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The kiwi fruit has always been intriguing and interesting to me. My children have always thought the outside of the fruit appeared to look like a sloth. Not too appetizing, consuming a sloth was never a personal goal of mine. I find it difficult to argue with them, as the outside of this small, oval shaped fruit is pretty hairy.

Once this fruit is sliced open the beauty evolves. The sweetness of strawberries and bananas seem to fill the room, yet there is a distinctness that only the kiwi fruit has. The light green, soft fruit filled with black seeds that provide a beauty like no other. A white, pearly core surrounds the green sweetness. This fruit is one of a kind and can be eaten raw or cooked. Personally, my family enjoys them raw.

The kiwi fruit originated in China more then 700 years ago, and was grown in the Yang-tse river Valley. This is where the people of this river valley enjoyed the sweetness of the kiwi fruit that grew on vines and wrapped all around trees. The kiwi fruit was a delicacy to the people of China. It was not until the 1800's and 1900's that other countries even knew this fruit existed. In 1906 the people of New Zealand renamed the fruit the Chinese gooseberry. It was not until the 1960's that the people of New Zealand sent the United States samples of this fruit. Americans named this fruit, kiwi. The national bird of New Zealand is the kiwi,therefore; the kiwi fruit was born in the United States.

This fruit is beneficial to people of all ages. A study done in Italy revealed when children ages 6-7 years old consumed kiwi fruit, they had fewer respiratory infections then those children who did not. According to the Centers for Disease Control there are currently 6.8 million children in the United States that have asthma. By enjoying kiwi fruit, a child may alleviate the breathing problems that they live with. This fruit is a "wonder fruit."

Researchers have also observed an extreme high level of antioxidants in this wonder of all fruits. There seems to be a link between kiwi fruit and the ability of the fruit to stop DNA from mutations that can lead to cancer. Another punch from this fruit is dealt through Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. This Vitamin has long been known to keep our immune systems fighting infections, strokes, and heart disease. By keeping a kiwi fruit in your kitchen, you will also fight off colon cancer. This fruit has more then 2.58 grams of fiber in each soft, fuzzy ball.

I try to keep a kiwi fruit or two around the house. My boys will grab one if it is available and make a face as they comment on the sloth. That sloth that they are referring to is one of the most nutritious and healthy things they can do for their growing bodies. I'm thankful my 13 and 17 year old boys will eat this juicy, sweet, delicious fruit.
With only 46 calories per fruit, this fruit packs a punch that will benefit them for life!

Learn more about this author, Sara A Broers.
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