Kiwifruit : Health benefits and medicinal importance

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Kiwifruit Volume 10 Issue 2 December, 2015 98-100RASHTRIYA KRISHI
Kiwifruit : Health benefits and medicinal importance
Sachin Tyagi, A.H. Nanher1, Sanjay Sahay, Vikash Kumar, Kanchan Bhamini,
Subodh Kumar Nishad and Mukhtar Ahmad
Department of Horticulture, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, BHAGALPUR (BIHAR) INDIA
1Department of Agronomy, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, BHAGALPUR (BIHAR) INDIA
(Email : sachinhort90@gmail.com)
Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet in our
daily routine. They are of course naturally low content of
calories, sodium, fat, and cholesterol. Stuffed with
vitamins, enzymes, minerals, they are very flavour some
and quickly digestible and also may reduce risk for many
illnesses. Kiwi fruit has become terribly popular during
the past two decades due to its various medicinal
properties. It is also known as Macaque peach and
Mihoutau and Chinese gooesberry. It is said that the fruit
got its name Kiwi from the land of New Zealand. It is
native to Chang Kiang valley (Yang Tao) of northern
China. In the early 1900, kiwi fruit was first exported to
Asia as an ornamental vine. The plant
is a vigorous, deciduous climber that
grows to about 9 meters in height,
tolerating full sun or semi-shade. Kiwi
plants were originally grown in
mountainous, forested regions of
China. It is a small fruit approximately
3 inches long and has a brown hairy
peel with a green flesh and white pulp
in the center with many tiny black edible seeds. This is
not only consumed fresh, but also used to produce dried
kiwi, frozen kiwi, jam, jelly, marmalade, juice, nectar, etc.
Kiwi fruit juice has been used in some cultures as a
traditional meat tenderizer. Kiwifruit contains numerous
phytonutrients as well as well known vitamins and minerals
that promote health. It also contains lots of glucose and
fructose and a small amount of sucrose. It contains very
good levels of vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-K and
flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and
xanthin.Some studies revealed that diseases like asthma
cough and diabetes have shown positive improvements
with the daily consumption of kiwi fruit. It has more
potassium than a banana or citrus fruits.Many studies have
shown that it contains many medicinally useful compounds,
which may be beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders.
Commonly Some varieties of kiwi fruit found in China
have a strong anti-mutagenesis effect. Moreover, these
fruits have the effect of increasing immune function. To
enhance kiwi fruit’s health care effects, withdrawing the
effective components, e.g., anti-cancer isoflavones,
organic acids, polysaccharide and trace element, by formu-
lation and scientific experiments to produce functional
health care products/drink, can enhance the whole anti-
cancer defensive system. Motohashi et al. (2002) found
kiwi fruit to contain a number of valuable anti-cancer
bioactive materials that are prooxidant (at higher
concentra-tions) and antioxidant (at lower concentrations),
as well as having tumour selective, cytotoxic and
antimicrobial activity.
Medicinal and health benefits of this fruit have been
discussed as under:
Digestive health: Kiwifruit stores a
good amount of proteolytic enzyme
actinidin a protein-dissolving enzyme
which improves the digestion of proteins
and can help digest a meal much like
the papain in papaya or bromelain in
pineapple. It facilitates smooth traffic
through the digestive system.
Skin health: It is a good source of vitamin C which is
essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant
to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and
smoke, smooth wrinkles, keep the skin young ,vibrant and
improve overall skin texture. It also a good source of
vitamin E which makes the skin soft and moist and protect
the skin from degeneration. Vitamins also aids in
regeneration of cells which in turn makes the skin youthful
and flexible. The vitamin C is the responsible for the
formation of collagen. Collagen is a connective protein
repairs the skin and keeping the skin firm and supple .It
helps it to recover from cuts and wounds and prevent
from rough and dry skin. It also rich antioxidants and
Vitamin E which are essential for a healthy and glowing
skin. Kiwifruit contains amino acids that protect the skin
from sun damage.
Bone health: Folate, magnesium and Vitamin E are all
well represented in kiwifruit, offering health benefits that
range from bone formation. Vitamin K also has a potential

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role in the bone mass buiding by promoting osteotrophic
activity in the bone.
Heart health: The fibre and potassium in kiwis support
heart health. Fiber can reduce high cholesterol levels,
which may reduce the risk of heart disease and heart
attack. Poor magnesium status is associated with heart
disease, myocardial infarction and hypertension. Fresh kiwi
fruit is a very rich source of heart-healthy electrolyte
“potassium.” 100 g contains 312 mg or 7 per cent
electrolyte. An increase in
potassium intake along with
a decrease in sodium intake
is the most important dietary
change that a person can
make to reduce their risk of
cardiovascular disease.
Potassium is an important
component of cell and body
fluids that help regulate
heart rate by countering
malefic effects of sodium.
Kiwi-fruit seeds are an
excellent source of omega-
3 fatty acids. Several
research studies show that
consumption of foods rich in
omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease, stroke. Folate, Magnesium and Vitamin E also
reduced the risks of heart disease.
Hair health: Fruit is rich in minerals like zinc, magnesium
and phosphorus that improves hair growth and enhances
blood circulation. It also contains Vitamin C and E which
helps in reducing hair fall. Kiwi seed oil contains omega-
3fatty acids that prevent the hair from losing its moisture.
Kiwifruit is rich in copper which helps the hair in preserving
its natural colour and also protects from premature greying.
The iron content of fruit helps in nourishing the hair and
also promotes proper blood circulation in the scalp. Thus
it strengthens the hair from their roots.
Eye health/Macular degeneration: Kiwifruit is rich in
p h y t o c h e m i c a l s
óxanthophylls and
especially a subcomponent,
lutein. Lutein is known to
accumulate in the retina of
the eye. Kiwifruit contains
the phytochemical lutein.
Lutein is a carotenoid
vitamin which can prevent
age-related blindness. The
body can’t synthesize the
lutein, therefore it’s
especially important to get
plenty of foods that contain
lutein, like kiwi.
Physical fitness: It
contains a wide range of
minerals which is essential for replenishing those lost
during exercise especially in hot environments. In China,
a kiwi-based sport drink was designed to overcome athletic
training in a hot environment, where large amounts of
minerals can be lost in sweat.
Cardiovascular health: Kiwifruit is a good source of
protective polyphenols along with vitamin C, vitamin E
and potassium. These are effective in the maintenance of
cardiovascular health. Kiwifruit exerts inhibitory activities
which aids in the reduction of triglycerides in the blood.
Pregnant women’s health: It is a good source of folate
(vitamin B6), which is beneficial for Pregnant women
because it helps in the development of the foetus, making
it healthy. It is also considered to be good for growing
children.
Blood clotting and absorption of vitamin D: Vitamin
K of fruit helps with blood clotting and absorption of
vitamin D.
Better sleep: Kiwifruit is a source of serotonin which
helps to promote better sleep. The consumption of kiwi
may also help in improving the sleep onset and reducing
the waking time after the onset. Kiwi consumption also
provides relief from the sleep disturbances. The peel of
Table 1 : Food value per 100 g of edible portion of kiwifruit
Fresh
Canned
Frozen
Calories
66
-
66
Moisture
81.2 g
73.0 g
80.7 g
Protein
0.79 g
0.89 g
0.95 g
Fat
0.07 g
0.06 g
0.08 g
Carbohydrates
17.5 g
25.5 g
17.6 g
Ash
0.45 g
0.45 g
0.53 g
Calcium
16 mg
23 mg
18 mg
Iron
0.51 mg
0.40 mg
0.51 mg
Magnesium
30 mg
30 mg
27 mg
Phosphorus
64 mg
48 mg
67 mg
Thiamine
0.02 mg
0.02 mg
0.01 mg
Niacin
0.50 mg
0.40 mg
0.22 mg
Riboflavin
0.05 mg
0.02 mg
0.03 mg
Vitamin A
175 I.U.
155 I.U.
117 I.U.
Ascorbic Acid
105 mg
103 mg
218 mg
Source: Morton et al. (1987). Fruits of warm climates.
SACHIN TYAGI, A.H. NANHER, SANJAY SAHAY, VIKASH KUMAR, KANCHAN BHAMINI, SUBODH KUMAR NISHAD AND MUKHTAR AHMAD

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Rashtriya Krishi | Vol. 10 (2)| Dec., 2015
kiwi is a potent ingredient for the development of natural
sleeping aids.
Depression: Inositol is found in kiwifruit which works
as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger
system, can be beneficial in the treatment of depression.
Anemia: The consumption of this fruit facilitates the
absorption of iron, which helps to prevent anemia
Reduce stone: High potassium intakes are also
associated with the reduction in the formation of kidney
Stones. Magnesium contains of fruit also decreased the
risk of kidney stones.
Blood pressure: Because of their high potassium
content, kiwis can help negate the effects of sodium in
the body. It is possible that a low potassium intake is just
as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as
a high sodium intake. Copper also is a mineral involved in
making red blood cells and developing a strong immune
system.
Cancer: The consumption of Kiwifruit works against
cancer by being cytotoxic to malignant cancer cells without
affecting the normal, healthy cells. The great amount of
dietary fibre in kiwi fruit helps in decreasing the probability
of colon cancer. Kiwifruit has been shown to contain an
antimutagenic component, helping to prevent the mutations
of genes that may initiate the cancer process. It contains
Catechin, a phytochemical which helps in reducing the
toxicity of anti-cancer agents by stimulating the bone
marrow proliferation. Lutein, an important phytochemical
found in kiwifruit, has been linked to the prevention of
prostate and lung cancer. The presence of glutathione may
account for the reduction. The biochemical composition
of kiwi fruit like plethora of antioxidants, carotenoids,
vitamins and fibres are effective in the prevention or healing
of cancers.
Diabetes: Kiwi has low glycemic index which makes it
suitable for the individuals with diabetes. In addition, fibre-
rich foods, like kiwifruit, are good for keeping the blood
sugar levels of diabetic patients under control.
“Here we have summarized that the some health
significant properties of this fruits are makes it superior
fruits so, the consumption of this may be useful in
prevention and deterioration of many diseases. This fruit
is the most nutrient dense fruit which we want to eat more
frequently, for better health.’’
References:
Chaurasia, Madhuri and Gaba, Ritu (2014).Kiwi Fruit:
A Fruit or a Medicine. Res. News For U., 17 : 203-204.
Keith Singletary (2012). Kiwifruit: Overview of
Potential Health Benefits. Nutrition Today,47 : 133-147.
Maillar, C. (1998). The kiwi, rich in vitamins C and E
and also in potassium. Servir May-1998 Jun 30;
46(3):160. 1998. PMID:13380.
Montefiori, M., Mc Ghie, T.K., Costa, G. and
Ferguson, A.R. (2005). Pigments in the fruit of red-
fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia
deliciosa). J. Agric. Food Chem., 53 : 9526-9530.
Morton, J., Julia F. Morton and Miami, FL. (1987).
Fruits of warm climates. Kiwifruit. p. 293–300.
Motohashi, N. (2002). Cancer prevention and therapy
with kiwifruit in chinese folklore medicine: a study of
kiwifruit extracts. J. Ethnopharmacol.,81 (3) : 357-364.
Sommerburg, O., Keunen, J.E., Bird, A.C. and van
Kuijk, F.J. (1998). Fruits and vegetables that are sources
for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human
eyes. Br. J. Ophthalmol., 82(8) : 907-910.
Szeto, Y.T., Tomlinson, B. and Benzie, I.F. (2002).
Total antioxidant and ascorbic acid content of fresh fruits
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Received : 17.11.2015 Revised : 20.11.2015 Accepted : 30.11.2015