Kiwano is an exotic fruit, also known as African horned cucumber. It has an attractive appearance and the taste is pleasant and refreshing, resembling that of cucumber, kiwi, lemon.
Until 1930, the tropical fruit was little known outside its homeland - southern Africa. Later, the horned cucumber was successfully grown in Australia and New Zealand, where the fruit was renamed kiwano because of its resemblance to kiwi.
The fruits are yellow or orange and are covered with many hard and prickly thorns. The inside in which the seeds are located is consumed.
Kiwano is a good source of vitamin C, potassium and iron. It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, calcium and sodium.
It is low in calories and is therefore suitable for diets for weight loss.
The seeds of the exotic fruit contain a number of fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acid. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for our health. The ingredient is also important for the protective functions of the skin.
Oleic acid helps to improve immune function as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Kiwano seeds contain beta-carotene, which helps strengthen the immune system and maintain eye and skin health. It is also useful for cancer prevention, protecting against the harmful effects of free radicals.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein also helps protect DNA, thus slowing down the aging process.