Kiwis are small fruits that pack a lot of flavour and plenty of health benefits. Their green flesh is sweet and tangy. It’s also full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. They also have a lot of antioxidants and are a good source of fiber. Their small black seeds are edible, as is the fuzzy brown peel, though many prefer to peel the kiwi before eating it.
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In addition to helping us manage our blood pressure, kiwis can actually reduce blood clotting. A blood clot is a gel-like mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding. A blood clot forms to try to repair damage to a blood vessel, either an artery or vein. When they form inappropriately inside an artery or vein, they may cause significant problems, such as symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, because blood flow past the clot is decreased.
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A study from the University of Oslo found that eating two to three kiwis a day significantly lowered the risk of blood clotting. They were also found to reduce the amount of fat in the blood. According to Healthline.com, researchers said that these effects were similar to those of a daily dose of aspirin to improve heart health. They found that consuming two or three kiwi fruit per day for 28 days significantly reduced blood clotting. While the precise mechanism for this action remains unclear these results indicate that consuming kiwi fruit may protect against cardiovascular disease.
The fruit appears to thin the blood, reducing the risk of clots and lower fat in the blood that can cause blockages, without negatively affecting cholesterol levels. Such effects are similar to those of a daily dosage of aspirin, recommended by doctors to improve heart health.
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