Nutrition and health
The kiwifruit : a source of nutrition
Research carried out in 1997 by Professor Paul Lachance (1) showed that the kiwifruit is a concentrated source of nutrients : in fact, it takes first place among all the more common fruits.
Professor Lachance determined the "Daily Value" (DV) index for each of 27 widely-consumed fruits. This index describes the fruit's ability to provide the recommanded daily quantities of 9 nutrients considered to be essential (Vitamin C, Provitamin A, Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B9, calcium, iron and proteins). Kiwifruit had the best score (16), far outstripping common foodstuffs such as the banana (5) or the apple (2). However, it is modest in calories, with no more than 47 calories per 100g.
Kiwifruit also did very well according to another index calculated during the research, the CPN ("Calorie Per Nutrient"). This represents the number of calories required to supply 1% of the daily recommended intake of nutrients. A low CPN index is desirable, because it means that the foodstuff can be very nutritious without supplying a lot of calories. The kiwi is among the 5 fruits with the lowest CPN index, and may therefore be enjoyed freely by consumers who are concernd about both the quality of their food, and their weight.
(1) Research by Professor P.A Lachance (38th Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition at NY on 27/09/1997)
Vitamin C
Kiwifruit is one of the fruits richest in vitamin C, so that just one large kiwifruit provides the full daily intake of vitamin C (80mg per 100g). Kiwifruit contains almost twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruit. Natural vitamin C is used in metabolizing many substances (such as iron, collagen, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) ; it ensures proper muscle and brain function, helps build bone structure and counteracts bacterial and viral infections. In winter, the kiwifruit, vitamin C champion, is thus an excellent natural means of strengthening the immune system.
Antioxidant
Kiwifruit is naturally very rich in vitamins C and E. It also contains polyphenols, which reinforce the vitamins' antioxidant action when taken with them. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that cause premature cell ageing and predispose the body to cardio-vascular disease and some cancers.
Mineral
Kiwifruits also contains various minerals. It has more than 600mg of potassium per 100 kcalories (a banana contains 430 mg per 100 kcalories) : potassium is important for the cardio-vascular system. Kiwifruit also has relatively high levels of calcium (27mg per 100g) and magnesium (17mg). It also contains many trace elements, including iron (0.4mg per 100g), copper (0.14mg), zinc (0.12mg) and manganese (0.10mg).
Fibre
Kiwifruit contains abundant fibre (2.5g per 100g) : this appears to play a role in protecting against heart disease and diabetes, and helps to promote regularity.