Friday, January 11, 2013

This Unique Fruit is Called Kiwi Fruit

It's quite a long time I didn't eat kiwi fruit. Please don't mock me, because the last time I ate this fruit was about 6 years ago. Yesterday my aunt gave me a gift bag of kiwi fruit. There is no reason for me to refuse it. Because in my country, kiwi fruit be the one of fruit that is quite expensive. Not all the fruit merchants selling this fruit. So long i didn't eat this fruit, even I almost forgot how to eat this fruit (hehehe, do I really embarrassing?).
kiwi fruit

The uniqueness of kiwi fruit

The fruit that comes from China is also known as the "Chinese Gooseberry". I think that kiwifruit similar to sapodilla fruit. But it has more rounded shape than sapodilla, and on the outside there are fine hairs (fuzzy skin). I really like the green color of flesh that is fresh, and there are black small seeds surrounding it. So, there are many people who make kiwi fruit slices as garnish on top of their cake. I think the most unique of the kiwi fruit is the flavor. Why did I say unique, because when we ate kiwi fruit, first it will be very sweet, but then it could turn into a fresh sour taste. The soft texture and the distinctive aroma, add to the uniqueness of this fruit.

The benefits

In addition to the uniqueness of the flavor, kiwi fruit is also rich in health benefits. Since kiwi fruit also contain vitamins and minerals like fruits generally. Kiwi fruit contains a lot of  vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and calcium. Even levels of vitamin C in the kiwi fruit 17 times more than apples, and 2 times more than oranges. The content of vitamin C that causes the kiwi fruit has a pretty sour taste. Levels of vitamin E in kiwi fruit is also equivalent to the avocado. We know that vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants, which function in skin care because it prevents premature aging and prevent cancer. Other antioxidants contained in kiwi fruit are carotenoids, lutein, xantofil, and flavonoids. The amount of antioxidants contained in kiwi fruit ranks third after the oranges and grapes.

Useful addition to skin care, kiwi fruit is also widely consumed by pregnant women. Because of kiwi fruit contains folate which is good for the development of the fetus. In addition, kiwi fruit also has a fairly low glycemic index, making it safe for diabetics to consume it.

For those of you who are running a low-calorie diet program, kiwi fruit may also be consumed because it has a fairly small amount of energy, which is about 61 calories per 100 grams. Even this number is smaller than the amount of energy in oranges, grapes, and bananas. But slightly higher than the strawberry, lemon, and papaya.

The another uniqueness of kiwi fruit is contain of enzyme actinidin. This enzyme is an enzyme whose function is to digest proteins to be more easily digested by the body. Of course, all of us want the protein we eat well absorbed, In order to fix the cells of our bodies as well. Actinidin enzyme can also be used to tenderize meat. Yes, because many proteins contained in meat. Kiwifruit also contains the amino acid arginine and glutamate. Arginine is useful for lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. And in fact, the arginine can also be used as a cure for impotence symptoms.

Choosing a good kiwi fruit

According to Hazleton Laboratories America, here are tips on choosing a good kiwi fruit :
  • Choose kiwi fruit with a moist and plump look.
  • Choose kiwi fruit that gives slightly to firm, broad pressure from the flat of the palm or extended fingers.
  • Choose kiwi fruit that is free of wrinkles. Wrinkles are an indication that water has been lost and, with it, both quality and good nutrition have been affected.
  • Choose kiwi fruit that are free of soft spots, cuts and bruises. Water spots or marks on the skin's surface have no significance.

Here is a table of kiwi fruit nutrition per 100 grams (3.5 oz) :

Nutrient Amount
Energy 61 kcal (260 kJ)
Carbohydrates 14.66 g
Sugars 8.99 g
Dietary fiber 3.0 g
Fat 0.52 g
Protein 1.14 g
Thiamine (vit. B 1 ) 0.027 mg (2%)
Riboflavin (vit. B 2 ) 0.025 mg (2%)
Niacin (vit. B 3 ) 0.341 mg (2%)
Vitamin B 6 0.063 mg (5%)
Folate (vit. B 9 ) 25 µg (6%)
Vitamin C 92.7 mg (112%)
Vitamin E 1.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin K 40.3 µg (38%)
Calcium 34 mg (3%)
Iron 0.31 mg (2%)
Magnesium 17 mg (5%)
Phosphorus 34 mg (5%)
Potassium 312 mg (7%)
Sodium 3 mg (0%)
Zinc 0.14 mg (1%)
Source from : USDA Nutrient Database

So, I am not wrong to say that the kiwi fruit is an unique fruit and rich in benefits instead? :)

4 comments:

  1. Kiwi is expensive everywhere, but it's oh so good and so good for you. I'm glad you have rediscovered Kiwi again.

    Have a terrific day and weekend my Grandson. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, kiwi fruit is including fruit which is quite expensive. Hehehe, thank you Grandma. :)

      Have a great day.

      Delete
  2. Hi, for making a good health, regular exercise must necessary. Besides exercises, fish oil also helps to improve health. It has a good combination of EPA and DHA, which is good for our body.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely agree with you. Regular exercise must be done too. Great, EPA and DHA is very good for our body.

      Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Sally. Keep healthy.

      Delete

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