The brown, inconspicuous, fuzzy kiwifruit has its origins in China. Cultivated in New Zealand since 1906, it went by the name of “yangtao” and “Chinese gooseberry” before being re-named as kiwifruit, in honor of New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. Although California produces a majority of the kiwifruit in the United States, a large proportion of the fruit comes from Chile and New Zealand. In addition to containing many nutrients, kiwifruit is rich in antioxidants that help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.
HEALTH AND BENEFITS
Cancer
Kiwifruit has been shown to contain an antimutagenic component, helping to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process. The presence of glutathione may account for the reduction.
· Carcinogenic nitrates are formed during the smoking or barbecuing of foods. When nitrates are ingested, a process called nitrosation can occur, in which free radicalsónitrosaminesóare formed that may lead to the formation of gastric or other cancers. Kiwi has been demonstrated to aid in the prevention of nitrosation.
· In another in vitro test with cultured mammalian-cell lines, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, or skin cancer.
· The amino acid arginine, present in kiwifruit, is being looked at by cardiologists to improve postangioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation (or reformation) of plaque in the arteries.
· Kiwifruit is ranked as having the fourth highest natural antioxidant potentialónext to the red fruits containing high levels of beta carotene.
· Lutein, an important phytochemical found in kiwifruit, has been linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
· In addition to kiwifruit being recognized by the FDA as an excellent source of dietary fiber, studies indicate that it contains another not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time even faster than dietary fiber aloneóimportant for colorectal cancer prevention. The benefit of this laxative action is to decrease the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.
· Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green at maturity, and chlorophyll is responsible for that color. Several studies have suggested that chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.
Depression
· Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol, because of its function as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system, can be beneficial in the treatment of depression.
Diabetes
· Inositol, a sugar alcohol naturally occurring in kiwifruit, may play a positive role in regulating diabetes. Inositol supplements may improve nerve conduction velocity in diabetic neuropathy.
· Inositol plays a role in intracellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. It acts as a second messenger in cell signaling processes.
Eye Health/Macular Degeneration
· Fourteen million American adults needlessly suffer from macular degeneration. Kiwifruit is rich in phytochemicalsóxanthophylls and especially a subcomponent, lutein. Lutein is known to accumulate in the retina of the eye. Recent USDA studies have linked these important compounds to the prevention of macular degenerationóthe leading cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S.
· Kiwifruit contains a wealth of carotenoids (beta carotenes, luteins and xanthophylls); phenolic compounds (flavonoids and anthocyanins) and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The excellent complement of antioxidants in kiwifruit may help prevent the oxidation of the good cholesterol (HDLs).
· Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine may help promote an increase in arteriolar dilation, working as a vasodilator and improving blood flowóimportant for heart health.
· The FDA considers kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E, crucial for a healthy heart.
· Kiwifruit contains magnesium at 6% DV. Magnesium is thought to be in short supply in the diets of affluent countries. Poor magnesium status is associated with heart disease, myocardial infarction and hypertension.
· Kiwifruit contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Hypertension
Cardiologists believe the sodium-to-potassium ratio is critical for heart health. That ratio is extremely favorable in kiwifruit.
Immunity
· Kiwifruit has been shown to be an immune boosterómost likely due to its extremely high vitamin C content and its complement of antioxidant compounds.
Impotence
· Kiwifruit contains the amino acid arginine, a well-known vasodilator that has been used to treat impotence in men.
Physical Fitness
· Kiwifruit contains a wide range of minerals (electrolytes) essential for replenishing those lost during exerciseóespecially in hot environments. It is also a naturally significant source of electrolytes for a preworkout regimen.
· In China, a kiwi-based sport drink was designed to overcome athletic training in a hot environment, where large amounts of minerals can be lost in sweat. A 5% addition of carbohydrates to the kiwifruit juice helped to maintain a normal glucose level during exhaustive training. The sports drink was tested on Chinaís elite soccer and track teams and in a more controlled experiment on amateur athletes. The results? Subjects were able to ride a Monark ergometer longer, hematocrit increased significantly after exercise, the drink maintained blood glucose at normal levels when training lasted more than 2.5 hours without affecting insulin levels and vitamin C status of the athletes improved as measured by urinary output. Best of all, athletes said it was fragrant, tasty, refreshing and thirst quenching. It appeared to have no negative side effects (Di et al, 1990).
Stress Reduction
· Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin. Serotonin causes a calming effect in most individuals.
Weight Control
· Calorie for calorie, kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-rich fruits. You get the best balance of nutrients per calorie (the most nutrients for the fewest calories) from kiwifruit, cantaloupe, papaya and lemons.
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