Nowadays it seems people are more health-conscious than ever before. They look for nutrition in everything from breakfast to dessert.
Any fruit offers good nutrition and today's prescription for more healthful diets calls for eating more fruit, along with more vegetables and grains. However, some fruits are not really as nutritious as most people think. Actually, many fruits offer just a few key nutritional benefits - usually vitamins A or C - and provide the desirable energy from sugar and fiber. Kiwifruit provides such nutrients, too, but it also offers many extraordinary benefits above and beyond what is normally found in most fruit.

Kiwi and nutrients
According to recent studies, Kiwifruit is the most nutrient dense of all the major fruits. Many people already know that kiwifruit is packed with more vitamin C than an orange.
Other nutrients:
- Lutein . . .  This phytochemical is receiving a great deal of recent attention for its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration - a leading cause of blindness. This carotenoid functions as an antioxidant, and next to yellow corn, a single serving of kiwifruit (2 medium kiwifruit) is the richest source of lutein in the vegetable world
- Fiber . . .  Soluble fiber protects against heart disease and diabetes, while insoluble fiber reduces the risk of some cancers, constipation, and diverticulitis. A single serving of kiwifruit contains both types of fiber!
- Copper for Kids . . .  California Kiwifruit is high in Copper, vital for infant growth, bone strength, brain development, and building immunity.
- More Potassium than Bananas . . .  Potassium from fruits and vegetables helps the heart work more efficiently, and is significantly in controlling blood pressure - the "silent killer". Potassium controls heart activity and maintains fluid balance.

Kiwifruit and Cancer
One-third of cancer deaths are caused by a variety of dietary factors. According to the American Cancer Society, studies suggest that people who eat more fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants have a lower risk of cancer. By comparison, clinical studies of antioxidant supplements have not demonstrated a reduction in cancer risk.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium are naturally abundant in fruits and vegetables. By eating five or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables a day, we may be able to reduce our risk of various forms of cancer. Compared to other whole fruits for levels of total antioxidants present, kiwifruit was found to have an impressive profile.
The antioxidant capacity of kiwi is 5.54, the third after orange and grapes.

How to store kiwifruit
Once kiwifruit is ripe and yields to the touch, it should be refrigerated until ready for use. Coldness gives kiwifruit long life. Moistures is a key to kiwifruit nutrition and quality. If you're not planning to use your kiwifruit immediately, keep the fruit in a plastic bag or the vegetable-keeper of the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
When purchasing firm kiwifruit, it will keep for 2-3 weeks, or more, in the refrigerator, provided it is kept isolated in a loosely closed plastic bag, away from other fruits and vegetables. Avoid unusual heat. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Preparing kiwifruit
Although most people prefer to peel kiwifruit before eating, it is not necessary to do so. Simply scrub lightly and eat with skin on to keep the valuable flavor and nutrition of the peel. In fact, only about 2 ounces of kiwifruit peel has all the vitamin C you need for the day.
If you do choose to peel or cut your kiwifruit, remember that, although the acidity of the kiwifruit does much to preserve its vitamin values, the fruit is still subject to the vitamin loss through heat, drying and oxidation. Therefore, kiwifruit should be cut immediately before use and no sooner. Once cut, it should be protected from the air, either in a closed container or under plastic wrap; as long as practical with refrigeration.