New Zealand kiwifruit may strengthen the body’s natural defences for everyday protection, according to a new study.
Zespri kiwifruit have been found to boost the body’s immune system, improve digestive health and muscle performance, and reduce inflammation and cell damage, according to a study in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand.
The research, part of Zespri’s science programme to demonstrate the health benefits of kiwifruit, supports previous studies that show kiwifruit can help strengthen natural defences for everyday protection.
The study suggests the fruit can enhance the body’s natural immune response, reduce inflammation which is associated with long-term diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, protect against cancer-associated enzymes in the lower digestive tract and protect muscles against exercise-related oxidative stress.
Zespri kiwifruit has high levels of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and fibre. Zespri has labelled it a ‘superfruit’ because of its added benefits to the body and nutritional value.
Lynley Drummond, health science manager at Zespri International, said: “We all know that consuming fruit is good for us, but we wanted to know if kiwifruit in particular has a beneficial effect on the body’s natural defence system.
“These studies are an exciting step forward and support growing evidence that Zespri kiwifruit can strengthen the immune system and protect the body in many ways,” he said.
No comments yet