Botanical Name: Actinidia arguta
Family: Actinidiaceae
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Ericales
Genus: Actinidia
Species: A. arguta
Common Names: Hardy kiwi, Hardy kiwifruit, Kiwi berry, Arctic kiwi, Baby kiwi, Dessert kiwi, Grape kiwi, Northern kiwi, or Cocktail kiwi
Habitat: Hardy kiwi is native to Asia, particularly northern China, Siberia, Korea, and Japan. Preferring moist environments, this deciduous woody vine naturally grows around trees in mountain forests, woodlands, alongside streams, and in other moist locations (1,2). It is typically found at elevations of 2,300 to 11,800 feet. Although it is not native to the United States, hardy kiwi can be grown in Minnesota.
Description:
Actinidia arguta is a climbing woody vine, growing vigorously to a height of about 20 feet or more and a spread of 8 feet in a
garden setting. It dies to the ground each winter. In its native location, it can climb up to 100 feet high in trees if they are large enough…..CLICK & SEE
Leaves: Leaves are typically 3 to 5 inches long, with an ovate to elliptic shape .
Flowers: Flowers are about .75 inches long .
Fruit:The fruit is a berry- or grape-sized fruit similar to kiwifruit in taste and appearance, but are green, brownish, or purple with smooth skin, sometimes with a red blush. Often sweeter than the kiwifruit, hardy kiwifruit can be eaten whole and do not need to be peeled. Thin-walled, its exterior is smooth and leathery.
Edible Uses:
Hardy kiwi is desirable primarily for its edible fruit. The fruit is small and can be eaten with the skin on, like a grape. The fruit looks like a regular kiwifruit on the inside, though it tastes more sweet. Its lovely flowers and foliage make it aesthetically desirable as well. Additionally, it can be used as cover on a trellis, fence, wall, patio, etc.
Medicinal Uses & health benefits:
Kiwis are highly praised for their many health benefits and are often referred to as one of the healthiest foods that can be eaten. They are high in vitamins C, E, K, folate, carotenoids, potassium, fiber, and phytochemicals. Studies suggest that kiwi may increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and decrease triglyceride levels as well as inhibit the formation of blood clots and hypertension.
Lower Cell Death Rate and Absorb Iron Better
Kiwis are considered to be naturally protective due to their high vitamin and phytochemical count. In one study, kiwi fruit had the ability to protect cells from dying after being exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, kiwi may also be able to protect us from oxidative stress that occurs from our daily lives, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
When eaten with foods that are high in iron, kiwi helps increase iron absorption due to the high levels of vitamin C it contains. This is especially important for individuals who may suffer from anemia or low iron.
Improve Regularity and Lessen Severity of Colds
The high fiber content in kiwis helps promote regularity and digestive health. Kiwis may help alleviate the abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation in persons who suffer from IBD. A 2010 study showed that eating two kiwifruit per day improved colon transit time, increased defecation frequency, and improved bowel function in persons with IBD. Kiwi may also reduce the length and severity of the common cold, especially in individuals that are at a higher risk, such as children and older adults.
Sleep Easier with the Humble Kiwi Fruit
Kiwis have also been shown to aid in sleep, including the onset of sleep, duration, and quality. A 2011 study revealed that the antioxidants and serotonin found in kiwi may be beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders. The study showed that after 4 weeks of kiwi consumption, participants experienced a decreased waking time after sleep onset and sleep onset latency by up to 42 percent. Total sleep time and efficiency was increased by up to 15 percent.
Two Kiwi Fruits a Day May Keep the Doctor Away
Two may be the magical number when it comes to eating kiwi. A 2009 study showed that eating two kiwis per day for 8 week increased HDL (remember this is your good cholesterol!), vitamin C and vitamin E concentration. Furthermore, LDL cholesterol (not so good cholesterol levels) was decreased and the lag time of LDL oxidation had significantly changed at the 4 and 8 week mark, indicating that regular consumption of kiwifruit has beneficial effects on antioxidative status as well as the risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases in hyperlipidemic persons, which in short means those with an excess amount of fat or fatty substances in the blood.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinidia_arguta
http://www.mntreeresources.com/hardy-kiwi.html
http://www.bylands.com/blog-entry/health-benefits-hardy-kiwi
