New research conducted in New Zealand has confirmed what many working in health and nutrition fields have long suspected - Zespri Green Kiwifruit can break down proteins for better absorption within the digestive process.
The research, conducted by the Riddet Institute, confirms Zespri Green Kiwifruit, when consumed with a protein richmeal, can help improve digestion of several food proteins.
"Consumption of kiwifruit has long been claimed to assist in digestion. However ... there has been little published evidence supporting this assumption," said principal researcher Dr Mike Boland.
"Kiwifruit is well known to have a tenderising effect on meat. This is due to the activity of a naturally occurring enzyme - actinidin - a unique enzyme present only in green kiwifruit.
"The ability of this enzyme to break down meat protein stimulated our thinking and led us to investigate the role of Zespri Green Kiwifruit in assisting digestion."
The study measured the digestion of nine different types of food proteins (notably from meat, milk, legumes and cereal) and used a model digestive system to mimic digestion in the stomach and small intestines.
It was found Zespri Green Kiwifruit extract (containing actinidin) enhanced the digestion of a variety of food proteins more completely and more rapidly than digestive enzymes alone.
"These exciting findings form part of Zespri's health research programme," said Jodi Tong, category manager gold who looks after Zespri's Health Marketing.
"The enzyme actinidin is unique to kiwifruit and these findings provide us with an opportunity to differentiate kiwifruit within the fruit bowl as well as to highlight the digestive benefits of kiwifruit."
Zespri is almost three years into its 10-year health science roadmap with research being undertaken in a number of areas to validate the health benefits of kiwifruit.
"Zespri Kiwifruit is a health laden fruit. Our research enables us to increase global consumer awareness of the health benefits of kiwifruit and demonstrates how kiwifruit can strengthen natural defences for everyday protection," said Ms Tong.
