KIWIFRUIT HAS IMPRESSIVE ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids are naturally abundant
in fruits and vegetables. By eating five or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables a
day, we may be able to reduce our risk of various forms of cancer. Compared to other whole
fruits for levels of total antioxidants present, kiwifruit was found to have an impressive
profile.
| ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF FRUITS 1,2 | |
| Orange | 6.82 |
| Red grapes | 5.99 |
| Kiwifruit | 5.54 |
| Pink grapefruit | 4.54 |
| White grapes | 2.89 |
| Banana | 2.10 |
| Apple | 1.92 |
| Tomato | 1.57 |
| Pear | 1.23 |
| Melon | 0.88 |
One-third of cancer deaths are caused by a variety of dietary factors. According to the
American Cancer Society, studies suggest that people who eat more fruits and vegetables
that contain antioxidants have a lower risk of cancer. By comparison, clinical studies of
antioxidant supplements have not demonstrated a reduction in cancer risk. Michael Murray,
a naturopathic physician at Bastyr University in Seattle and author of Encyclopedia of
Nutritional Supplements, says, "The benefit [of nutritional supplements] only goes so
far. A person cannot make up for poor dietary habits by taking either drugs or
supplements."3