Kiwi effect is the reported beneficial effects of eating two kiwi fruit per day for people with constipation and high blood pressure.1 The effect may be due to the combination of fibre, actinidin and other phytochemicals, its low fructose content and the presence of enzymes which promote motility.
The kiwi fruit contains many nutrients including vitamin C, K, A and E. They contain dietary fibre that helps with digestive health and reduces cholesterol levels.
They also have antioxidants that protect against cell damage and a range of other diseases. Kiwi fruit is very low in saturated fat, has no trans fats, and is a good source of potassium. It is also a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin B9.
Research suggests that consuming kiwi fruit is a safe and effective natural treatment for constipation, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is thought that the gastrointestinal benefits are due to the fibre content and the presence of actinidin, a natural proteolytic enzyme found only in kiwifruit which breaks down protein and facilitates gastric and intestinal motility. In addition, the high soluble fibre and polyphenol content of kiwifruit are believed to contribute to the anti-constipation effects.
A recent randomised controlled trial showed that consuming two kiwifruit per day for 7 weeks increased the frequency of bowel movements in people with constipation compared to a control group. It also reduced the severity of constipation and the amount of time taken to complete a bowel movement. This was associated with a small increment in total daily energy intake and no increase in fat or fibre intakes. The dietary effect was maintained during the follow-up period. The study was well-designed, with participants being randomly allocated to either the control or kiwifruit group. This ensured that there was no bias in the allocation process. Participants were given a bottle of carbonated water or kiwifruit each day, and they were instructed to drink the assigned beverage or eat the provided kiwifruit 30 min before they ate their breakfast. They were asked to tick a compliance sheet for each day that they consumed their assigned food or beverage.
Other studies have shown that kiwifruit can lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other diseases. The soluble fibre, the presence of actinidin and other phytochemicals in kiwifruit are likely to be responsible for these vascular effects.
Regular kiwifruit consumption is also thought to reduce the formation of blood clots, prevent cardiovascular disease, and lower the risk of cancer. It is a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for healthy skin, bones and cartilage. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb other essential minerals such as copper, zinc and magnesium. In addition to this, kiwifruit is also a good source of vitamin E, which is known to protect against heart disease. It also provides a good source of potassium, which is important in maintaining normal blood pressure and heart rate.