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The kiwi fruit is native to China and was known as Yang Tao. Missionaries took the fruit to New Zealand from China in the early 20th century. In 1960 its name was changed to Chinese Gooseberry. An American produce distributor brought the fruit to the United States in 1961. This distributor again changed the name of the fruit to kiwi fruit, in honor of the native bird of New Zealand.

Kiwi fruit is loaded with antioxidants. It has more of the antioxidant Vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange. A study with six and seven year old children in Italy showed that the more kiwi and other citrus fruits that the children consumed the less likely they were to have respiratory problems such as wheezing and other asthma related symptoms.

Vitamin C is also beneficial in neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to cells and lead to problems such as inflammation and cancer. This antioxidant is vital for the healthy function of the immune system.

Kiwi fruit is a good source of the antioxidant Vitamin E. This antioxidant provides protection against macular degeneration. A study reported in Archives of Ophthalmology involving more than 110,000 men and women found that those eating three or more servings of fruit high in Vitamins C and E had a lower risk of developing macular degeneration.

A study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway showed that consuming two or three kiwi fruit each day helped thin the blood, reduce clotting, and lower the fat levels in the blood. This is a similar effect of taking daily aspirin. This study published in the August 2004 issue of the journal Platelets stated that the researchers are not certain what compound is responsible for these actions.

Researchers have also found that the antioxidants in kiwi fruit offer a protective effect for DNA in the nucleus of human cells. They have not yet determined which of the variety of antioxidants contained in kiwi fruit are providing this protection.

In addition to the antioxidant benefits of this fruit, the kiwi has a high fiber content that will help prevent colon cancer. This super fruit should be added to nearly everyone's diet to help fight a number of respiratory, circulatory, and vision problems. With the addition of only two or three kiwi fruit each day you could be on your way to a healthier life.

Learn more about this author, Julie Diaz.
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