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Many people do not like kiwi due to its external appearance. But as you dig in, the delicious taste of the fruit is sure to win your heart. And now, we will give you even one more reason to love this juicy delight. Apart from being a lovely addition to your salads and snacks, kiwifruits can be a valuable addition to your skincare too. Yes, the humble fruit has immense benefits for our skin that can be the secret to a flawless complexion. So, if you think that you need to shed a lot of money to make your skin look revitalized and beautiful, check your fruit basket and indulge in some homemade kiwifruit face masks. Keep reading.
What is Kiwifruit?
Kiwi, also popularly known as kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, is a small egg-shaped fruit with fuzzy greenish-brown skin. Native to South China, the kiwi was brought to New Zealand in 1904 by a schoolteacher (1), and since then, it has grown there wildly from June to October. It is also found in California, but the season is November to May. Hence, the fruit can be available all year round. Kiwi has soft and watery flesh, which is bright green. Both its peel and tiny black seeds are edible, but many prefer to discard the peel before consuming. The fruit’s sweet taste and tangy flavor make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, fruit cocktails, salsas, etc. Being full of powerful nutrients, kiwi packs plenty of health benefits while the same nutrients also help improve the health of our skin. (2)
Fresh kiwifruits are added to the daily diet either raw or as juice. Cooking kiwi is not recommended as it destroys its vitamin C content. Kiwi is also available in forms of powder, tablet, or capsule supplements.
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Nutritional Profile of Kiwifruit
Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit, which has only 42.1 calories. A kiwi weighing 69 gm. contains many dietary fibers (2.1 gm.), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64 mg.) while other vitamins present in it are folate (17.2 mcg.), vitamin E (1 mg.), vitamin K (27.8 mcg.), etc. It is also very high in minerals like calcium (23.5 mg.), magnesium (11.7 mg.), potassium (215 mg.), phosphorus (23.5 mg.), copper (90 mcg.). Apart from vitamin C and vitamin E, other antioxidants found in kiwi are choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene. Besides, the fruit also contains vitamin A and iron in very small amounts. (3)
Kiwi is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It contains almost 3 times more vitamin C than oranges.
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Health Benefits of Kiwifruit
With so many nutrients present in kiwi, it is considered a magical fruit offering numerous health benefits. Following are the ways kiwi supports our health:
1. Aids Asthma Treatment
Being loaded with antioxidants, kiwi helps in treating patients with respiratory ailments like asthma. Regular consumption of kiwi may improve the functionality of the lungs and reduce wheezing in susceptible children (4). In addition, it has been found that vitamin C and vitamin E have strong protective effects on the lungs (5). Kiwi may also lower the extent of upper respiratory tract infections by enhancing innate and adaptive immune functions (6).
2. Improves Digestion
Kiwifruits have many dietary fibers, which promote digestion by addressing the two most common gastrointestinal issues like constipation and loose stools (7). They also come with a proteolytic enzyme called actinidin, which helps digest foods significantly by breaking down proteins in them (8).
3. Strengthens Immunity
When it comes to boosting our immune system, kiwi works wonderfully. It delivers almost 273% of our daily recommended value of vitamin C (9), which is essential for strengthening our immunity and keeping diseases at bay. Antioxidants in kiwi are also effective in triggering immune responses of the body in children and adults over 65 years, thereby protecting them from illnesses like cold, flu, etc. (10)
4. Prevents Chronic Diseases
Kiwi fights against oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals from our body with their high antioxidant content (11). This prevents the damage of cell DNA and reduces the risk of developing a number of chronic health conditions, such as heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc.
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that the intake of 3 kiwifruits a day might keep hypertension away (12). The bioactive substances present in the fruit help lower blood pressure and manage their levels successfully. In the long run, this may also reduce platelet hyperactivity and levels of plasma lipids, which help keep the heart healthy (13). Potassium in kiwi also plays a crucial role in protecting the heart from strokes or heart attacks.
6. Averts Blood Clotting
The extract of kiwi comprises antiplatelet components. Hence, consuming 2-3 fruits a day may reduce the risk of blood clotting and other associated conditions to a large extent. (14)
7. Supports Vision Health
When consumed regularly, kiwifruits may help you keep your eyes healthy by decreasing macular degeneration as much as up to 36% (15). They contain high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein, which are known to protect us from vision loss.
Skin Benefits of Kiwifruit
The nutrients in kiwi are highly beneficial for our skin too. Here is how the fruit makes the skin beautiful by contributing to its cells:
1. Smoothes Signs of Aging
Kiwi is full of vitamin C, vitamin E, and several other antioxidants, along with several phytochemicals, which shield the skin cells from oxidative damage and delay aging (16). As a result, it wards off signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, etc., and rejuvenates the skin to give it a fresher look.
2. Boosts Elasticity of the Skin
The antioxidant vitamin C in kiwi helps in stimulating the production of collagen in our body (17). This increases the elasticity of the skin, thereby making it soft, smooth, and supple.
3. Heals Acne and Breakouts
If your skin is prone to acne and breakouts, kiwi can be a natural solution. The fruit has strong anti-inflammatory properties that speed up the recovery of existing acne and prevent the formation of new ones (18).
10 Easy Kiwifruit Face Masks for a Beautiful Skin
Now, here are the recipes of some easy homemade kiwifruit face masks that you should include in your skincare routine for incredible results:
1. Kiwi Fruit Pulp Mask
Kiwi fruit pulp is an excellent mask on its own. All you need to do is peel the fruit and mash its pulp into a smooth paste. Apply directly to the skin and wait for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Though it tingles a little, the result is excellent.
2. Kiwi and Curd Mask
Peel the fruit and cut it into small pieces. Place those pieces in a jar along with a small bowl of curd and blend to make a fine paste. Apply it all over your face and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water. You’ll be amazed to see the glow of your skin.
3 . Lemon and Kiwi Mask
Peel one kiwi and convert it into a smooth pulp with the help of a grinder. Now, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to it and mix nicely. Your mask is ready for application. Leave it on the face till it gets dry and then, wash it off with normal water. It is excellent for getting rid of hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
4. Banana, Curd, and Kiwi Mask
Take a ripe banana, peel it, and mash it into a fine pulp. Add the pulp of one kiwifruit to it along with a small bowl of curd. Blend all of them to make a thick paste. Apply it uniformly to your face and wait for at least half an hour before washing it off with plain water. This is a fantastic mask for dry and dehydrated skin.
5. Almond, Gram Flour (Besan), and Kiwi Mask
Start with mashing a peeled kiwifruit into a smooth pulp. Add a tablespoon of gram flour (besan) and a tablespoon of finely ground almond to it. Mix well to form a lump-free paste and apply it all over your face. This mask gives the best result when left on the skin for at least 30 minutes. Besan is a wonder skin cleanser as well as an exfoliant. When mixed with kiwi and almonds, it beautifies the skin significantly.
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6. Kiwi and Avocado Mask
Mix kiwi fruit pulp and avocado pulp one tablespoon each and prepare a creamy and smooth paste. Apply it thoroughly to your facial skin and wait for 10 minutes before rinsing. This will give you soft, radiant, and rejuvenated skin in minutes.
7. Olive Oil, Kiwi, and Egg Yolk Mask
Take a kiwifruit, peel it, and mash it into a fine pulp. Add one egg yolk and 10 drops of organic olive oil to it and blend nicely. It should form a sticky paste of medium consistency. Apply it to your face and rinse with tepid water after half an hour. This will leave your skin glowing beautifully.
8. Sandalwood and Kiwi Mask
Mix a tablespoon of sandalwood powder with a tablespoon of kiwi fruit pulp to form a smooth paste. Apply it evenly all over your face and wait until it dries. Then, wash off with lukewarm water. This sweet-smelling face mask will not only keep your skin cool and acne-free but also make it lighter over time.
9. Kiwi Juice and Olive Oil Mask
Extract the juice of kiwifruit and add a tablespoon of organic olive oil to it. Blend to make a liquid face mask. Rub it on your skin gently by using your fingertips and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, wash it off and apply your toner. Your skin will start looking healthy and invigorated instantly.
10. Kiwi and Strawberry Mask
Place one peeled kiwifruit, five strawberries, and half of a cucumber in a grinding jar and grind them to make a smooth paste of medium consistency. Apply it all over your face in a uniform layer and wait for 20-30 minutes. Then, rinse with plain water. This skin revitalizing mask also works as a skin exfoliator.
Potential Risks of Kiwifruit
Consumption of kiwi is considered safe unless you are allergic to it. It is also advised that you perform a patch test before the topical application of the fruit. Some common allergic reactions to kiwifruit include swollen tongue, itchy throat, hives, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, etc.
Summary:
Kiwi or kiwifruit is a small egg-shaped fruit with fuzzy greenish-brown skin. It has a soft and watery flesh, which is bright green in color. Both its peel and small black seeds are edible, but many prefer to discard the peel before consuming. The sweet taste and tangy flavor of the fruit make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, fruit cocktails, salsas, etc. Kiwi comes loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which help in treating asthma, improving digestion, strengthening immunity, regulating blood pressure, averting blood clotting, preventing chronic diseases, supporting vision health, etc. The fruit also enhances the appearance of the skin by smoothing signs of aging, boosting elasticity of the skin, and healing acne and breakouts. When combined with a number of other skin-friendly natural ingredients, some amazing kiwifruit face masks are prepared that can give a bright and flawless skin easily. However, people with allergy to kiwi should stay away from it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can We Use Kiwi on Face Daily?
Kiwi is a natural ingredient that can be applied to the skin daily.
Is Kiwi Bad for Acne?
No. Instead, a kiwi in skincare helps combat acne, pimples, and breakouts, as the fruit has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Do Kiwis Burn My Mouth?
If kiwi burns your mouth, it indicates that you are allergic to the fruit and should stop eating it immediately.
Is Kiwi Skin Edible?
Kiwi skin is edible, and it contains tons of dietary fibers too, which is good for our health.
References:
- “The Nutritional and Health Attributes of Kiwifruit: A Review,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “7 Health Benefits of Kiwi“, Healthline.com
- “Kiwifruit, Green, Raw,” FDC.nal.usda.gov
- “Consumption of Fresh Fruit Rich in Vitamin C and Wheezing Symptoms in Children,” Thorax.BMJ.com
- “Children’s Lung Function and Antioxidant Vitamin, Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Intake,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Effects of Kiwifruit on Innate and Adaptive Immunity and Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Kiwifruit improves bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation,” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Actinidin Enhances Gastric Protein Digestion As Assessed Using an in Vitro Gastric Digestion Model,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “An Investigation of Antioxidant Capacity of Fruits in Singapore Markets,” ScienceDirect.com
- “Kiwifruit: Our Daily Prescription for Health,” NRCResearchPress.com
- “Kiwifruit Protects Against Oxidative DNA Damage in Human Cells and In Vitro,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “The Effect of Kiwifruit Consumption on Blood Pressure in Subjects with Moderately Elevated Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Study,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Cardioprotective Properties of Kiwifruit“, NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Inhibitory Effects of Kiwifruit Extract on Human Platelet Aggregation and Plasma Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Prospective Study of Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, Vitamins, and Carotenoids and Risk of Age-Related Maculopathy,” JAMANetwork.com
- “Antioxidant and ‘Natural Protective’ Properties of Kiwifruit,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Effect of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis and Cross-Linking by Normal Human Fibroblasts,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “The Kiwifruit Peptide Kissper Displays Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in In-Vitro and Ex-Vivo Human Intestinal Models,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
