DIGESTIVE HEALTH

 

Digestive health can mean different things for different people. For some it is the feeling of comfort in the belly, smooth digestion and regular bowel movements. Some people turn to solutions such as fibre supplements to improve their digestive health, but nature has its own solutions!

 

Did you know that Zespri™ Green kiwifruit is naturally high in dietary fibre*?

 

For many, the first nutrient that comes to mind when they think of digestive health is fibre. There are two types of dietary fibre – soluble and insoluble – which can soften and increase the frequency of bowel movements, and help reduce the sensation of bloating. On top of this, prebiotics (a form of soluble dietary fibre) can bring benefits to the bacteria in our gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome is not only essential for digestive health, but can also have an impact on our defences.

 

*Zespri™ Green kiwifruit contains 4.3g of fibre per 100 kcal

 

What other nutrients in Zespri™ kiwifruits are good for your digestive health?

 

Another lesser known contributor to digestive health is actinidin, a natural enzyme only found in kiwifruit. Several studies has shown that actinidin facilitates gastric digestion and breakdown of dietary proteins in our stomach1-3(often desirable after a large meal!). And of course, our digestive system also benefits from one very simple element that is also abundant in kiwifruit – water – which along with fibre, is especially important if we want to prevent constipation.

 

SOURCES:
  1. Bayer SB, Gearry RB, Drummond LN. Putative mechanisms of kiwifruit on maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018;58(14):2432-2452. 28.
  2. Wallace A, Eady S, Drummond L, et al. A pilot randomized cross-over trial to examine the effect of kiwifruit on satiety and measures of gastric comfort in healthy adult males. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):639
  3. Jayawardana, I.A., M.J. Boland, K. Higgs, M. Zou, T. Loo, W.C. McNabb, and C.A. Montoya, The kiwifruit enzyme actinidin enhances the hydrolysis of gluten proteins during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Food Chem, 2021. 341(Pt 1): p. 12823

FAQ

To obtain the digestive health benefits of Zespri kiwifruits, it is recommended that you consume at least 2 kiwifruits per day. These two kiwis provide a significant amount of fibre and enzymes, which can help maintain healthy digestion.

In general, Zespri kiwifruits are well tolerated by most people, even those with digestive sensitivities. However, each individual is different, and some people may experience digestive discomfort if they consume large amounts of fibre suddenly. It is recommended that those with digestive sensitivities introduce kiwis gradually into their diet and observe how their body responds.

Yes, Zespri kiwis can help relieve digestive problems due to their fibre and enzyme content. Dietary fibre is important for a healthy digestive system and can support the digestive process, while enzymes aid digestion and can reduce abdominal discomfort. Including Zespri kiwis in the diet on a regular basis can be beneficial for maintaining optimal digestive health.