The kiwi fruit is the main fruit of the Actinidia family. The kiwifruit is known worldwide for its delicious taste and awesome nutritional benefits. The other species in the Actinidia species is called the kiwi berry or the “mini-kiwi”.
The kiwi berry has distinct advantages over the kiwi fruit. Thye kiwi berry is able to withstand very cold temperatures up to -30 degrees Celsius.
The kiwi berry also has a short vegetation period. The fact that the kiwi berry can be grown in cold weather and it has a short growing time makes it an ideal fruit to be grown in the colder North European countries.
The kiwi berry has been around since the middle of the 20th century. However, the kiwi berry was introduced to the United States in the 1980s. The kiwi berry is very aromatic with a sweet, intense flavor.
The kiwi berry has been readily accepted because of its health benefits. Kiwi berry, similar to kiwifruit is one of the most nutritionally rich fruits in the world.
The kiwi berry is considered to be one of nature’s perfect fruit because it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Kiwifruit and papaya fruit are referred to as “healthy fruit”.
Unlike the kiwi fruit, the kiwi berry has an edible, grape-like skin.
Kiwi Berry Nutrition Facts
The kiwi berry is an excellent source of :
- Vitamin C
- Lutein
- B-carotene,
- Chlorophylls and fiber
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin A and Vitamin E
- Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese
Kiwi berry Nutrition
Kiwi berry is a good source of pectin. The kiwifruit and the kiwi berry has a similar amount of soluble sugar. The main sugars in the kiwi berry are glucose and fructose.
Citric acid is the most predominant organic acids in the kiwi berry fruit. Kiwi berry also consists of:
- Quinic acid
- Malic acid
- Oxalic acid
- Shikimic acid
- Succinic acid
- Soluble and insoluble fiber
Kiwi berry is exceptionally high in Vitamin C. The range of vitamin C in the kiwi berry ranges from 100-430 mg per 100 grams of kiwi berry.
Normally, the Vitamin C content in fruit is unstable because of the oxidation process in the presence of oxygen. However, the kiwi berry and kiwifruit have a long shelf life and this fruit is able to maintain its Vitamin C levels.
The kiwi berry contains a significant amount of B complex. Kiwifruit and kiwi berry have a significant amount of phenolics. Phenolics are very effective antioxidants.
Minerals
The kiwi berry is a powerhouse of minerals. However, the content of the kiwi berry depends on the conditions of the soil and weather. The kiwi berry is a good source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
The kiwi berry is a significant source of micronutrients.
Amino and Fatty Acids
The amount of amino acids in the kiwi berry is 601-1220 mg per 100 grams. There are about 200 different amino acids in the kiwi berry.
The fatty acid content of the fruit is in its seeds. There is a small number of fatty acids in the flesh of the kiwi berry. The defined fatty acids include 13.9–30.5% saturated fatty acids and 70.4–85.8% unsaturated fatty acids.
Antioxidants
There has been a plethora of research into the kiwi berry anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These antioxidants have been proven to help protect against heart disease, cancer, and degenerative disorders.
The antioxidants of the kiwi berry act as free scavengers in the body to reduce certain diseases. The kiwi berry performs better than the kiwi fruit in its antioxidant properties.
Kiwiberry Health Benefits
Kiwi species have historically been used for the relief of nurmerous disorders. These disorders include digestive disorders, heartburn, arthritis, and hemorrhoids. Some Chinese herbalists have used kiwi for the treatment of cancer.
The health benefits of the kiwi berry fruit are because the fruit contains so many nutrients, and they all interact synergistically.
One of the best-known health benefits of the kiwi berry is the treatment of the gastrointestinal system. The extract of the kiwi berry is used to support the growth of good flora while destroying the bad flora. The kiwi berry has enzymes that help in the digestion of meat.
One study concluded that kiwi berry lowered cholesterol levels. Other studies have shown kiwi berry helps in cancer and liver health.
Calories in A Kiwiberry
Conclusions
It is always important to check with your physician before starting any alternative health, especially if you are on prescription medications.
References
My name is Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am passionate about cardiac care and heart disease. I also want this blog to be an educational tool that people can refer to for traditional and alternative treatment. I will blog on heart disorders such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and high cholesterol.
I received my Nursing degree from Baltimore Community College.
I went on to receive my Masters in Nursing from Walden University
I have worked for almost 30 years in Critical Care with a focus on heart health. I am an advocate of preventive healthcare.
