Tag: zespri

I had the chance to sit down with nutritionist Jessica Tong. The registered dietitian that works with Zespri Kiwifruit. At the time I was very inspired by the Olympics so a lot of my questions have to do with training nutrition. I hope you all can take away a bit of new knowledge about how great Kiwifruit is from the questions that I asked her.

1. If I am planning a tough training day when is the best time to have my fruit like a kiwi?

The best time to have kiwifruit is prior to a tough workout. Packed with potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and natural sugars, Zespri SunGolds are a nutrient-dense snack of choice to fuel your body, optimize immune function, and ensure proper muscle function during your workout.

2. What major nutrients are in a kiwi that will contribute to my health?

Zespri SunGold kiwifruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. They contain 2 times more vitamin C than oranges, which is important for immune function and the growth and repair of bones and tissues. Zespri SunGolds are also a good source of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. Potassium is crucial for heart function and plays a key role in muscle contraction. One serving of Zespri SunGolds provides as much potassium as a medium banana. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium are all essential micronutrients that are especially important when you are training.

3. What is a good go-to recipe for kiwis?

Zespri SunGold kiwifruits can be blended into shakes for a juicy, tropical taste. Or, they can be cut up into smoothie bowls or yogurt. This Sunrise Smoothie Bowl is an excellent recipe rich in fibre, heart-healthy fats, and protein that can be enjoyed for breakfast, snack, or dessert! http://www.zesprikiwi.com/kiwifruit-recipes/breakfast-recipes/sunrise-smoothie-bowl/

4. Are kiwis high in sugar? What is the glycemic rating?

Kiwifruits are relatively low in sugar, especially Zespri SunGold Kiwifruits. They are low on the glycemic index (Zespri Green: 39, Zespri SunGold 38) and are appropriate for people with diabetes or impaired blood sugar control.

5. How many kiwis are one serving size?

One serving of Zespri SunGold is 162 g or 2 kiwifruits.

6. How much more vitamin C does a Kiwi have than an orange?

Based on 100 g, Zespri SunGolds contain 2 times more vitamin C than oranges.

7. What is the PH balance of a kiwi and how can it help my athletic performance?

Acid-base balance, or pH balance, affects the body’s metabolic process. It is important that blood pH stays within the range of 7.35 and 7.45, which is on the basic/alkaline side. When blood pH levels become too acidic, an environment is created for bacteria or viruses to enter and to thrive, leading to illness, aches, and lack of energy. This can worsen muscle soreness, create a feeling of fatigue, and compromise athletic performance.

Depending on its ripeness, the pH value of a kiwifruit varies between 3.1 and 3.96, classifying it as a “high-acid” food. However, while kiwis are naturally acidic, they become alkaline after digestion, promoting alkaline balance. Also, kiwifruits are not acid-forming. When acid-forming food is consumed, such as artificial sweeteners, meat, and alcohol, all of which are common in the North American diet, it produces toxins that impact the pH balance of the body and makes the blood more acidic.

8. We know that fibre is important and especially with muscle. How much fibre does a kiwi have and how does it help my fitness goals?

1 serving (2 kiwifruits) contain 4 g of fibre. Fibre is slow to digest so it keeps you fuller for longer. This is crucial if you are trying to control calories. Fibre also prevents a blood sugar spike as it causes glucose (sugar) to enter your bloodstream in a slow, controlled manner. This helps to stabilize energy levels and prevent a “sugar crash”. Fibre is also important to promote digestive health and regularity.

9. Is there anything else you would like to share? Where can we find more information about you?

Kiwifruit is considered a superfood/superfruit. It is a versatile fruit that is nutritionally superior to apples, oranges, and bananas.

Please feel free to reach Jessica via www.jessicatongrd.com and to learn more about Zespri check out there website HERE.

If you guys are tuned into the Olympics like I am you must be feeling motivated to get your health and fitness not track! You don’t need to head to Rio for a taste of Gold this summer. Zespri® Green and SunGold Kiwifruit are a refreshing and nutritious snack that will keep you on top of your game.

I was lucky enough to find an amazing box full of kiwi at my door step this week! Nothing screams refreshing like fresh Gold Zespri kiwifruit! I was excited because my box came with a little kiwi scoop that makes eating them a whole lot easier! They even gave me a nice apron to wear will I cut up the delicious green fruit.

Did you know:

With just one serving of Kiwi there are over 20 vital nutrients and boasting more vitamin C than an orange, kiwifruit plays an important role in boosting your performance and maximizing recovery during athletic activity.

The green fruit are also power up with potassium. Any professional athlete will tell you an important factor in achieving a successful workout is remaining hydrated. As the intensity of the workout increases, key electrolytes (like potassium) are lost through sweat glands.  Two kiwifruit contain an equal amount of potassium as an extra-large banana, and will also improve performance while replenishing lost energy.

Kiwi also help with alkaline balance. Did you know it is essential your gut has the proper pH balance. Foods like kiwifruit, which are heavy in alkaline, allow you to neutralize your stomach’s acidity, which gives you more energy.

Kiwi fruit are also a good source of fibre. Not only does fiber lower cholesterol and help maintain a healthy weight; but a high-fibre diet is a big player in muscle growth, and will provide you with the energy you need to perform at your best. Two kiwifruit contain more fibre than a bowl of bran cereal. Now that's a lot of fibre!

To find out more about Zespri visit their website http://www.zespri.com

Thanks again Zespri for brightening up my day and refreshing my palate!

Cook + Learn with Zespri Kiwifruit - Media Launch #Zespri4Life

Back on June 16 I was given the opportunity to attend an amazing event: Cook + Learn with Zespri Kiwifruit. The event was hosted at Nella Cucina on Bathurst St in Toronto. I honestly had no idea that there were so many ways that you could use kiwifruit in cooking. We even had a celebrity chef! We started the lunch off with kiwi cocktails or juices. I obviously chose the alcoholic version as my pre workout hah. It was delicious. Followed by soup, tacos and finally dessert. All were made before our eyes by the talented chef. We all definitely left with a renewed love of kiwifruit and just how healthy and delicious Zespsri is. We also learned it can be used in cooking and not just as a separate fruit. Thank you Zespri for such an amazing event. I had a wonderful time, learned a lot, and I definitely left with my tastebuds feeling satisfied. I really enjoyed learning more about the nutritional benefits and versatility of Zespri Kiwifruit.

* All photos curtsey of Ryan Emberly.

Hey guys I wanted to share this yummy recipe for a healthy salad! Give it a try and let me know how tasty it was!!

#Zespri4Life Black Rice Salad with Kiwifruit and Cashews

Prep time: 15 minutes

Start to finish: 15 minutes

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 1/2 cups cooked and cooled black or brown rice

2 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, peeled and cut up

1 cup quartered strawberries

1/4 cup chopped red onion

2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

1/3 cup salted cashew pieces

In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. In large bowl, stir dressing into rice. Stir in remaining ingredients except cashews. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend. Stir in cashews just before serving.

6 (3/4-cup) servings

*1 cup uncooked black rice yields 2 1/2 cups cooked rice.

Recipe tip: A serrated peeler works best for peeling kiwifruit.

Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 80), Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 1.5g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 270mg, Total Carbohydrate 30g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g), Protein 4g; % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 80%; Calcium 2%; Iron 6%.

*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

GIVE IT A TRY! YUM!