Are you constantly dealing with constipation? It’s not the most pleasant condition to manage, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Believe it or not, there may be an easy solution to incorporate into your diet – just one fruit that can dramatically reduce your risk of constipation. That’s right – in this article, we’re going to look at why eating this particular fruit twice a day can help stop those miserable symptoms before they even start. Read on to find out more!
A recent study commissioned by the fruit producer Zespri and revealed by UFC-Que Choisir showed that kiwifruit can help to significantly improve intestinal comfort.
Here is a natural remedy for constipation that you must enjoy more!
Kiwis are increasingly popular as a fruit laxative, alongside prunes, psyllium and probiotics. This is not just a marketing argument from New Zealand: a scientific study conducted in this country, in Italy and in Japan confirms that this fruit can help relieve the symptoms of constipation. Don’t worry about the environmental impact either, France also produces kiwis and that’s good because it’s a seasonal fruit!
Research suggests that consuming kiwifruit can be an effective way to improve digestion and bowel movement, while providing various other health benefits thanks to its high nutrient content. Not only are they rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B6 and potassium, but they contain beneficial compounds such as actinidin and polyphenols which may offer protection against oxidative damage. Additionally, regular consumption of kiwifruit may reduce inflammation and improve heart health by lowering “bad” cholesterol levels.
A natural solution!! Yes ! But why eat two a day?
Funded by Zespri, the world’s leading distributor of kiwifruit, the authors of this project evaluated two groups of carefully selected volunteers. The first group consisted of people with occasional constipation, while the second group consisted of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) manifesting as chronic constipation. To assess the effects of kiwifruit on transit time, these volunteers consumed either two kiwifruit per day or 6 g of psyllium per day for a period of four weeks. Then they switched to the other option for another four weeks to measure any noticeable difference in gastrointestinal health and transit time.
At the end of the study, researchers found that eating kiwi fruit resulted in increased bowel movements as well as decreased gastrointestinal discomfort for all study participants.
Kiwifruit has such a unique benefit that sets it apart from its laxative counterparts.
The kiwi is known to be exceptionally high in water, with the average kiwi containing around 84% water. This high level of hydration can be beneficial for people looking to improve the consistency of their stool. The extra water helps regulate the digestive system, making stools softer and easier to pass. Additionally, the high water content helps keep the intestines moist and lubricated, thereby promoting healthy digestion. Likewise, the natural fiber content of kiwifruit can also help stimulate the movement of waste products through the gut, thereby promoting regularity.
In addition to aiding digestion, the high water content of kiwifruit can also aid in overall hydration and provide a source of essential electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which aid in functions such as nerve transmission and muscle contraction. In fact, research has shown that just one serving (about two kiwis) can provide up to 20% of the recommended daily allowance of potassium and magnesium, which can reduce fatigue, muscle pain, and even cramps. . All of this makes kiwi fruit an ideal snack for people looking to stay hydrated throughout the day and maintain good digestion.
Kiwi: how to choose it?
It’s important to look for ones that are plump and slightly soft to the touch. The skin should be free of wrinkles, bruises or discoloration. You can also tell if a kiwi is ripe by smelling it. Ripe kiwis have a sweet aroma. If the kiwi has no smell, it may not be ripe yet. The stem end of the kiwi fruit should yield slightly when pressed, indicating that the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. Avoid buying kiwis that seem too soft, as they may have spoiled quickly after being picked. When storing kiwifruit, keep them at room temperature until ready to eat. If stored in the refrigerator, they will lose their flavor and texture.