Kiwi fruit: The overlooked superfood for senior health
Kiwi fruits are often added to fruit salads, primarily because of their vibrant green colour, which contrasts beautifully with the colours of strawberries, oranges, or melons. Nevertheless, we seldom choose these fruits daily. Some find the skin inconvenient, while others think they aren't juicy enough. However, for the health of the elderly in the family, it's worth considering the humble kiwi.
The kiwi fruit is distinguished by its abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, K, E, potassium, and fibre. In the diet of older adults, vitamin C is essential as it bolsters the immune system and helps combat infections. Few people know that kiwi contains nearly double the vitamin C of oranges. In 100 grams of green fruit, there are approximately 93 milligrams of vitamin C, whereas oranges contain only about 53 milligrams. And these are not the only advantages of the fascinating kiwi.
Where does the name kiwi come from?
Despite the fruit's Chinese origin, New Zealanders are responsible for the current name, "kiwi." This name was adopted in the 20th century and refers to the kiwi bird, which is a national emblem in New Zealand. Previously, the fruit was known as "Chinese gooseberries."
The fruit's name relates to the bird because of their visual similarity. Kiwi fruits have brown, hairy skin, reminiscent of the bird's plumage.
Kiwi and cardiovascular health
These less common fruits contain significant amounts of vitamins C, K, and potassium, which benefit the cardiovascular system. Vitamin K fortifies blood vessels and assists in proper calcium management, especially for seniors. Meanwhile, potassium helps stabilise blood pressure and supports the muscles' electrolyte balance.
Support for digestion and the digestive system
Due to its fibre content, kiwi is an excellent aid for the digestive system. Regular consumption of kiwi can help maintain proper intestinal peristalsis, thus preventing constipation, a common issue among the elderly. Additionally, the actinidin found in kiwi aids protein digestion, offering further benefits for digestive health. Interestingly, because of this substance, jelly with added kiwi tends not to set.
1 kiwi a day for improved well-being
Scientific studies show that regular consumption of kiwis can positively influence mood and reduce stress levels. Just a few days are sufficient to observe a boost in vitality and overall enhancement in quality of life. This is particularly important for seniors, who, due to numerous health conditions and worries, are more susceptible to low mood or stress than younger individuals.
Not just vitamins, but antioxidants too
Kiwi is also a rich source of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by ageing and free radicals. Consistently eating kiwi can help maintain healthy and youthful skin. This is primarily because of improved collagen production, in which the vitamin C present in the fruit plays a crucial role.
