Its exotic looking, its yummy. The kiwifruit is an amazing power fruit, packing in many benefits in a tight space!

To start with, raw kiwi has actinidin, a protein-dissolving enzyme that helps digestion, somewhat like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple. It’s brimming with potassium, that helps maintain the electrolyte-balance by countering the effects of sodium. It has a high amount of immunity-boosting Vitamin C, along with other anti-oxidants. In fact, an extraordinary combination of anti-oxidants in the kiwi helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage and perhaps helps prevent cancer.

Kiwi Paradise

Kiwi is a smart-carb food: because of its low-glycaemic index and high-fiber content it does not cause a big insulin rush like some other high sugar fruits do, and is diabetic-safe. Its fiber prevents constipation and helps move toxins out from your intestinal tract eating kiwis daily over a period of time has been shown to reduce the possibility of blood clotting and triglycerides. The kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin – both natural chemicals found in the human eye – probably help reduce the rate of macular degeneration. Rated among the ‘most alkaline’ fruits, its rich supply of minerals help the pH balance in your body, to give you better skin (it has Vitamin E, too), deeper sleep, enough physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis and osteoporosis. Need we say more?

Kiwi & Papaya Parfait

Fruit Power

Prep time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Serves 4

Toss together 1¼  cup sliced kiwifruit, ¾ cup each diced pineapple, straw-berries and  papaya. 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and ½ tsp honey.

Divide fruit  mixture, 1 cup plain Greek-style yoghurt and ½ cup toasted coconut evenly among 4 parfait glasses, layering as desired.

Sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup chopped toasted pistachios.