why kiwi is king

Late spring and summer bring ripe, succulent kiwi, and that is great news for your body! Cut in half and eat with a spoon or slice up for a fruit salad, and you’ll enjoy a nutrition-packed snack that your body can appreciate as much as your taste buds:

• Calorie for calorie, kiwi is the most nutrient-rich of the top 26 fruits consumed in the world today. This low fat, cholesterol-free food has the highest density of any fruit for vitamin C and magnesium. Among the top three low-sodium, high-potassium fruits, it ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruits. It is also a good source of vitamin E and an excellent source of dietary fiber (almost 3g per serving).
• Unlike other fruits, kiwi has an unusually broad complement of nutrients. Most fruits tend to be high in only one or two nutrients, but kiwi delivers 8% DV of folic acid, 8% DV of copper, 8% DV of pantothenic acid, 6% DV of calcium and magnesium, 4% DV of iron and vitamin B6, 2% DV of phosphorus and trace amounts of vitamin A (beta carotene) and other vitamins and minerals.
• It is ranked as having the fourth highest natural antioxidant potential (with its high levels of beta carotene), and along with its antimutagenic components, helps prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process.
• Inositol, a sugar alcohol naturally occurring in kiwi, may play a positive role in regulating diabetes and treating depression.
• Kiwi contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
• It contains a wide range of minerals (electrolytes) essential for replenishing those lost during exercise, especially in hot environments. It is also a naturally significant source of electrolytes for a pre-workout regimen.
• Kiwi contains a relatively high level of serotonin, which reduces stress.

Need any more reasons to dive into summer’s most fantastic fruit? Try slicing it up with fresh blueberries and peaches for a delicious – and nutritious – dessert tonight!