Kiwi can assist in a holistic cancer treatment. Kiwi will not cure cancer alone but in combination with other herbs, juices and therapies, kiwi will boost cancer treatment effectiveness.
Kiwi fruit is a fruit from China, where it was traditionally used for cancer treatment. It is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. It is also a good source of pectin, the soluble fiber, and phytochemicals – nutrients that are proven cancer fighters. Besides those cancer-fighting nutrients, kiwi fruit is a source for potassium, and zeaxanthin and lutein – antioxidants for eye health.
Research conducted at the University of Innsbruck in Austria suggests that as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage, their antioxidant levels actually increase.
Key to the process is the change in color that occurs as fruits ripen, a similar process to that seen in the fall when leaves turn from green to red to yellow to brown- a color change caused by the breakdown and disappearance of chlorophyll, which gives leaves and fruits their green color.
“When chlorophyll is released from its protein complexes in the decomposition process, it has a phototoxic effect: when irradiated with light, it absorbs energy and can transfer it to other substances. For example, it can transform oxygen into a highly reactive, destructive form,” report the researchers. However, NCCs have just the opposite effect. Extremely powerful antioxidants, they play an important protective role for the plant, and when consumed as part of the human diet, NCCs deliver the same potent antioxidant protection within our bodies.
Kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of dietary fiber. It is also a good source of the minerals potassium, magnesium, and copper. In addition, kiwifruit is a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E. In addition, a full array of nutrients includes carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.
Kiwi Health Benefits
Kiwi contain numerous phytonutrients as well as vitamins and minerals that promote your health.
Kiwi Antioxidant Protection
Kiwifruit emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of vitamin C. This nutrient is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, neutralizing free radicals that can cause damage to cells and lead to problems such as inflammation and cancer. In fact, adequate intake of vitamin C has been shown to be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, and for preventing conditions such as colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetic heart disease. And since vitamin C is necessary for the healthy function of the immune system, it may be useful for preventing recurrent ear infections in people who suffer from them.
Kiwi’s Phytonutrients Protect DNA
Kiwi fruit has fascinated researchers for its ability to protect DNA in the nucleus of human cells from oxygen-related damage. Researchers are not yet certain which compounds in kiwi give it this protective antioxidant capacity, but they are sure that this healing property is not limited to those nutrients most commonly associated with kiwi fruit, including its vitamin C or beta-carotene content. Since kiwi contains a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that have demonstrated antioxidant activity, these phytonutrients in kiwi may be responsible for this DNA protection.
The protective properties of kiwi have been demonstrated in a study with 6- and 7-year-old children in northern and central Italy. The more kiwi or citrus fruit these children consumed, the less likely they were to have respiratory-related health problems including wheezing, shortness of breath, or night coughing. These same antioxidant protective properties may have been involved in providing protection for these children.
Kiwifruit is also a good source of the important fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E. This combination of both fat- and water-soluble antioxidants makes kiwi able to provide free radical protection on all fronts.
Kiwi Fiber Blood Sugar Control, Cardiovascular & Colon Health
The fiber in kiwifruit has also been shown to be useful for a number of conditions. Researchers have found that diets that contain plenty of fiber can reduce high cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Fiber is also good for binding and removing toxins from the colon, which is helpful for preventing colon cancer. In addition, fiber-rich foods, like kiwifruit, are good for keeping the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients under control.
Kiwifruit also passed the food ranking test as a good source of the minerals potassium, magnesium, copper and phosphorus.
Kiwi Protection Against Asthma
Eating vitamin C-rich fruit such as kiwi may confer a significant protective effect against respiratory symptoms associated with asthma such as wheezing.
A study published in Thorax that followed over 18,000 children aged 6-7 years living in Central and Northern Italy found that those eating the most citrus and kiwifruit (5-7 servings per week) had 44% less incidence of wheezing compared to children eating the least (less than once a week). Shortness of breath was reduced by 32%, severe wheeze by 41%, night time cough by 27%, chronic cough by 25%, and runny nose by 28%.
Children who had asthma when the study began appeared to benefit the most, and protective effects were evident even among children who ate fruit only once or twice a week.
Kiwi Protection Against Macular Degeneration
A kiwi every meal helps protective against the severe form of vision-destroying disease.
Kiwi Cardiovascular Health
Kiwi fruit each day may significantly lower your risk for blood clots and reduce the amount of fats (triglycerides) in your blood, therefore helping to protect cardiovascular health.
Unlike aspirin, which also helps to reduce blood clotting but has side effects such as inflammation and bleeding in the intestinal tract, the effects of regular kiwi consumption are all beneficial. Kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, and polyphenols, and a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and copper, all of which may function individually or in concert to protect the blood vessels and heart. In one study, human volunteers who ate 2 to 3 kiwifruit per day for 28 days reduced their platelet aggregation response (potential for blood clot formation) by 18% compared to controls eating no kiwi. In addition, kiwi eaters’ triglycerides (blood fats) dropped by 15% compared to controls.
Kiwi Preparation & Storage
Kiwifruits should not be eaten too long after cutting since they contain enzymes (actinic and bromic acids) that act as a food tenderizer, with the ability to further tenderize the kiwifruit itself and make it overly soft. Consequently, if you are adding kiwifruit to fruit salad, you should do so at the last minute so as to prevent the other fruits from becoming too soggy.
To ensure kiwi fruit does not “tenderize” the other fruits in your salad, store sliced kiwi in a separate air-tight container and add to the rest of the fruit salad just before serving.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas
- Kiwifruit are so delicious, they can be eaten as is. One of our favorite ways to do so is to peel with a paring knife and slice.
- Add kiwifruit to tossed green salads.
- Serve sliced kiwifruit and strawberries, fruits whose flavors are naturally complementary, topped with yogurt.
- Mix sliced kiwifruit, orange and pineapple together to make chutney that can be served as an accompaniment to chicken or fish.
- Blend kiwifruit and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled soup. For a creamier consistency, blend yogurt in with the fruit mixture.
- Kiwifruit have a wonderful flavor and appearance for use in fruit tarts.
Kiwi Safety Allergies
Kiwi allergy is one of the more common allergies among fruits and caution is advised. There are numerous reports of allergy and cross-sensitization with kiwi and birch pollen, banana, avocado, chestnut, melon, fig, nuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, rye grain, hazelnuts, flour, latex-containing plants, and grasses. Asthma, rash, “hives,” swelling and anaphylaxis have been reported.
Side Effects and Warnings
The most common adverse effect is allergy to kiwi, which may or may not clinically manifest in symptoms ranging from local mouth irritation to anaphylaxis. Urticaria (“hives”) and angioedema (swelling) due to allergy, and allergic contact dermatitis have been reported. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), which includes itching and tingling with or without edema (swelling) of the lips, mouth, and tongue has been observed after consuming kiwi. Acute pancreatitis has also been reported.
Kiwi is known to have high levels of vitamin C, E, potassium and serotonin and may be capable of altering triglyceride levels. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and collapse have also been reported.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Kiwi is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Kiwi Interactions with Drugs
Based on preliminary laboratory data, kiwi may have antifungal activity and therefore have an additive effect when taken with other antifungals.
Kiwi may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Kiwi has a high serotonin concentration. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alter the levels of serotonin in the body usually by increasing them. Therefore, theoretically, kiwi and SSRIs may have a synergistic effect on serotonin levels. Consumption of kiwi fruit may lower blood triglycerides.
Kiwi Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements
Based on preliminary data, kiwi may have antifungal activity and therefore have an additive effect when taken with other antifungals.
In theory, kiwi may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases. Substantial amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin are present in kiwi fruit. Caution is advised when taking lutein supplements.
Theoretically, kiwi may have an effect on the amount of potassium in the body because kiwi is rich in potassium. Kiwi is associated with an increased amount of serotonin. Kiwi plus herbs/supplements that alter serotonin levels may have an effect on the levels of serotonin in the body.
Kiwi may increase the amount of vitamin C in the body because this fruit is rich in vitamin C. Based on urinary measurements, vitamin C status improved in athletes supplemented with Actinidia sinensis planch drink in one study. Theoretically, kiwi may have an effect on the amount of vitamin E in the body because kiwi is rich in vitamin E.
Kiwi Research Links
Italy: Positive results on control kiwifruit cancer http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.aspid=71887
Cancer prevention and therapy with kiwifruit in Chinese folklore medicine: a study of kiwifruit extracts
Kiwifruit consumption reduces DNA fragility: a randomized controlled pilot study in volunteers