Kiwifruit, the fuzzy brown fruit, is not just loaded with vitamin C, it is a powerhouse of nutrients.
“Zespri has the best-tasting kiwifruit in the world,” and “consistency in quality,” claims Zespri International (Asia) market manager.
It is kiwifruit season from May to December. The more popular Green kiwifruit with a sweet sour taste and bright green flesh has more fibre – 3.4kg per 100g compared to the Gold kiwifruit (with bright golden flesh) has 1.4kg fibre and a tropical sweet taste.
The Company has invested over RM25mil in a scientific programme that demonstrated the positive effects of kiwifruit on digestive health, immune support, cell damage and repair, cardiovascular health and interaction with other food to enhance its nutritional status.
KIWIFRUIT is one of the superfruits (which includes oranges, cranberries, blueberries, pomegranates, bananas and apples) owing to its many health benefits.
Kiwifruit has immune-boosting qualities; it contains twice the amount of vitamin C in an orange and as such “provides a shield against colds and flu”. Its nutrient-rich and its vitamin C is a blast.
We need one Vitamin C every day for our cells and antibodies functions. One kiwifruit gives you vitamin C for the whole day. The Gold kiwifruit has 110mg vitamin C (the recommended dietary intake is 75 mg per day for an adult).
Kiwifruit is “fibre fabulous” – It helps to ease bloatedness after a heavy meal.
The Company also has an antidote for indigestion for durian aficionados – try eating kiwifruits with durian, it helps to ease bloatedness.
Babies from six months onwards can take kiwifruit – giving soft slices of kiwifruit to suck on.
Zespri Ambassador Dr Norzita Mohd Yusof says the kiwifruit is wholesome and loaded with many health benefits:
(1) Has phytochemical compounds which are important to prevent cancer. The more colourful fruits you eat, the more phytonutrients you have and the more they reduce your risks of cancer.
(2) Fibre-rich which is essential to help cleanse and improve one’s digestive system and promote a healthy heart and body.
(3) Has a mild laxative effect, unlike some fruits which send you ‘flying’ to the loo soon after eating them”.
(4) Has almost the same amount of potassium as a mango. Potassium is said to be helpful in reducing high blood pressure and helps to regenerate nerves and muscles quickly.
(5) Has four peaches’ worth of folate, which is crucial before and during pregnancy for healthy development of the baby and also for healthy skin and blood cells.
(6) Is loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols and carotenoids to offer protection from damaging free radicals. One kiwifruit boasts the vitamin E of three apples, and vitamin E is claimed to lower cholesterol and soothe and heal damaged skin tissue.
Weight watchers and diabetics to note that the Green kiwifruit has a low glycemic index and has as much dietary fibre as a serving of bran flakes.
