Tuesday, March 21, 2023

My Affair With Kiwi

 

Kiwi is an exotic, tasty fruit, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. I like the flavor and its texture. The point is it doesn't like me; for some reason it upsets my stomach. 

At first, I suspected its rather high acidity, but then I found out that it does not have as much acid as citrus fruits, and I never had any problem with citrus fruits. No problems with other fruits high in acid either: grapes, tomatoes, blueberries.

* web picture

Its exterior resembles a potatoe, and this has given me the idea to boil it as I do with potatoes, Not bad, but no change  in the feeling of stomach discomfort. 

Anyway, I recently went into reading the info about it on the web. Kiwi has a lot of health benefits (good for heart, eyes, skin; fights diabetes, helps with weight loss), almost no side effects (except it might cause allergies in people allergic to other fruit or plants - and I'm not in that category). I might eat one or two fruits per day or week, so quantity is not an issue here either.

So what's special about Kiwi that prevents me from enjoying eating it?  Well, I don't know and until I do know, I'm sadly, giving it up.


58 comments:

  1. Duta, what a pity you can't eat kiwis as it is a source of vitamin C. In my case it is my favorite winter fruit. I don't know if you know that the kiwi has an enzyme that doesn't allow the gelatin to coagulate when we place it in a preparation that takes it and for it to coagulate you have to boil it.
    I leave you a medical page for you to read in case you are interested. It refers to an enzyme called: "actinidin".
    https://profesionales-salud.zespri.com/nutricion-salud/composicion-nutricional/actinidina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Norma for the medical page. I'll look for it and translate it. I'll also google the enzyme 'actinidin'.

      Delete
  2. It's always a bit sad when one can't eat things they enjoy so much. As far as kiwi goes, I don't like it at all, and it makes my mouth tingle, so I suspect I'm slightly allergic to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I'd know the cause of stomach upset, as I do like Kiwi as a fruit- both for its taste and for its health benefits.

      Delete
  3. Oh my goodness I feel so bad for you. I love Kiwi too and I have a sensitive stomach, but not for that.
    Too many seeds? Maybe you need to build up to tolerate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not many seeds at all, and I usually don't have a sensitive stomach. So, I'm kind of puzzled.

      Delete
  4. I like kiwi too and I didn't know about all the health benefits. I'm sorry it doesn't like you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most people I know like the fruit and are aware of its benefits. Well, unluckily for me, it seems kiwi is not agreeable to my stomach.

      Delete
  5. I have a similar experience with Mango. I love it! But it upsets my stomach. And I don't know why either. I like kiwi, but it bothers my mouth. Still, I eat it ever so often..just like mango. We are a mystery to ourselves at times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't buy mango as I find it too sweet for me. Anyway, if kiwi and mango upset your stomach, don't ignore the problem, stop eating these fruits until you get to the bottom of it. There are lots of other fruits one can enjoy without any worry.

      Delete
  6. You may have a mild allergy as there are many possible symptoms, according to what I read. I looked up symptoms of kiwi allergy and went to a specialist's website for allergies. Some are mild, others are more severe or life threatening.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Although allergy or potassium(mentioned in an above comment are unlikely, I'll nevertheless, check the probabilities. Thanks, anyway.

      Delete
  7. Dearest Duta,
    Well, due to my CKD in stage IV I have to eat only low potassium foods. Kiwi is very high in potassium and it will cause me to have Hyperkalemia... So it is one good reason for me to avoid them as I don't want to feel nauseating and having to vomit.
    Maybe you're sensitive to high potassium levels somehow...?
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, Mariette, for your CKD.
      Thanks for suggesting the potassium possibility. I'll look it up and see whether its level might be the wrong one.

      Delete
    2. Depending of course on your kidney health...

      Delete
    3. Right, depending on the kidneys condition, or some other sort of disease, as generally potassium is needed to maintain good health.

      Delete
  8. Sorry the kiwi upsets you, I don't eat it a lot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, we shouldn't eat anything .. ' a lot'. Dosage, quantity might badly affect eating and stomach. The fact is I have never indulged in kiwi, and yet it has upset me.

      Delete
  9. Eddie and I do enjoy kiwi fruit but not everyone can eat it as you have discovered ...

    "The kiwifruit, also called Chinese gooseberry, is a healthy and colourful addition to your daily diet. That is, unless you’re allergic to kiwi.

    For over 30 years, kiwifruit has been known to cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Some people react to the fruit just by itself, and others have other food, pollen, or latex allergies that cross-react with kiwi."

    Much more to read here
    https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/kiwi-allergy

    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you Jan for the detailed info on the kiwi fruit. It helps to know the various facts.

    ReplyDelete
  11. No health issues in our home ,,,,, we love kiwi!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to hear that. Enjoy your health and enjoy eating kiwi!

      Delete
  12. I like kiwi but don´t often eat it as it is rather expensive here. Looks like Google is letting me comment this time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not cheap here either, but compared to other stuff, I would say the price is moderate.

      Delete
  13. There are other delicious and exotic fruits. Don't despair. : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. I have to obey the reaction of my stomach to it , and choose to it other fruits.

      Delete
  14. Love Kiwi Fruit and many people used to grow them, don't know they they still do as you get so many of them it's hard to know what to do with them.
    It's a shame you are allergic probably with your tummy. A rest from the fruit then maybe try again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's quite a popular fruit. I'll probably keep trying, though every time I fail , I decide to give it up.

      Delete
  15. Sweet and sour fruit salad is a delicious balance - strawberries cut in half, sliced kiwi fruit, mandarin segments and passionfruit squeezed over the top.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed. Kiwi , being both sweet and sour makes for a delicious balance in a salad or in some other dish.

      Delete
  16. Kiwi is not cheap here because it is an imported item. I like kiwi especially when it is sweet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Boiling it takes away some of its sweetness. It's an imported item here too.

      Delete
  17. I'm sorry you have to give up the kiwi, especially when you enjoy it. I like them too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's sad when one has to give up, something one likes and enjoys. Well, that's lfe; we can't have it all.

      Delete
  18. I have never heard of a reaction to kiwi. Too bad you had to give it up. Maybe you could try it again some time in the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suppose I'll try it again some time. I'm curious, and wish to find out the cause of the bad reaction.

      Delete
  19. I love kiwis! So sorry you are not able to eat them anymore. I cannot eat grapefruit anymore and I use to love those too. Janice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, what's not to love? But, as I've said, it doesn't love me. I suppose that with age, our stomach undergoes changes, thus we have to adapt to its whims.

      Delete
  20. Oh...I wonder what it is? I have never heard of kiwi causing problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me neither; not heard, but felt on my own self.

      Delete
  21. Found on Livestrong website:

    One reason why you might get a stomach ache after eating fruit is because your body has trouble digesting fructose. Fructose is one of the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables and honey, per the Mayo Clinic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for looking it up. I've heard about fructose intolerance; it might usually apply to most fruits, but kiwi is the only one fruit that gives me discomfort.

      Delete
  22. My granddauggter had reaction to pineapple when she was younger but outgrew it. My adult son has stomach issues and was told to avoid strawberries and kiwi due to the tiny seeds. Hmmm? Always something!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I know I'm not alone and this, but I cannot help wondering about the cause.

      Delete
  23. Siento que te siente mal, porque como tu bien dices es una fruta deliciosa.
    Aquí, en España, que es la primera productora de kiwis de toda Europa, se cultivan dos tipos diferentes de kiwis, uno es el tradicional que su carne es verde, y otro llamado Kiwi Oro, que su interior es amarillo, muy parecido al color del oro, y es más dulce que el verde... es cuestión de probarlo, si es que esta fruta llega desde España a tu país.
    Un abrazo, amiga.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems Spain is a great producer of best food items: olive oil, fruits, wines.
      We import the green type of kiwi; haven't seen the yellow type yet. I'll be glad to eat and enjoy both types. if possible.

      Delete
  24. Not a common fruit here as it's imported and quite expensive

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here it has become common, though it's also imported and not cheap.

      Delete
  25. Hi Duta, Funny you should say that, I also have a kiwi in my refrigerator. I buy them sometimes, because I like them and have heard too about the health benefits, but somehow it also may be that its not the most agreeable fruit to my system!!

    One of my favorite fruits by the way and one that agrees with me is Israel Sweetie!! Not all grapefruits are so agreeable, but Israel Sweetie, from the first fragrance of it when it is cut to the delicious sweetness, its just perfect.

    Makes me wonder, maybe it it was an Israel kiwi I would take to it better?? Just thinking outloud!

    Much love and good to see you again. I took a blog break without planning too and just came back today!
    Blessings to you! ❤️ Praying for the peace of Jerusalem and all Israel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you took a break, and glad you're back (I've missed you).
      There's no israeli kiwi; the fruit is imported. There are two types; the kiwi green inside; the kiwi golden inside . We only import the first type.
      Thanks for your blessings and prayers, Shayndel.

      Delete
  26. As you said, Duta, kiwi has long been touted for its health benefits, which is why I tried it. My biggest complaint was trying to peel the skin off without damaging the fruit. Many just slice it and then peel off the skin on each piece. While I have enjoyed it, there are other fruits more to liking, blueberries and raspberries for a couple of top favorites. But for the next few weeks, I will be refraining from all fruit following the South Beach plan.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good Luck with your South Beach Plan! It's for the first time that I hear about it, so I googled it to get some info.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Maybe you are mildly allergic to it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kiwis are delicious, that is sad you have to give them up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed; it's sad to give up something you like.

      Delete
  30. Are you suffering from Joint pain, Knee Pain or Hip Pain? Dr. Vaibhav is the Best Knee Replacement in Noida? Dr Vaibhav Jain is here to provide top-notch care and expertise in knee replacement, hip replacement, and Joint replacement

    ReplyDelete