Kiwifruit 'best' for vitamin C
New report suggests food sources with high vitamin C content, such as kiwifruit, should be the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
Kiwifruit should be a consumer’s first choice when boosting fresh fruit and vegetable intake, Zespri says.
New international research shows even a recommended dietary intake of fruits and vegetables can result in vitamin C levels well below optimum, if the foods eaten do not include a high vitamin C source.
The report suggests food sources with high vitamin C content, such as kiwifruit, should be the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
The research reveals a single kiwifruit each day achieves “healthy” vitamin C levels, while two kiwifruit a day ensure “optimal” vitamin C levels, a report in the Journal of Nutritional Science says.
The lead research author, Associate Professor Margreet Vissers of the University of Otago, says most other fruit and vegetables contain much less vitamin C per serve, whereas one kiwifruit delivers the full recommended daily allowance and will contribute more vitamin C than an orange.
“Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which is critical for maintaining many aspects of our health and kiwifruit is an outstanding source of dietary vitamin C,” she says.
“Our study shows, quite simply, that 5+ A Day will not deliver adequate vitamin C unless at least one of those sources is a high-value food like kiwifruit.
"Therefore, when selecting your 5+ A Day, kiwifruit should be the first fruit on your list.”
NBR Staff
Thu, 15 Nov 2012
Thu, 15 Nov 2012
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Kiwifruit 'best' for vitamin C
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