Uncovering the kiwi: A powerful ally for senior health
Kiwi is often added to fruit salads for its intense green colour, which nicely contrasts with the colours of strawberries, oranges, or melons. However, it's not a fruit we often reach for daily. Its impractical skin puts some people off, while others find it not juicy enough. Yet, for the health of the family's elders, it's worth remembering the unassuming kiwi.
Kiwi stands out for its extraordinary range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, K, E, potassium, and fibre. In the diet of older adults, vitamin C is crucial as it supports the immune system and helps fight infections. Few know that kiwi contains almost twice as much vitamin C as oranges. In 100 grams of kiwi, there are about 93 mg of vitamin C, whereas oranges contain only about 53 mg. And those aren’t the only benefits of the remarkable Kiwi.
Where does the name kiwi come from?
Despite the fruit's Chinese origin, New Zealanders are responsible for the name "kiwi." It was given in the 20th century and refers to the kiwi bird, a national symbol of New Zealand. Previously, this fruit was known as "Chinese gooseberries."
The name of the fruit refers to the bird because of a visual similarity. Kiwi fruits have brown, hairy skin resembling the bird's plumage.
Kiwi and cardiovascular health
These less common fruits contain a large amount of vitamins C, K, and potassium, which support cardiovascular health. Vitamin K strengthens blood vessels and helps maintain proper calcium management, which is extremely important for seniors. Meanwhile, potassium stabilizes blood pressure and supports the electrolyte balance of muscles.
Support for digestion and the digestive system
Thanks to its fibre content, kiwi is an excellent aid for the digestive system. Regularly consuming these green fruits can help maintain proper intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation, often affecting older individuals. Moreover, the actinidin in kiwi facilitates protein digestion, benefiting digestive health. Interestingly, this substance prevents jelly with kiwi from setting.
1 kiwi a day for improved well-being
Scientific research shows that regular consumption of kiwis can positively affect mood and reduce stress levels. Just a few days of consumption are enough to notice a boost in vitality and overall quality of life. This is especially important for seniors, who, due to various health concerns and anxieties, are more prone to poor mood or stress than people of other ages.
Not just vitamins, but antioxidants too
Kiwi is also a rich source of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by aging and free radicals. Regular consumption of kiwi can contribute to maintaining healthy and youthful skin. This is primarily due to better collagen production, in which vitamin C in the fruit plays an important role.
