Who doesn't like to snack? I know I do...

We all love our snacks, and in a truly healthy diet we must stick to our main meal times as much as possible, and have a couple of snacks in between.

One of our favourites at home is kiwi.

This little unusual looking guy is native to China, even though it is grown in many warm countries now.

It has quite a few interesting health benefits that I am going to share with you. Amongst them, it contains gorgeous amounts of Vitamin C, which is very well known to us as an immune system booster, it helps fight inflammation and is also a potent antioxidant.

What benefits do you get from kiwi?

Good skin: Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C, this promotes the formation of collagen and hastens repair from sun and wind damage.

Healthy digestion: kiwi has a mild laxative effect, this is linked to its fibre content. Two kiwis contain or rather provide 20% of your daily recommended fibre intake. This aids digestion and promotes a healthy colon.

Heart disease: Studies show that the high levels of flavonoids and vitamins C and E in kiwis can reduce triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood and the build-up of plaque in the arteries (arteriosclerosis). The tiny black seeds contain vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, which act as natural blood thinners.

Get the best from your kiwi: eat it raw, with a spoon, like you would a soft boiled egg.

Green kiwis don't really mix with many other foods, such as dairy produce, it may cause them to curdle.

Get your colours right: Green kiwi contains larger amounts of fibre, while gold kiwis contain higher levels of Vitamin C and Potassium.

Can I be creative with kiwi?

Yes you can, blitz it in a blender, add the flesh of 1/4 of watermelon (no seeds), 2 peeled kiwi and a peeled banana, enjoy your summery goodness.

Or you can make a cold "soup" or fruit bowl for 2: blend the flesh of a melon (galia or honeydew) cut in half, 1 kiwi fruit, and 1 ripe pear (all seeds removed), a handful of grapes, grated fresh root ginger (optional) and 200 ml of Aloe Vera juice. Chill in the fridge, when you're ready to eat, pour the mix into the empty melon shells and garnish with chopped kiwi and fresh mint.