Kiwi, or Chinese gooseberry, contains the perfect combination of vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial for pregnant women and the developing fetus.
Description
Kiwi is the fruit of a large woody vine native to China, where it grows wild. Thus, this fruit is also known as the Chinese gooseberry. The name kiwi comes from the nickname of the inhabitants of New Zealand (the so-called New Zealanders), since New Zealand was the country where kiwi was first intensively cultivated.
Kiwi has a thin, brown, hairy skin that covers an emerald green juicy flesh containing small black edible seeds surrounding a white juicy core. The texture of the pulp is dense until the fruit is fully ripe, and then becomes tender and juicy. The taste can vary from sweet to sour.
All parts of the kiwi are edible, including the skin, although no one likes it. Kiwi pulp can be used to make delicious refreshing juices.
Nutritional value
The main nutritional feature of kiwi is its exceptional content of vitamin C, which is even more in this fruit than in oranges and lemons. Kiwis are also full of other beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A and E, folic acid, potassium, copper, iron and magnesium, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Kiwi contains a relatively large amount of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Since this plant is highly resistant to parasites, kiwifruit that are sold on the market are usually free from pesticides and other similar substances.
Benefit for health
The healing properties of kiwi are usually associated with their extremely high content of vitamin C. The whole set of other vitamins and minerals in the right proportion make this fruit very useful for many ailments.
Anemia. The anti-anemic effect of kiwifruit is attributed to the fruit’s high content of iron, copper, and vitamin C. Iron and copper are needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The high content of vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from the small intestine into the blood.
Antioxidant action. Kiwifruit nutrients, including iron, copper, and vitamins C and E, have antioxidant properties and are responsible for neutralizing free radicals that can cause premature aging, inflammation, and many degenerative diseases.
Connective tissue health. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, so the high content in kiwifruit is very beneficial for connective tissue health, especially bones, teeth, and gum health. Kiwi helps maintain the integrity of bone tissue not only by activating collagen synthesis, but also by promoting its mineralization (thus preventing osteoporosis). This effect is associated with the content of calcium and phosphorus in kiwi.
Constipation. Due to its relatively high fiber content, kiwi fruit has a natural laxative effect that helps cleanse the digestive tract and prevent or eliminate digestive disorders.
Fertility. This fruit, rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, protects sperm from genetic damage that can cause birth defects in offspring. When a couple is trying to have a baby, it is important to prepare well and improve overall health by consuming this vitamin-rich fruit, increasing the chances of conceiving and developing a healthy child.
Heart health. Due to their high potassium content and low sodium content, kiwifruit helps maintain blood pressure within normal limits and prevent hypertension. In addition, potassium plays an important role in regulating and improving the functioning of the heart, while vitamin C helps lower blood cholesterol levels, thereby preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease.
The immune system. Kiwi fruit is highly effective in boosting the immune system, thereby helping to prevent colds and flu, as well as other infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Muscle cramps. Kiwifruit contains minerals such as magnesium and potassium that alleviate muscle fatigue, prevent muscle spasms and increase muscle strength.
mental fatigue. The high magnesium content in kiwi improves energy production in the brain, thereby increasing concentration and relieving mental fatigue.
Pregnancy. How much kiwi a day during pregnancy will help prevent nighttime muscle cramps, improve microcirculation in the legs (thus preventing varicose veins and relieving swelling of the limbs), prevent constipation and calcium deficiency.
In addition, the high content of folic acid in kiwi prevents the occurrence of defects in the fetus.
Stomach ulcer. Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps reduce the incidence of peptic ulcers and, in turn, reduces the risk of stomach cancer.
Tips
Kiwifruit can be eaten whole after skinning or cut into thin slices to decorate desserts, soups and salads.
To prepare juice, you need to peel the fruit with a sharp knife, cut into small pieces and place in a blender. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to give it extra flavor. It is especially useful to drink kiwi juice for breakfast.
Also, try making kiwi fruit smoothies. Kiwi goes well with banana, pineapple and apple juices.
Attention
Some people may be sensitive to certain substances in kiwi, such as calcium oxalate, which can cause adverse reactions, especially in young children and those with kidney problems. Most of these reactions are usually mild.
It’s also important to remember that kiwi fruit is a natural laxative, and consuming too much of it can cause diarrhea.