Unlocking Gut Health: How Green Kiwis Became the EU’s First Fruit with a Health Claim for Digestive Regularity

Forget prunes—there’s a new fruit in town that’s making waves for your gut health: the green kiwifruit. Recently, the European Commission approved a health claim that says eating green kiwis can help boost bowel function by increasing stool frequency. Simply put, they help you have a regular bathroom routine.

This is a big deal. Green kiwis are the first fresh fruit ever to receive this kind of official recognition in the EU, which has very strict rules on health claims. In fact, only three health claims have been approved in the last five years, making this a noteworthy achievement.

The approval came after 15 years of research by Zespri International Limited, the world’s leading kiwifruit marketer, which controls about one-third of the global kiwi market. Their studies suggest that eating just two green kiwis a day, roughly 200 grams, can keep things moving smoothly in the digestive tract.

Getting a health claim approved isn’t easy. The EU has rigorous standards to protect consumers from misleading information. Any health claim must be scientifically validated, straightforward, and truthful. For example, well-known claims include “calcium supports bone development in children” and “vitamin C keeps your immune system healthy.” While some products like yogurts have yet to receive official claims for probiotics due to insufficient evidence, kiwis have made the cut.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed a clear link between green kiwifruit and improved bowel habits. Zespri’s CEO, Jason Te Brake, hailed the approval as a milestone, emphasizing that this recognition highlights the health benefits of kiwifruit.

This isn’t just good news for those who want to improve their digestive health. It also taps into a growing trend where consumers are increasingly looking for natural ways to support their well-being. According to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council, over 77% of consumers want to know more about how their food choices affect their health.

So, the next time you think of gut health, remember the green kiwifruit. It’s unique, tasty, and now officially recognized for its benefits. While it may not have the most glamorous marketing pitch, it gets the job done!

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EU Policy,Nutritional health,New Zealand,fruits