Kiwi has proven antioxidant and immunostimulating properties. The fruit is a rich source of vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. It also contains more vitamin C than oranges, potassium than bananas. It is also a good source of beta-carotene.
In addition to potassium, the mineral composition of kiwi includes calcium, magnesium, iron, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus.
Due to its fiber content, green fruit is good for digestion, as well as for reducing "bad" cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.
Kiwi also contains lutein, which prevents the formation of blood clots and eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. The fruit is believed to be important for the health of white blood cells and helps prevent liver disease.
Kiwi is rich in phytonutrients that prevent blood clotting and control the level of fatty acids in the blood.
It is believed to have a protective effect against asthma and other respiratory diseases.
An Italian study among children shows the benefits of consuming kiwi for respiratory health. According to the results, those who consume the fruit 5-7 times a week have a 44% lower risk of wheezing than children who eat less than once a week. There is also a reduction in symptoms such as: shortness of breath - by about 30%, runny nose by 28%, cough at night - by 27%, chronic cough - by 25%.
Another study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology showed that eating kiwi 3 times a day resulted in a 36% reduction in the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
The study was conducted among 110 thousand women and men. Scientists have also found that vegetables are less effective in reducing the risk of disease than fruits that contain large amounts of vitamins C, A and E.