Kiwi fruits were virtually unknown in the US until the 1960s. The small fruit originated in China, where it was known as Yang Tao. The fruit was taken to New Zealand in the early 20th century and was renamed the Chinese Gooseberry. The green fruit with small black seeds is now commonly used in salads and smoothies and there's good news. Not only does the kiwi fruit taste good, it's also good for you.
Kiwi fruit contain a variety of vitamins (A, B2, B6, C, E, Niacin and Folate) and minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, iron and copper). The fruit is also high in dietary fiber. But that's not all. Kiwi fruits are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.
Kiwi fruits can also help to provide protection against such conditions as asthma and macular degeneration, and can help keep hearts and colons healthy, this contributing to overall health and wellbeing. Researchers are also investigating how the kiwi fruit may help to protect DNA.
