Additional benefits of kiwi: research results will surprise you

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked to better health and a lower risk of depression.

One of the micronutrients that contributes to this effect is vitamin C. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, peptide hormones, and acts as a catalyst for several enzymes that are necessary to maintain and promote healthy brain function, including mood.

Kiwi is a great source of vitamin C. This fruit has been shown to reduce the incidence of depression and general mood disorders in young men who consume few fruits and vegetables.

The fact that adding kiwi can make a difference in your well-being is confirmed by the findings of a new study published in The British Journal of Nutrition.

For eight weeks, 155 adults took daily vitamin C supplements, a placebo, or two kiwi fruits.

They were then surveyed to report on their vitality, mood, sleep quality and quantity, and physical activity.

The researchers found that kiwi consumption increased vitality and mood for four days, peaking around days 14-16. At the same time, vitamin C slightly improved mood until day 12.  Participants were in relatively good mental health from the start but still reported benefits from consuming kiwi or vitamin C.

Although vitamin C supplementation also showed some improvements, the study emphasizes the potential synergistic effect of consuming natural foods such as kiwi.

This fruit also contains other nutrients that have a positive impact on health. Among them are dietary fiber (fiber, folate), copper, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The peel and seeds of the fruit are edible, although due to the texture of the peel, only the flesh is mostly consumed.