What is kiwi powder good for?

Kiwifruit Powder Background and Benefits
A kiwifruit is the edible berry of woody vines in the Actinidia genus, especially A. deliciosa. It is also known by other common names such as Chinese gooseberry, melonette and kiwi. The Hayward cultivar is the most common variety of kiwifruit that’s commercially cultivated.
A kiwifruit has an oblong shape with a maximum length of about three inches and a diameter of about two inches. It has a greenish-brown skin and bright green or gold flesh when fully ripe. The flesh contains small black seeds that are edible. Kiwifruit has a sweet flavor with variable acidity depending on growing conditions. The major producers of kiwifruit include Italy, China, New Zealand, Chile, Greece and France.

Kiwifruit originates from China, although its commercial cultivation didn’t begin until the early 20th century in New Zealand. It was originally known as Chinese gooseberry due to its origin and flavor and was also marketed as melonette when it was first exported to the United States. Kiwifruit growers in New Zealand began using the term “kiwifruit” in 1962 to improve its market appeal in the United States.

Actinidin, also known as actinidain, is one of the significant components in kiwifruit concerning its health benefits. This enzyme is a protein-dissolving enzyme or protease, that breaks proteins into smaller polypeptides. Additional bioactive components in kiwifruit include flavonoids and carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Kiwifruit is also a rich source of vitamins C, K, and E, as well as dietary fiber. Kiwifruit is typically dehydrated to a powder when used as a health supplement to concentrate these components.

Uses of Kiwifruit Powder
The health benefits of kiwifruit primarily affects the digestive system. It may also support healthy circulation, respiration, and cholesterol levels.

Respiratory Support
Some evidence indicates that eating fruits like kiwifruit that are high in vitamin C may help to maintain healthy lung function.

Digestive Health Support
Early research indicates that the actinidin in kiwifruit may support the digestive system by increasing the frequency of bowel movements. The regimen in this study consisted of two kiwifruits per day for four weeks.

Healthy Cholesterol Level Management
The dietary fiber in kiwifruit may help to maintain a healthy cholesterol profile.

Circulation Management
Kiwifruit contains vitamin C, which may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. One study showed that three kiwifruits per day for eight weeks were more beneficial for blood pressure than one apple per day.