note for the natural remedies guru page in www.consciousazine.com ha to put this here as this post is so large.
KIWIFRUIT OFFERS BENEFITS FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
Kiwifruit is the most
nutrient-rich of the top 26 fruits consumed in the world today. It also has the
highest density of any fruit for vitamin C and magnesiumóa limited mineral in
the food supply of most affluent countries and a nutrient important for
cardiovascular health. Among the top three low-sodium, high-potassium fruits,
kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruits.
Based on the data published in the international scientific
literature and the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationís approved legal definition
of a good (>10% of the daily value (DV)) or excellent (>20% of the DV)
source, kiwifruit may be classified as an excellent source of vitamin C as well
as dietary fiber. By the FDA's definition, kiwifruit would also be a good source
of vitamin E and potassium. Kiwifruit is low fat and contains no
cholesterol.
Unlike other fruits, kiwifruit has an unusually broad
complement of nutrients. Most fruits tend to be high in only one or two
nutrients, but kiwifruit delivers 8% DV of folic acid, 8% DV of copper, 8% DV of
pantothenic acid, 6% DV of calcium and magnesium, 4% DV of iron and vitamin B6,
2% DV of phosphorus and trace amounts of vitamin A (beta carotene) and other
vitamins and minerals.
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.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-nutrition-of-kiwi.html
Kiwifruit is the most
nutrient-rich of the top 26 fruits consumed in the world today. It also has the
highest density of any fruit for vitamin C and magnesiumóa limited mineral in
the food supply of most affluent countries and a nutrient important for
cardiovascular health. Among the top three low-sodium, high-potassium fruits,
kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruits.
Based on the data published in the international scientific
literature and the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationís approved legal definition
of a good (>10% of the daily value (DV)) or excellent (>20% of the DV)
source, kiwifruit may be classified as an excellent source of vitamin C as well
as dietary fiber. By the FDA's definition, kiwifruit would also be a good source
of vitamin E and potassium. Kiwifruit is low fat and contains no
cholesterol.
Unlike other fruits, kiwifruit has an unusually broad
complement of nutrients. Most fruits tend to be high in only one or two
nutrients, but kiwifruit delivers 8% DV of folic acid, 8% DV of copper, 8% DV of
pantothenic acid, 6% DV of calcium and magnesium, 4% DV of iron and vitamin B6,
2% DV of phosphorus and trace amounts of vitamin A (beta carotene) and other
vitamins and minerals.
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.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-nutrition-of-kiwi.html