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12/11/2007: "The Kiwifruit"
I read recently that I should be including kiwifruit in my juicing regiment. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I juice daily a Granny Smith Apple, three carrots, a kiwi and some red grapes. Kiwifruit in California is harvested in September and available in the grocery stores up until May. A recent trial at the Rowett Research Institute in England showed that eating kiwifruit daily could provide good protection from DNA damage responsible for cancer. It also speeds the repair on cellular DNA. For those consuming up to three kiwis a day, the speed of repair was almost double that of the control group. The study suggests that eating at least one per day can benefit you significantly.
Of the 27 most commonly consumed fruits that Rutgers University evaluated, they found that kiwifruit was the most nutrient dense. It has twice the vitamin C of an orange at over 100% the USDA for just one. A banana has about 370 mg of potassium while a kiwifruit has about 450 mg. At only 60% of an avocado’s calories, it has it has twice the vitamin E content. And it ranks the highest in folic acid content.
Kiwifruit is easy to eat as you can peel and slice it or cut it in half and scoop it out like an avocado. After washing, you can even eat it like an apple with the peel on for more nutritional benefits. Next time you are fruit shopping give it a try. The vitamin C benefits alone will help during this cold and flu season.
