Kiwi: 50% Fiber Boost for Your Daily Diet
Ever wondered why
some fruits are more nutritious? The kiwifruit might have the answer. Recent
studies show that eating a whole kiwi with its skin boosts your fiber intake by
50%1! This finding could change how we see adding fiber to
our diets. But why is kiwi so good for us? Let's find out about the many
benefits of this tasty, fiber-rich fruit.
Key Takeaways
- Eating a whole kiwi,
including the skin, can increase your daily fiber intake by 50%.
- Kiwi is a rich source of
dietary fiber, containing 1.4-3.0 g per 100 g of fruit.
- The fiber in kiwi is a balanced
blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, which can promote digestive
health.
- Kiwi is packed with other
essential nutrients, including vitamin C, which can boost mood and
well-being.
- Incorporating kiwi into
your diet is a simple and delicious way to increase your fiber intake and
support overall health.
The Nutritional Powerhouse of Kiwifruit
Kiwi's Impressive Nutrient Profile
Kiwifruit is
amazing for your health, packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant
compounds. Just two medium kiwis give you a whopping 213% of the daily vitamin
C you need. They also have lots of fiber (4.2g or 16% DV) and other important
nutrients like potassium2 and folate3. Plus, the skin has even more fiber, folate,
and vitamin E than the inside2. This skin also has antioxidants that help fight free
radicals2.
Kiwifruit is not
just nutritious; it's a fiber powerhouse too2. For example, Zespri Green Kiwifruit has 4g of fiber
in each serving, while Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit has 2g. This fiber is great for
your gut health and helps manage your blood sugar and
cholesterol3.
|
Nutrient |
Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit |
Zespri Green Kiwifruit |
|
Potassium |
510mcg (15% DRV)2 |
461.76mcg (13% DRV)2 |
|
Fiber |
2g (8% DRV)2 |
4g (16% DRV)2 |
|
Folate |
50 µg (12% DRV)2 |
56 µg (12% DRV)2 |
|
Glycemic Index |
382 |
392 |
Kiwifruit's
nutrients, especially its fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, make it a
powerhouse for health3.
"Kiwifruit is highlighted as a source of key
nutrients such as potassium, fiber, and folate, which are essential for
maintaining good health, digestion, blood pressure management, and
vitality."2
Kiwifruit is a
smart choice for a healthy diet all year round4. As more people look for fruits that are high in
nutrients and fiber, kiwifruit stands out3.
The Fiber Factor: Why Kiwi Stands Out
Kiwi is top-notch
in the fruit world for its fiber. One kiwi gives you 16% of the fiber you need
daily5. This fiber is key for keeping your digestion on
track. It helps keep your bowel movements regular and cuts down on bloating6. What's more, the fiber feeds the good bacteria in
your gut.
Kiwi's fiber is
great for weight control too. It makes you feel full and keeps your blood sugar
level7. Kiwi is richer in fiber than most fruits, making it
a smart choice to up your fiber game6.
|
Nutrient |
Amount per Kiwi |
|
Calories |
42 |
|
Protein |
Less than 1 gram |
|
Fat |
Less than 0.5 grams |
|
Carbohydrates |
10 grams |
|
Fiber |
2 grams |
|
Sugar |
6 grams |
Thanks to its
fiber and low calories, kiwi is great for keeping weight in check or improving
digestion5. Adding kiwi to your meals daily is an easy and tasty
path to your health goals.
"Fiber is crucial for digestive health,
as it helps regulate bowel movements and reduce bloating."
In short, kiwi is
a fantastic source of fiber. It can help you meet your daily fiber needs and
bring many health perks to your gut and general well-being657.
Kiwi's Role in Digestive Health
Enzyme Actinidin: Nature's Digestive Aid
Kiwifruit is not
just tasty; it's great for your digestive system too. It has a special enzyme
called actinidin. This enzyme boosts how well your body breaks down
proteins in the gut, improving digestion by up to 50%8. This means your body can take in more of the good
stuff from the food you eat8.
Actinidin helps with more than protein. It also supports
digestion in the stomach. This makes kiwi a natural way to help your digestive
system work better8. So, eating kiwifruit is like giving your gut a
supercharged helper.
Because of its
fiber and actinidin, kiwi is great for your stomach. It helps to
digest protein better and ensures your body uses nutrients well8. This keeps you healthy and feeling good.
|
Nutrient |
Kiwifruit (skin-on) |
Kiwifruit (skin-off) |
|
Fiber |
3.5 g |
2.3 g |
|
Vitamin E |
32% increase |
- |
|
Folate |
34% increase |
- |
|
Polyphenols |
30% from skin |
- |
Eating kiwifruit
with skin gives you more fiber, vitamin E, folate, and polyphenols9. These nutrients, with actinidin, help your digestive
system and your body absorb nutrients better.
"Kiwifruit is a remarkable source of fiber and
enzymes that can help support a healthy digestive system. The combination of
actinidin and kiwi's other beneficial compounds make it a unique and valuable
addition to any diet."
If you want to help
your digestive system, eat more kiwifruit. With its enzymes and fiber, kiwi can
really improve your gut health8910.
Boosting Immunity and Overall Health with Kiwi
Kiwifruit is a top
pick for fiber. It also shines with a strong nutrient mix for good health. It's
rich in vitamin C, a key antioxidant for a strong immune system11. In fact, one serving gives you more than the needed
daily vitamin C12.
Vitamins C and E in kiwi pack a punch, defending against
cell damage. This protects us from diseases11. Regular kiwi eating might shorten cold and
flu times, thanks to its vitamin C11.
Kiwi does even
more for your health. It brings vitamin K to help with blood clotting. Plus,
it's good for balancing fluids and making blood cells thanks to potassium and
copper12.
|
Nutrient |
Kiwi Skin |
Kiwi Flesh |
|
Fiber |
- |
|
|
Vitamin E |
- |
|
|
Folate |
- |
|
|
Antioxidants |
- |
|
|
Vitamin C |
Higher concentration13 |
Over 200% of daily need12 |
Eating kiwi fights
sickness and boosts your health. It's great at keeping your immune system
solid. Plus, it helps guard you from stress and may make you sleep better. It
could even lower your blood pressure12. Add this colorful fruit to your meals for a tasty
way to feel good.
"Kiwi is a true superfood, packed with
essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can have a
profound impact on our overall health and well-being."
Incorporating Kiwi into Your Diet
Eating kiwi boosts
your daily fiber. Just one kiwi gives you about half your daily needs14. To get the most from kiwis, eat them whole. The skin
has almost 50% more fiber, plus more folate and vitamin E than just the inside15.
If you don't like
the fuzz, try golden kiwis. Kiwi fits in many meals, making it an ideal
high-fiber addition. Add kiwi to smoothies, salads, yogurt, or cottage cheese
for more fiber16.
- Kiwi skin benefits: Nearly 50% more fiber, higher folate and
vitamin E
- Golden kiwi is a
smooth-skinned alternative for those who dislike the fuzzy texture
- Enjoy kiwi in smoothies,
salads, yogurt, and cottage cheese
Adding kiwi means
more fiber and a lot of health benefits. Green or golden, kiwi improves your
health. It's an easy and tasty way to better your well-being.
Conclusion
Kiwifruit is
packed with goodness. It offers a big boost of fiber, vitamins, and plant
compounds. Eating the whole kiwi, skin and all, brings more fiber, folate,
vitamin E, and antioxidants into your diet17. Kiwi has a special enzyme, actinidin, that helps
with digestion. Plus, it's rich in vitamin C, which is great for your immune
system18.
Kiwi is great in
recipes and comes with many health perks. Having kiwi regularly can better your
overall health. Research shows it helps with bowel movement, lower blood
pressure, and keeps your metabolism in check181719. By adding kiwi to your daily meals, you're taking
steps to support your body's health and well-being in the long run.
In the end,
kiwifruit is a real superfood. It should be a key player in a balanced diet.
You can eat it as a snack, in meals, or with breakfast. Any way you choose,
kiwi's benefits will make a positive difference to your life and health.
FAQ
How much
fiber does a serving of kiwi provide?
Two kiwis give 4.2g of fiber,
fulfilling 16% of your daily fiber needs.
What are the
unique health benefits of kiwi?
Kiwifruit helps with protein
digestion and is rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.
How does the
nutrient content of kiwi skin compare to the flesh?
The skin of kiwi is full of
nutrients. It has more fiber, folate, and vitamin E than the flesh.
Can eating
kiwi help improve mood and well-being?
Eating two kiwis daily for a
couple of weeks can increase energy and improve your mood. This is thought to
be because of kiwi's high vitamin C content.
How can I
incorporate more kiwi into my diet?
Kiwi is great in smoothies,
salads, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Eating the whole kiwi, skin included, is
best for your health.
Source Links
- https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/yes-really-eating-kiwis-skin-120531892.html - Yes, Really – You Should Be Eating Kiwis With The Skin On
- https://www.zespri.com/en-US/blogdetail/kiwi-vitamins-superfoods-superpowers - Kiwi Fruit Vitamins - Zespri US
- https://fareedpharmacy.com/10-health-benefits-of-kiwi-fruit/ - 10 Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit - Fareed Pharmacy
- https://www.producebusiness.com/kiwifruit-compact-powerhouse-nutrition/ - Kiwifruit: Compact Powerhouse of Nutrition | Produce Business Magazine
- https://www.madisonyauger.com/home-1/why-you-should-be-eating-more-kiwis-skin-and-all - Why You Should Be Eating More Kiwis, Skin and All — Madison Yauger
- https://www.omnicalculator.com/health/fiber - Fiber Calculator
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370659/ - Dietary Fibre and Organic Acids in Kiwifruit Suppress Glycaemic Response Equally by Delaying Absorption—A Randomised Crossover Human Trial with Parallel Analysis of 13C-Acetate Uptake
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267416/ - The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-eat-kiwi-skin - Surprise! Kiwi Skin Is Edible — and Really Good for You
- https://www.wellandgood.com/health-benefits-of-kiwi - Want 50-Percent More Gut-Healthy Fiber From This Fruit? Don’t Peel Its Fuzzy Skin, Says a Dietitian
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-kiwi-skin - Can You Eat Kiwi Skin?
- https://www.realsimple.com/kiwi-health-benefits-7111218 - 7 Health Benefits of Kiwis, the Small-But-Super Tropical Fruit
- https://www.medicinenet.com/can_you_eat_kiwi_skin/article.htm - Can You Eat Kiwi Skin? 6 Nutrition Facts, 6 Benefits, 3 Dangers
- https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits - USDA MyPlate Fruit Group – One of the Five Food Groups
- https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/high-fiber-fruits - 16 Impressively High-Fiber Fruits—Plus, Delicious Ways to Eat More of Them
- https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2023/ways-to-eat-more-fiber.html - 8 Easy Ways to Get More Fiber
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/7-super-benefits-kiwis-one-184518664.html - 7 Super Benefits of Kiwis, One of the Healthiest Foods You Can Eat Every Day
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4611199/ - Increasing dietary fiber intake in terms of kiwifruit improves constipation in Chinese patients
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/13/2678 - Metabolic and Blood Pressure Effects of Consuming Two Kiwifruit Daily for 7 Weeks: A Randomised Controlled Trial