Support your digestive health naturally

 

Eating Zespri Kiwifruit regularly contributes to good digestive health.

The fibre and actinidin content in Zespri Green Kiwifruit lies at the heart of Zespri Kiwifruit’s digestive benefits, but we know there are likely to be other components also having an effect. However, this combination is responsible for many of the beneficial effects on gastric and intestinal function.

 

 

A recognised digestive health benefit


Zespri Green Kiwifruit was the first fresh fruit to receive an authorised health claim from the European Commission, marking a significant milestone for the fresh produce industry.

The approved health claim recognises that consuming two fresh green kiwifruit per day (providing at least 200g of flesh) contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.

You can read more about this health claim here.

 

 

How fibre supports digestion
 

Fibre in kiwifruit is made up of pectins, hemicelluloses and celluloses, which give it certain properties, such as the ability to retain water and form gels. It can have a significant effect on digestion:

• Helping maintain stable blood sugar levels by slowing glucose absorption 
• Supporting feelings of fullness by slowing gastric emptying
• Supporting regular bowel movements
• Helping reduce feelings of bloating and digestive discomfort
• Helping food move through the digestive system efficiently

 

 

How actinidin supports digestion
 

Actinidin is natural enzyme found in kiwifruit, which breaks down proteins and facilitates gastric digestion. This natural enzyme can break down a wide range of food proteins more completely and faster than our natural digestive enzymes can on their own. Research carried out by the Riddet Institute found that actinidin can help digest proteins found in foods such as beef and chicken, fish, pulses and cereals, including gluten and soya protein isolate, as well as dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and yoghurt.

Benefits of actindin include:

 

  • Improves the digestion of proteins, reducing the sensation of heaviness associated with protein-rich foods
  • Improves the absorption of proteins
  • Improves digestive comfort

 

 

Thanks to its fibre and actinidin content, and their positive effects on gastric and intestinal digestion, Zespri Green Kiwifruit has clear benefits for digestive health.