6 reasons to eat kiwis

These berries are a nutritious, compact snack with several health benefits
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Fuzzy, egg-shaped kiwis are actually large berries. Ounce for ounce, they contain more nutrients than most any other fruit in the grocery store. Here are some reasons to make this exotic treat part of your regular diet.

Photograph by Lucas Zarebinski/thelicensingproject.com
Photograph by Lucas Zarebinski/thelicensingproject.com

Vitamin E
A serving has twice the vitamin E of an avocado but only 60 percent of the calories. So it’s good for your skin and your waistline.

Potassium
A serving also has 20 percent more potassium, another heart-healthy nutrient, than a banana.

Fiber
Two kiwis contain more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal, so they help keep your digestive system moving.

Cancer fighter
The antioxidants in kiwis help prevent cancer.

Vitamin C
Boost your immune system! A single serving (two kiwis) has almost twice the vitamin C of an orange.

Heart healthy
Kiwis keep your blood flowing, significantly lowering your risk of blood clots and reducing fats in your bloodstream.

Ripe or not?
To select a ripe fruit, hold one between your thumb and forefinger; it should yield slightly to pressure. Size does not affect taste. For the most health benefits, eat kiwis when they are fully ripe.

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Health issue.

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