WHY A KIWI MAY BE THE PERFECT SNACK

Apples and bananas may be some of the world’s favourite fruits. But nutrition experts say that kiwis deserve a spot in your shopping cart.

- CAROLINE HOPKINS LEGASPI

These brown, fuzzy fruits with green, yellow or even red flesh are packed with beneficial nutrients such as fiber and vitamin C. And on TikTok, wellness influencers rave about their digestive and sleep-inducing benefits.

“Kiwis are having a moment right now and for good reason,” said Judy Simon, a clinical dietitian at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.

Here’s why their spotlight is so well-deserved, and how incorporating kiwis into your diet may influence your health.

LOADED WITH NUTRIENTS

Kiwis contain an impressive array of nutrients. A medium-sized fruit offers a little more than 2g of fibre at just 48 calories. The skin is especially fibre-rich.

Fibre slows digestion, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes, said Amy Ellis, a dietitian and associate professor of nutrition at the University of Alabama. Over time, such spikes can increase the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Fiber also binds to “bad” cholesterol, or LDL, in the intestine, helping to remove it from your body, Simon said. Excess LDL can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk for heart attacks and strokes.