HIGH IN VITAMIN C
Zespri™ Kiwifruit is naturally high in vitamin C – in fact, you can get 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in one piece of fruit*. Vitamin C plays a significant role in supporting good health.
Why is vitamin C essential?
Our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C on their own and this has to come from outside sources. Some people take vitamin supplements, but we can easily get our daily requirements through natural, delicious foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of our immune system and increases the intestinal absorption of iron from vegetables and cereals, which is particularly beneficial for adolescents and older people. If you are looking for a pick me up, Vitamin C also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Did you know that Zespri™ Kiwifruits contain more vitamin C than other fruits*?
*Based on mg of vitamin C in Zespri™ Green Kiwifruit and Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit per 100g weight. One piece of Zespri™ SunGold™ over 53g, or one piece of Zespri™ Green over 91g provides 100% of the recommended Vitamin C daily value. Zespri™ SunGold™ average weight: 89.7g, Zespri™ Green average weight: 92.5g.
SOURCES:
- Lister C, et al. HN21047: Zespri™ Green Kiwifruit and Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit nutrition composition 2020.
- Palmerston North: Plant & Food Research; October 2020. PFR SPTS No. 20168.
- The Concise New Zealand Food composition Tables 13th Edition, 2018.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Food Data Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov. Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed September 8, 2019 at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional
FAQ
The vitamin C in Zespri kiwis is essential for strengthening the immune system, helping to fight colds and other infections. In addition, this vitamin also contributes to the formation of collagen, benefiting the health of skin, gums and bones. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage, promoting general health and well-being.
To get the maximum benefit from the vitamin C in Zespri kiwifruits, it is advisable to eat them fresh and unpeeled. The skin of kiwis is edible and contains additional nutrients, but if you prefer to peel them, use a soft peeler so as not to waste the valuable vitamin C just under the skin. You can enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack, incorporate them into smoothies, fruit salads or even use them as an ingredient in healthy desserts. Remember that vitamin C is sensitive to heat, so avoiding overcooking can better preserve its nutritional properties.
In addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C, Zespri kiwis also contain other nutrients essential for health. These include vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium and dietary fibre. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, vitamin A is essential for vision and the immune system, potassium is key for muscle function and blood pressure regulation, and dietary fibre is beneficial for the digestive system and blood sugar control.