Kiwis are small exotic fruits with a fuzzy brown exterior. Hiding behind this unassuming appearance is a potent superfood packed with a number of vitamins and nutrients. In fact, regularly consuming kiwis might even keep the doctor away just as well as apples can. Here are eight health benefits you can reap from eating kiwi fruits.

While kiwi fruits are commonly associated with New Zealand, these delicious fruits actually originate from China. Some of the essential nutrients kiwis are known to contain include folate, potassium, copper, magnesium, and vitamins A, B3, C, E and K. The entire fruit is edible, including its black seeds and fuzzy brown peel. This means that none of the nutrients have to go to waste. Kiwi fruits have a long history of being used in Chinese folk medicine for their health-boosting properties. (Related: Kiwi Fruit- Prevents Cancer, DNA Damage, Asthma, Creates Alkaline Balance & Improves Vision.)

Kiwis can improve respiratory health

Kiwis are loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, all of which work as antioxidants that can help treat asthma. The regular consumption of kiwis may even help reduce respiratory health problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. According to one study, eating kiwi fruits on a regular basis was found to have a beneficial impact on the lung function of the subjects. Antioxidants can also help combat and reduce the risk of oxidative stress and damage to your DNA.

Kiwis can promote good digestive health

Kiwi fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber that can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movement. It also possesses mild laxative properties that can help treat constipation and similar digestive disorders. Furthermore, they are rich in a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin. Actinidin can help break down protein during digestion. A recent study found that the kiwi extract containing actinidin significantly enhanced the efficiency of digesting most proteins.

Kiwis can boost your immune system

Kiwi fruits contain more than double the amount of vitamin C than an orange. Even just a single cup of fresh kiwi fruit is enough to provide around 273 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin C. All that extra vitamin C can be of great help in boosting your immune system. One study showed that eating kiwis can reduce the risk of developing cold or flu-like illnesses by supporting immune function. Young children and older adults have the most to benefit from the immune-boosting properties of kiwis.

Kiwis can support good heart health

Having a high blood pressure can lead to related health conditions, such as strokes or heart attacks. Because kiwi fruits are so rich in potassium, they can help to manage blood pressure by countering the harmful effects of sodium in the body. Kiwi fruits can also help your heart by lowering your cholesterol levels, due to a substance they contain called pectin. Additionally, the antioxidants found in kiwi fruits can help prevent the oxidation of the good cholesterol in your body.

Kiwis can support good eye health

Kiwi fruits can help improve your eyesight and protect against the loss of vision. Vitamin A is useful in preventing macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss. Fortunately, kiwi fruits have a high vitamin A content. Their high levels of the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein can also aid in reducing your risk of macular degeneration.

Kiwis can help you manage diabetes

Inositol is a natural sugar that can be found in kiwi fruits. They might taste sweet, but they can actually play a role in controlling your diabetes.

Kiwis can help reduce stress

It might sound strange, but eating kiwis might actually make you feel better and less stressed. This is due to their high content of serotonin,  a hormone that can promote sleep and reduce stress.

Kiwis can aid in weight loss

Eat plenty of kiwis if you want to lose weight. They are low-calorie fruits that contain a lot of healthy fats and sugars.

Learn more about the health benefits of kiwis and other fruits by going to Fruits.news.

Sources include:

ArticlesOfHealthCare.com

Healthline.com