Kiwifruit close up

While kiwifruit have long been thought to hold many nutritional benefits, a new analysis undertaken in the US has suggested that the fruit could be even better for your health than previously imagined.

The nutritional study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition Today, was conducted by Dr Keith Singletary of the University of Illinois in the US and found that in addition to antioxidant benefits, kiwifruit could also aid the digestive tract and help maintain healthy skin.

'Potential benefits include a rich source of antioxidants, improvement in gastrointestinal laxation, lowering of blood lipids and alleviation of disorders,' the paper, entitled 'Kiwifruit: Overview of Potential Health Benefits'.

The paper stated that kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C as well as folate, potassium and dietary fibre, and cited ongoing, preliminary research that is investigating other possible health benefits associated with kiwifruit consumption

'The fruit's content of nutrients and biologically active phytochemicals has stimulated investigations into its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that might then help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer and other degenerative disorders,' the paper stated.