Kiwi Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction

Ever thought the tangy-sweet juice of kiwi fruit can be beneficial for diseases? You heard it right; the refreshing kiwi fruit juice is rich in nutrients. It is scientifically known as Actinidia deliciosa and belongs to the family Actinidia. Kiwi is an exotic seasonal fruit. Kiwi fruit is dull brown with hairy skin on the outside with a beautiful bright translucent green colour on the inside. The inside also has several tiny black seeds and a creamy white core. The taste of kiwi is a unique combination of sweet, sour and tangy. Kiwi fruit is native to southwest China. Though New Zealand is the major producer of Kiwi, it is grown in some regions of India as well. They are usually found in temperate forests. Kiwi fruit is of green and gold varieties. The gold one has a sweet tropical taste.¹ 

Did you know?

• Kiwi juice is a natural source of antioxidants, which help protect against oxidative stress. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
• Kiwi juice is a good source of vitamin E, with 100g providing 10% of the daily value. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
• Regular consumption of kiwi juice may help lower blood pressure levels. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
• The high vitamin C content in kiwi juice can boost the immune system and support overall health. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
• Consuming kiwi juice may help improve sleep quality and duration. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
• Drinking kiwi juice may help improve skin health and promote a youthful appearance due to its high vitamin C content. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov

Nutritional Value of Kiwi Juice:

• Water: 83.1 g
• Energy: 61 kcal
• Protein: 1.14 g
• Total Lipid: 0.52 g
• Carbohydrate: 14.7 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Sugars: 8.99 g
• Calcium: 34 mg
• Iron: 0.31 mg
• Magnesium: 17 mg
• Potassium: 312 mg

Nutritional Value of Kiwi Fruit²  

Also Read: Grape Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Properties of Kiwi Juice:

The properties of the kiwi fruit are as follows. Kiwi juice may also show similar properties. 

• It may protect against cancer  
• It may prevent diabetes  
• It may be a possible antioxidant  
• It may act against microbes  
• It may help reduce inflammation and swelling  
• It may be used in case of constipation  
• It may be used to treat asthma  
• It may act against blood clot formation  
• It may prevent the growth of fungi  
• It may protect the liver³  

Also Read: Neem Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side effects and More!

Potential Uses of Kiwi Juice for Overall Health:

The uses of kiwi fruit are given below. Kiwi fruit juice may also show similar effects. 

1. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Digestive Health

Kiwi juice has a unique combination of phytochemicals that may have gastrointestinal benefits. Kiwi fruit juice may aid in digestion. It may help reduce irritability, reduce the problem of indigestion and may be beneficial in vomiting. In addition, kiwi fruit juice may help relieve constipation. Studies show the enzyme actinidin in kiwi fruit may help digest proteins in the small intestine and stomach. However, you must seek medical advice if you are experiencing abdominal discomfort.¹ 

2. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Diabetes

Glycemic index refers to how fast food affects the blood sugar level on food intake. Kiwi juice has a low glycaemic index which may be beneficial for diabetic patients. This means it has minimal effect on an increase in blood sugar level.  In addition, the fibres present in kiwi juice may help to keep diabetes under control.⁴ Kiwi juice contains natural sugar alcohol and inositol, which may help regulate diabetes. However, it is essential to check your blood sugar levels and consult your doctor rather than self-medication.³ 

3. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Cancer

Phytoconstituents of kiwi juice like antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins and fibres may be beneficial for cancer. Kiwi juice may act against the cancer cells without affecting the normal cells. Kiwi fruit juice may act against the initiation of cancer. The dietary fibre present in kiwi juice may help in colon cancer.  A phytochemical catechin present in kiwi juice may help reduce the toxicity caused by anti-cancer agents. Another phytochemical, lutein, may be used for lung or prostate cancer. Cancer is a dangerous disease; therefore, it is important to have a professional opinion instead of self-medication.⁴  

4. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Skin Health

There may be potential kiwi juice benefits for the skin. Kiwi juice is rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, which improve overall skin health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, and may reduce wrinkles,  damage caused by sun, pollution and smoke and keep the skin vibrant and young. Vitamin C may be responsible for the formation of collagen, which is a protein that helps to keep the skin firm. The vitamin E present in kiwi juice may keep the skin supple.  You must consult your doctor if you have any skin-related disorders.⁴ 

From what I’ve seen, kiwis might be vitamin C packets for you to relish. Vitamin C is pretty awesome because it may help your body absorb iron, which is very important for healthy red blood cells. Those red blood cells carry oxygen to all your organs and tissues, so you may stay healthy. So, by enjoying a glass of kiwi juice, you’re not only offering a delightful drink to your taste buds but also providing your body with essential vitamins.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

5. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Heart Health

Fibres and potassium present in kiwi juice may help to support heart health. Fibres in kiwi juice may lower cholesterol and improve heart health. In addition, an increase in potassium intake and decreasing sodium intake may help to regulate the heart rate. Kiwi juice is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. You must get medical advice immediately if you have any heart disease symptoms or have a history of any heart diseases.⁴ 

6. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Hair Health

There may be a potential use of kiwi juice for hair growth. Kiwi juice is a good source of minerals like zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. Vitamin C and E in kiwi juice may help reduce hair fall. The copper in kiwi juice may help retain the hair’s natural colour. Kiwi juice has iron which may help strengthen the hair.⁴ 

7. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for Eye Health

Kiwi juice may be beneficial for macular degeneration, which affects the retina. Kiwi juice is rich in phytochemical lutein, a carotenoid that may protect the eye. Therefore, lutein is beneficial in age-related blindness. Our body cannot produce lutein; therefore, kiwi juice may benefit retinal degeneration. You must seek medical help immediately if you have a loss of vision.⁴ 

8. Potential Use of Kiwi Juice for High Blood Pressure

Potassium present in kiwi juice may help to regulate blood pressure. It may oppose the effect of sodium in the body since high levels of sodium may cause high blood pressure. More studies are required on the potential use of kiwi juice to maintain blood pressure. However, if you have high blood pressure, it is important to seek medical help rather than self-medicating.⁴ 

Though studies show the benefits of kiwi juice in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of kiwi juice on human health.  

I chanced upon research where they found that eating two kiwifruits every day for six weeks might make you feel happier. Yep, you heard it right! The researchers noticed that people who consumed kiwi regularly experienced a trend towards feeling less down and blue. So, if you’re looking for a natural mood booster, kiwi juice might be worth a try.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Papaya Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

How to Use Kiwi Juice?

Kiwi juice can be prepared in the following way: 

First, the kiwi fruit is thoroughly cleaned with water, and then abrasive side of a cleaning sponge is used to remove the hair on the kiwi fruit. The hard top part is then removed. Kiwi fruit is diced into small pieces and blended until smooth. Finally, kiwi juice is ready to be consumed. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Side Effects of Kiwi Juice

Some of the side effects associated with kiwi juice are as follows: 

• Allergy: Allergy to kiwi juice may range from localized irritation in the mouth to life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. 
• Acute Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas may be a side effect of kiwi juice³ 

If you experience any side effects or discomfort after consuming kiwi juice, you must seek medical help immediately. 

In my view, drinking kiwi juice might offer several benefits for your health. Kiwi is especially high in vitamin K! It may thus be beneficial in promoting healthy blood clotting and strong bones.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take with Kiwi Juice:

General precautions shall be taken before consuming kiwi juice. You should consult your doctor before consuming kiwi juice during pregnancy and lactation. Special care should be taken while giving kiwi juice to newborns and the elderly. You must be cautious if you are taking any medication, and you should consult your doctor before consumption of kiwi juice. 

I’ll let you on a little secret. When it comes to boosting your immune system, vitamin C might be a champion nutrient. And guess what? Kiwis are loaded with vitamin C! These little green fruits are not only packed with nutrients, but they may also provide 230% of your daily vitamin C needs. So, if you want to give your immune system a boost, sipping on some kiwi juice might be a delicious and healthy way to do it.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Interaction with other Drugs:

There is no evidence of the interaction of kiwi juice with other drugs; therefore, further studies must be conducted. However, you should take medical advice before consuming kiwi juice, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications.  

Also Read: Avocado Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. David P Richardson, Juliet Ansell, Lynley N. Drummond. The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 29]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267416/ 

2. Food Data Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 29]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168153/nutrients 

3. Raman VK, Chauhan SK, Chaudhuri A. Actinidia Deliciosa: A Nature’s Boon to Modern Pharmacotherapeutics. Applied Pharmaceutical Science and Microbiology. 2020 Oct 15;83–94. [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 29]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344545197_Actinidia_Deliciosa_A_Nature’s_Boon_to_Modern_Pharmacotherapeutics 

4. Tyagi S. Kiwifruit: Health benefits and medicinal importance. [cited 2022 Jul 29]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316701273 

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