From Chinese gooseberry to sleep-boosting marvel. The surprising health benefits of Kiwis

When the "Chinese gooseberry", also popular as "kiwi", became enjoyed beyond the borders of Asia, a rumination over its appropriate name was sparked. What should this amusing looking, slightly sour, and sweet fruit be called? Eventually, a name coined in New Zealand stuck. The Chinese gooseberry, with its characteristic fuzzy skin, immediately reminded locals of the kiwi bird. And that's how it remains to this day.

Today, the kiwi's peculiar appearance (even though many people still don't know that its skin is edible) often takes a backseat to discussions about its potent health-promoting properties. Of particular note is the impact of the kiwi on improving sleep quality. We'll delve into this shortly!

The health benefits of kiwi extend beyond merely influencing sleep. Primarily, these fruits are packed with vitamin C, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, an extremely beneficial triad for warding off winter ailments. In addition, kiwi is rich in antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Essentially, it's a powerhouse for boosting immunity!

So, how does kiwi enhance sleep quality? This comes down to the presence of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in the body's production of melatonin — often termed the "sleep hormone". Research examining the kiwi's role in sleep improvement was once conducted in Taiwan. The results were staggering: the participants experienced a significant decrease in problems with falling asleep and reported having a more peaceful and lengthened sleep. All it took was consuming two kiwis before sleep for a period of four weeks.

Some suggest consuming Chinese gooseberries an hour before sleep, while others recommend two hours prior. We have previously discussed the optimal time to eat your last meal before retiring to bed. Click here to learn more!