Kiwi, a popular fruit of the winter season, rich in many nutrients essential for our health. It is native to Asia, i.e. China, but has been cultivated as late as in the beginning of the 20th century in New Zealand. It is regarded as one of the healthiest foods in the world, characterized by intensive sour flavour and a very juicy flesh. It is full of antioxidants, vitamin C in particular, and astonishing as it may seem, it contains far more vitamin C than orange. Also, it is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin A and diet fibre. Consummation of kiwi will ensure sufficient amount of vitamin C for your body but will also improve your immune system, significantly slow down the ageing process and enhance wound healing. In addition, kiwi is an excellent source of folic acid, relevant for the production of new red blood cells. Folic acid is a vital component in pregnancy diet, especially in the first trimester, since its deficiency may cause neural tube defects of fetus. Another interesting element kiwi contains is lutein that operates as an apparent sunglasses by absorbing dangerous UV rays, thus protecting the health of our eyes and skin. Antioxidants, found in kiwi, assist in healing many diseases by neutralizing small reactive molecules also known as free radicals.
Food such as kiwi is essential for our body, especially in today’s time of aggravated stress, hurried way of life, poor nutrition, alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, all taking their toll. For that reason it is crucial we take as much as antioxidants as possible given that their only mission is to inhibit free radicals and keep our body cells healthy. As you probably already know, kiwi’s flesh has also small dark seeds, but you probably didn’t know these are an excellent source of omega -3 fatty acids. Certain studies relate omega fatty acids to the lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Minerals like iron, manganese and magnesium are also found in kiwi. Manganese is important for our body because it participates in making enzyme with extraordinary antioxidant properties, vital for the normal functioning of our body, known as superoxide dismutase. Magnesium takes care of proper functioning of the nerve system and also maintains the health of our bones and teeth, while iron takes a major role of oxygen biding as a component of haemoglobin in red blood cells. If you haven’t by now eaten this delicious fruit, it’s high time you start doing so because, apart from the taste explosion in your mouth you’ll be feeling once you try it, it will also help you to boost your immune system.
L. Rađa