece. But the leaders in kiwi cultivation are still China and New Zealand.
Despite certain difficulties with cultivation, plantations with this fruit have appeared relatively recently in Abkhazia and in the Krasnodar Territory. Therefore, to see how kiwi grows, it is not necessary to go abroad, all this can be seen within our country.
How and where is it grown
In New Zealand, kiwi is grown by about 2700 farms. They supply their products to 60 countries of the world. Other countries grow kiwi for the domestic market. South Korea produces 30 tons of kiwi for domestic consumption.
In the US, the situation with kiwi production looks a little different. Many farms went bankrupt there that tried to cultivate kiwi. The kiwi vine has taken root only in California and Hawaii.
Kiwi is one of the most difficult crops to cultivate. Therefore, to this day, all new ways of caring for a plant, options for its pruning and breeding are being studied and introduced. In the wild, kiwi grows like a shady plant that seeks the sun’s rays.
The vine should not be exposed to strong gusts of wind, which can damage young shoots. Kiwi loves fertile and well-drained soil, but does not tolerate saline soil.
For commercial purposes, kiwis are harvested unripe. This way they will be able to withstand transportation and storage. And when growing for themselves, farmers leave kiwi to ripen as long as possible so that their taste becomes as rich and sweet as possible.
Interesting Facts
- In China, because of the villous skin, the fruit was nicknamed “monkey peach”.
- Europeans nicknamed the fruit “Chinese gooseberry”, but the plants have no kinship, gooseberry is a shrub, kiwi is a liana.
- Wild kiwi is very small and weighs no more than 30 grams, but cultivated fruit reaches a weight of 100 grams.
- Kiwi vines can live in water for a long time.
- The kiwi fruit continues to grow after harvest.
- Kiwi contains more vitamin C than citrus fruits.
- If you want to make jelly from kiwi, take your time. The berries contain an element that prevents gelatin from hardening, therefore, first, the kiwi must be doused with boiling water.
- The main exporters of kiwi are Italy, Chile and New Zealand.
- The stems of the kiwi plant have a catnip scent. Because of this, cats do not mind rubbing against kiwi trunks. This can threaten young plants with death.