Kiwi, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is a nutritious fruit that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes, such as fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. However, there might be a part of the kiwi that you should avoid eating. In this blog post, we will discuss which part of the kiwi you cannot eat and why.
The skin of the kiwi
The skin of the kiwi might not be harmful to eat, but it is not recommended for consumption. One of the reasons why you should not eat the skin is that it has a fuzzy texture that can be unpleasant to some people. Moreover, the skin of the kiwi contains a high concentration of fuzz and tiny hairs that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction to some individuals.
In addition, the skin of the kiwi is also known to contain higher levels of pesticides and other contaminants compared to the flesh of the fruit. These contaminants can be harmful when consumed in large amounts, especially for those with a weaker immune system. Even if you were to wash the kiwi thoroughly, there is still the possibility of some of the contaminants remaining on the skin.
Lastly, the skin of the kiwi contains a high amount of oxalates, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones in some individuals. Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in many plants, including fruits and vegetables. These substances can bind with calcium in the body and form painful stones in the kidneys of those predisposed to this condition.
The flesh and seeds of the kiwi
The flesh of the kiwi is safe to eat and is actually highly nutritious. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. It also contains high levels of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, which can help protect the body against various diseases and inflammation.
The seeds of the kiwi are also safe to eat and are even beneficial for your health. Kiwi seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good health. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should avoid eating the skin of the kiwi due to its high concentration of fuzz, contaminants, and oxalates. The flesh and seeds of the kiwi are safe and highly nutritious, making them an excellent addition to your diet. Always ensure that you wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them and, if in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution. As with all things in life, moderation is key, and while the kiwi is a healthy and delicious fruit, it is best to consume it in moderation. If you have any concerns about your diet, it is best to speak to a health professional. Remember, a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for good health and wellbeing.
If you want to learn more about healthy eating, consider checking out Healthline’s website. They provide evidence-based health information and are a great source of knowledge on all things related to health and wellness.
FAQ
Can you eat all of a kiwi?
Yes, you can eat the whole kiwi including the skin and seeds. Many people choose to peel the fruit and eat only the fleshy interior of the fruit, but the skin is also edible and offers several health benefits. In fact, the skin of a kiwi is packed with nutrients and has more fiber than the flesh inside. Additionally, the skin contains flavonoids, which are natural compounds that have been linked to several health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer.
Aside from the skin, kiwi seeds are also edible and safe to eat. While some people might find the seeds unpleasant due to their small size and texture, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other essential nutrients like vitamin E. Therefore, consuming them may provide numerous health benefits.
If you are not used to eating the skin of a kiwi, you can try washing it thoroughly with water or scrubbing it with a brush to get rid of any dirt or debris that may be on the surface. Some people like to slice the kiwi into thin pieces, add them to a salad, or blend them into smoothies. However, if you prefer not to eat the skin, you can easily peel it off using a vegetable peeler or knife.
It is safe to eat the entire kiwi fruit, including the skin and seeds. The skin contains flavonoids and more fiber than the flesh, while the seeds are a rich source of healthy fats and essential nutrients. Whether you choose to eat the whole fruit or just the flesh, kiwis are a great addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
Is it OK to eat the fur on a kiwi?
If you’ve ever peeled a kiwi fruit, you may have wondered whether it’s safe or even good for you to eat the brown and fuzzy exterior. It may look a bit unappetizing, but the good news is that you can eat kiwi skin without any negative effects on your health. In fact, there are numerous health benefits to be gained from consuming this fuzzy fruit in its entirety.
The skin of a kiwi is packed with nutrients such as flavonoids, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. In fact, studies have found that the skin of a kiwi contains three times the amount of fiber compared to the flesh. Eating the skin of a kiwi has also been linked to improved digestive health and a lower risk of colon cancer.
Aside from the nutrition benefits, the texture and taste of the skin may deter some people from eating it. However, the skin is quite similar to that of peaches or nectarines in terms of texture. You can also cut the kiwi into quarters and eat it without the skin. However, not eating the skin means you miss out on the nutrients mentioned above.
While there is no risk associated with eating the skin of a kiwi, it is important to wash the fruit thoroughly before consuming it in order to remove any harmful bacteria or pesticides that may have been present. If you still have concerns about the safety of consuming kiwi skin, you can always ask your doctor or nutritionist for advice.
It is perfectly safe and even beneficial to eat the skin of a kiwi. Despite its furry exterior, the skin is rich in nutrients and fiber that can boost your health in a number of ways. So next time you’re enjoying a kiwi fruit, don’t hesitate to take a bite out of the skin!
What happens if you eat the core of a kiwi?
Kiwifruit is a nutritious fruit with small black seeds surrounded by juicy flesh. However, when it comes to eating the core of a kiwi, there is a general belief that it is inedible or even harmful to consume. This is partially true, as the center of the kiwifruit is tough and fibrous, making it difficult to chew and digest. Nonetheless, consuming some parts of the core of a kiwi can offer health benefits.
The core of kiwifruit isn’t completely inedible, and its seeds can be eaten, although they may not be appetizing due to their crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste. However, these little black seeds that you see in kiwifruit are filled with a number of essential nutrients — even if in nominal amounts. For instance, kiwi seeds are a source of dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in maintaining good digestion and preventing constipation. Additionally, they contain essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid that plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels, as well as preventing inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
While there are some benefits of eating the seeds, consumption of large amounts of the core may cause digestive problems. The core of kiwi is full of fiber, and excessive fiber intake can lead to intestinal gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in some individuals. Moreover, kiwifruit contains enzymes such as actinidin that aid in digestion. However, when eaten excessively or on an empty stomach, actinidin can cause an upset stomach, nausea, or even diarrhea.
It is important to note that the outer hairy skin of the kiwifruit is also edible and nutrient-dense. The skin is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients such as vitamin C and E. However, most people find it difficult to consume due to its texture, thickness, and taste.
While kiwifruit seeds are edible and can offer some health benefits, the core of the fruit is tough and may cause digestive issues if consumed excessively. Therefore, it is recommended to eat the fleshy part of the fruit and discard the core if you find it difficult to chew. Alternatively, you can blend the fruit with a high-speed blender for a smooth consistency.
