Kiwi fruit, scientific name Actinidia deliciosa, commonly called earlier as Chinese gooseberry is a egg sized, oval shaped, fuzzy, edible fruit, with a unique sweet flavor. The flesh of fruit is white in the centre, surrounded by distinctive green, in which tiny dark purple seeds are embedded towards the core. It is extensively used in cosmetic creams and lotions.
Often confused as the fruit of New Zealand, Kiwi actually originated in China. In fact, it is the national fruit of the country. The fruit became commercialized crop of New Zealand only in 1950’s. The name got the name of the famous bird of New Zealand, due to its similarity in appearance to the bird, as well as to dissociate it with China to gain market in USA.
The kiwifruit is available all through the year as the California kiwifruit harvests from November to May, whereas the New Zealand fruit is available from June to October.
Medicinal Benefits
Kiwifruit is ranked high on the models that show the density of nutrition in fruits, because it has more amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrition per gram than most other fruits. Research has shown that kiwifruit in addition to containing numerous phytonutrients is also rich in Vitamin C, K and E, folic acid, potassium, carotenoid lutein, antioxidants, plus is a high source of dietary fiber. Study conducted on young children in Italy showed that regular consumption of kiwifruit brings down respiratory-related health problems including wheezing, shortness of breath, or night coughing to a great extent.
The vitamin C and antioxidants in the fruit boosts the immune system of the human body. The low calorie, but high nutrient and dietary fiber of kiwi is excellent for people who are trying to lose weight. The vitamins help fight the ageing process, at the same time keeping the cardiovascular system healthy. There are claims that this fruit can prevent DNA mutations, though more research is required to substantiate the claim.
Regular consumption of kiwifruit helps to fight off health problems like:
- Wheezing
- Cough and cold
- Flu
- Asthma
- Impotency
- Macular degeneration
- High level of cholesterol
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Constipation
- Cardiac diseases
- Skin problems
- Cancer
Face Masks
Add 1 tbsp kiwi juice, 1 tbsp olive oil to an egg yolk. Mix it thoroughly. Apply on the face and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes. Wipe off with a wet cloth. This works wonders for dry and rough skin, giving it a healthy, smooth and youthful appearance.
Another wonderful face mask is prepared by mixing kiwifruit, yogurt, orange juice, almond oil, mashed carrots into a fine paste. Apply the mask and wash it off with cold water for a fully replenished, healthy, blemish free and youthful skin.
Canker Sores
Chew a fully ripe kiwifruit, and move it around it the mouth, especially over the sores for quick relief from the irritation and pain.
Chinese Medicine
The Chinese medicine assures that the preparation of kiwifruit root, Lobelia chinensis, Scutellaria barbata, Coix Seed, in equal quantities and Ginger 1/8th of the measure when brewed and taken as tea three times a day can successfully fight the symptoms of Esophageal, colon, and liver cancer. A decoction prepared by boiling the root of kiwifruit it known to help people dealing with breast cancer.
