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Kiwifruit
is moderately good in calories, comparable to that of grapes. 100 g of kiwi
berry holds 61 calories. Nonetheless, it has several health giving
anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and fiber.
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It is
good source of soluble dietary fiber (3.8 g per 100 g of fruit OR 10% of RDA),
which brand it as a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the
colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxins as well as binding
to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
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The
fruit is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C;
providing about 154% of the
DRI (daily-recommended
intake). Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop
resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
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Kiwi
fruit contains very good levels of vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-K and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as
beta-carotene, lutein and xanthin. Vitamin K has a potential role in the
increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also
has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal
damage in the brain. Total antioxidant strength measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of kiwifruit (gold, raw) is
1210 µmol TE/100 g.
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Research
studies have shown that certain substances in kiwi-fruit functions as blood
thinner function similar to aspirin; thus, it helps prevent clot formation
inside the blood vessels and protect from stroke and heart-attack risk.
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Kiwi-fruit
seeds are an excellent source of omega-3
fatty acids. Research studies show that consumption of foods rich in
omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and
help prevent the development of ADHD, autism, and other developmental disorders
in children.
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Fresh
kiwi fruit is a very rich source of heart-healthy electrolyte
"potassium." 100 g contains 312 mg or 7% of daily-recommended levels
of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body
fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure by countering malefic
effects of sodium.
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It also
contains good amounts of minerals like manganese, iron and magnesium. Manganese
is used in the body as a co-factor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Magnesium
is an important bone-strengthening mineral like calcium.
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