The benefits and harms of kiwi for human health and when is the best time to consume the fruit, cosmetology recipes

A liana from the genus Actinidia, which grew wild in China, is now cultivated in Japan and Iran, Greece and Italy. Fruit kiwis look like potatoes, their surface is covered with villi, but the taste of the delicate green pulp surprisingly combines shades of strawberry, gooseberry, and pineapple. The sweet and sour berry weighs about 100 grams and serves as a source of a whole complex of vitamins and minerals, which is where the benefits of the kiwi fruit lie. The fruits can cause harm if consumed without knowing the limits.

Chemical composition and calorie content

Liana berries are rich in ascorbic acid, which helps strengthen the immune system and reduces the impact of germs and viruses. Kiwi contains tocopherol and vitamin A, a deficiency of which causes nails to break and hair to split. Folic acid is involved in many processes that occur in the human body. Pyridoxine calms the nerves and improves protein absorption. The fruits contain vitamins B1, B2, B 3–5 in small quantities.

The juicy pulp of kiwi contains 9 types of minerals, including:

• iron and zinc;
• phosphorus and sodium;
• potassium and chlorine.

Sulfur acts as an antioxidant, calcium eliminates inflammation, strengthens bones, and magnesium has a beneficial effect on the heart.

When eating kiwi, the body is saturated with microelements in the form of boron and copper, aluminum and fluorine.

Iodine normalizes the synthesis of hormones; if it is deficient, the thyroid gland suffers. Manganese is responsible for tissue restoration and accelerates healing of wounds. With a deficiency of molybdenum, and this substance is found in both the pulp and skin of kiwi, the development of the cells that make up the tissues of the respiratory organs slows down.

The fruits of this exotic fruit are rich in:

• fiber;
• protein;
• sugars;
• flavonoids.

100 grams of berries contain a little more than 60 calories, but when consuming this amount, the human body receives the daily need for ascorbic acid and ¼ of potassium.

Features of different varieties

In Russia, the exotic berry is cultivated for industrial purposes in the Sochi region; it is found in the wild in the Far East. The tall plant of the Hayward variety is distinguished by large oval fruits; individual specimens weigh 150 grams. The juicy, light green flesh delights with its delicate taste and aroma.

The dessert variety Bruno is rich in organic acids; the fruits are perfectly stored for 3 months. Up to 6 buckets of fruits covered with brown skin ripen on one plant. The pulp has a yellowish tint.

The Monti variety is distinguished by round leaves and blooms in early May. The surface of the berries is covered with hairs, each weighing no more than 30 grams. The fruits are poorly transported and cannot be stored for a long time, but the bright green pulp smells like pineapple.

Abbot is valued for its high yield; the first fruits, shaped like a pear, appear already in the fourth year. One plant produces 7 buckets of sweet and sour berries, the average weight of the fruit is 40 grams. In the Adler region, the Tomuri variety is cultivated, which has male flowers and the earlier, faster-growing Matua. They are often used to pollinate other types of kiwi.

How to choose the right ripe and high-quality fruit

When buying exotic fruits, you need to carefully look not only at their appearance, but also take into account other signs that tell you which fruit to choose:

1. A ripe berry has a weak aroma; a fruit that begins to deteriorate smells a little like wine.
2. When kiwi is overripe, it becomes soft to the touch; when pressed, the green fruit seems very hard.
3. The fruits should be evenly colored, and the color depends on the variety.
4. High-quality berries wash off and clean hairs well.

You should not buy kiwis that release juice when pressed, the skin is covered with spots, and most likely they are already rotting.

It is better to buy fruits individually; spoiled fruits are also packed in baskets, because sellers need to get rid of such goods.

In what form and when is it best to use?

Fresh kiwi contains a lot of useful substances that are absorbed faster when the fruits are eaten before meals. When cut into slices, the concentration of ascorbic acid decreases; it is better to simply peel the fruit and eat it like an apple in its entirety. Kiwis with skin are even more useful, but not everyone can eat it.

Sweet and sour berries are added to salads and used to make jams, desserts, cocktails, baked goods, and marinades. They go well with meat and are used in wine production.

Beneficial properties of the fruit

In terms of concentration and variety of vitamins and minerals, kiwi is superior to many fruits that are familiar to people living in temperate climates from childhood. The fruits of Chinese gooseberries are valued not only for their unique aroma and sweet and sour taste, but also for the fact that they have a positive effect on almost every system of the body.

Boosts immunity

By eating just one kiwi berry a day, you can prevent colds, protect yourself from viral infections, and make it easier to cope with illnesses caused by bacteria. Ascorbic and folic acid, vitamins of groups A, E and B, which the fruits are rich in, strengthen the immune system and restore vitality.

Stimulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system

Potassium present in kiwi eliminates swelling by removing excess fluid. Magnesium strengthens the walls of arteries and capillaries, helps reduce blood pressure.When consuming aromatic fruits, the blood thins, reducing the risk of blood clots, the development of atherosclerosis, and acute ischemia. Doctors recommend that people suffering from heart pathologies include kiwi in their diet.

Hematopoietic effect

The sweet and sour berry helps cope with anemia because it is rich in iron, which increases the amount of hemoglobin. Thanks to the presence of actinidin, consumption of fruits promotes the breakdown of fats and prevents the formation of blood clots, which occurs when blood clots quickly.

Weight normalization

To lose extra pounds, you don’t have to torture yourself with hunger; you need to eat kiwi instead of sweets. The berry speeds up metabolism, has a laxative effect, contains a lot of fiber, and rids the body of fats and toxins. Even if a person eats not one, but several fruits, he will not gain weight; they contain very few calories.

Improving kidney and digestive system function

Pectins present in kiwi restore the intestinal microflora after taking antibiotics and stimulate appetite. Fiber improves peristalsis and participates in the secretion of enzymes. With regular consumption of fruits:

1. Protein digestion is facilitated.
2. Metabolism accelerates.
3. Abdominal bloating and heartburn go away.

Kiwi helps remove salts and excess sodium that accumulates in the body. The fruits prevent the formation of stones, cleanse the kidneys, and they begin to work better.

Positively affects the nervous system

Kiwi restores lost sleep, reduces the effects of stress, helps fight emotional stress, copes with bad mood, and calms nerves.

How to prevent cancer

Kiwi contains many different vitamins, and three of them function as antioxidants, suppressing the activity of free radicals involved in oxidative processes and provoking the formation of malignant tumors. Regular consumption of fruits helps prevent cancer.

Supports Blood Sugar Levels

According to scientists, the sweet and sour fruit contains so many useful components that they can completely ensure the vital functions of the human body. The amount of fiber is several times higher than sugar, which allows you to reduce its level and maintain normal levels.

Application in cosmetology

Kiwi is used not only in culinary recipes, for the prevention and treatment of diseases, extracts of the tree vine berries are included in products that are produced to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.

Kiwi masks

The vitamins that the fruit is rich in promote collagen production, renew cells, cleanse pores, improve blood circulation, and eliminate inflammation. To rejuvenate aging skin, kiwi pulp is mixed with the same amount of bee honey. The mass is applied to the face and washed off with water after 20 minutes.

A mask made from crushed half of a fruit and raw protein helps to narrow pores and eliminate oily shine. To soften and moisturize dry skin, kiwi is placed in a blender, then combined with sour cream and honey, applied for 15 minutes.

Pulp peeling

To get rid of acne, cleanse your face, removing seeds from kiwi and the core and mixed with kefir. The mixture should be squeezed out, applied to the skin in a thick layer, and after rinsing, wipe with milk. This peeling evens out the color and tightens the pores.

You can moisturize tissues and remove comedones by combining cottage cheese with kiwi juice.The mixture is applied to problem areas, lightly massaging. After 15 minutes, it is removed with a tampon, along with which the softened plugs come off, dirt and sebum are drawn out.

Can I use it?

Is it beneficial for everyone to eat kiwi? People with health problems, women carrying a child, and nursing mothers are interested.

For diabetes

Although the fruits of the tree vine contain sugar, they also contain enzymes that help eliminate toxins, burn fats, speed up metabolism, and fiber regulates the amount of glucose. Doctors believe that kiwi can and should be consumed for any type of diabetes.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Folic acid reduces the risk of miscarriage, promotes the baby's mental development, and prevents the appearance of defects in the nervous system. Doctors not only allow pregnant women to eat kiwi, but also advise them to eat not one, but 2 or 3 fruits, since they are rich in folic acid.

Vitamin C contained in berries strengthens the walls of blood vessels, iron copes with anemia, magnesium prevents the development of oxygen starvation in the fetus. Kiwi improves appetite and alleviates symptoms of toxicosis. Tree vine berries should be introduced into the baby’s diet carefully and little by little. Until the baby is 6 months old, it is better for the mother not to risk the baby’s health by feasting on exotic fruit.

Harm and contraindications

People who suffer from allergies or are prone to such diseases should not eat kiwi. Fruits should not be eaten if you have a stomach ulcer or gastritis, since they contain a lot of organic acids that can cause irritation of the mucous membrane.

If you are overly interested in exotic berries:

• a rash forms;
• the skin turns red;
• vomiting and nausea;
• the face swells.

With an excess of potassium and vitamins, dermatitis develops, the pancreas suffers, and digestion is disrupted, but such phenomena occur extremely rarely.