TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND - Earlier this week, scientists held the first ever International Symposium on Kiwifruit and Health. The event brought together nearly 200 global health experts to consider the role of fruit, particularly kiwifruit, in a healthy diet.
“Continued investment in world-class research on the health benefits of kiwifruit has value both for Zespri, for health practitioners, and for consumers around the world, as the importance of a healthy and balanced diet becomes ever-more important and understood,” Professor Paul Moughan, Co-Director of the Riddet Institute (host of the event), commented, according to the release. He added that this was the first time anywhere in the world that so much expertise on kiwifruit and health science has been brought together in one place.
Speakers presented the most recent studies and research underway into the health benefits of kiwifruit, with particular focus to digestive health, health and Vitamin C, and metabolic health.
The keynote speaker at the event, Professor Jacob Seidell from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, said that nutrient-poor, energy-rich foods are driving up rates of obesity and chronic disease across the world. He added, “Improved health outcomes are associated with diets high in nutrient-rich, low energy-dense fruit – such as kiwifruit.”
Among the key findings presented were:
- Kiwifruit helps regulate sugar highs and lows in the blood stream
- Results from human clinical trials show Zespri Green Kiwifruit improves digestive health function and comfort
- Kiwifruit boosts the immune system with its supply of vitamin C
So is Kiwifruit the next name to be added to the list of superfoods? With more focused research, possibly.
Keep checking with AndNowUKnow for the latest updates in produce news.
