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Review Finds Green Kiwifruit May Help Constipation

11/13/2026 // Coco Somers // Views

Tags: #nutrition, alternative medicine, antioxidants, Chinese medicine, food cures, food is medicine, food science, Fresh, fruits, gastrointestinal wellness, goodfood, goodhealth, goodmedicine, goodscience, grocery cures, Kiwi, natural cures, natural health, natural medicine, Naturopathy, Nutrient, nutrients, organics, prevention, remedies, Skin, superfoods, Whole Foods

Chronic constipation affects an estimated 20% of the general adult population in the United States, according to published data cited in clinical reports, and symptoms include fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or lumpy stools and a sensation of incomplete evacuation [1]. A separate report noted that only about 5% of adults meet the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38 grams of fiber.

Study Details and Measured Outcomes

The review analyzed 33 previous studies and reports rather than conducting a new clinical trial [2].

The findings were published in the journal Food, Nutrition and Health [2]. A separate scientific review from Japan likewise suggested that eating two fresh green kiwifruits daily for approximately four weeks may improve bowel function in adults with functional constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome [3].

Earlier clinical work pointed in a similar direction. A clinical trial reported in January 2026 found that consuming two green kiwifruits daily was an effective natural treatment for chronic constipation and IBS-C, and in a head-to-head comparison kiwifruit outperformed psyllium husk fiber supplements by providing a greater increase in comfortable, spontaneous bowel movements, according to the study authors [4]. Nutrition data show that per 100 grams, kiwifruit contains approximately 2.1 grams of fiber, and a single medium kiwi delivers about 2 grams, contributing to daily intake recommendations [5].

Proposed Mechanisms Behind Kiwifruit's Effects

The fruit's fiber profile has drawn attention from food scientists as well. Research on kiwifruit pectins has examined the fruit's fiber as a potential functional ingredient that provides a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains [6]. Kiwifruit is widely cultivated in New Zealand, California, Italy, Chile, France and Greece and is known for its wealth of essential nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds [7].

Comparison With Prunes, Psyllium, and Other Options

One U.S. trial included in the review found that green kiwi, psyllium fiber and prunes all helped improve chronic constipation, according to the paper [8].

Independent comparisons have reached similar conclusions. Kiwis and prunes both have evidence supporting their ability to relieve constipation, and neither is a clear winner, according to a review of the research comparing them [9].

Limitations and Need for Further Research

The review's conclusions rest on a body of work that has accumulated over years. Kiwifruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries because of its ability to promote proper digestion, and that knowledge encouraged researchers to explore the fruit's potential as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal problems such as chronic constipation, which affects more than 20 percent of the American population, according to one account of the research [10].

The review did not establish that kiwi outperforms established options; it reported that green kiwi, psyllium fiber and prunes all helped improve chronic constipation in the U.S. trial it examined [8].

Conclusion

The review suggests that eating two fresh green kiwis a day for about four weeks may be linked to improved digestive regularity in some people with constipation or IBS-C, according to researchers [8].

1. Fiber-Rich Foods Cited as Effective for Relieving Constipation, Study Data Shows. https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-05-10-fiber-rich-foods-effective-relieving-constipation-study.html
2. Forget prunes: Popular green fruit shows promise for constipation relief. https://article.wn.com/view/2026/11/08/Forget_prunes_Popular_green_fruit_shows_promise_for_constipa/
3. Japanese study finds green kiwifruit may improve digestive health. https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9890134/japanese-study-finds-green-kiwifruit-may-improve-digestive-health/
4. Study Links Kiwi Consumption to Reduced Constipation Symptoms. https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-07-06-study-links-kiwi-consumption-reduced-constipation-symptoms.html
5. Kiwis Provide Dietary Fiber, Nutrition Data Shows - NaturalNews.com, June 18, 2026.
6. Gut health benefits of kiwifruit pectins: Comparison with commercial functional polysaccharides. Shanthi G. Parkar. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2010
7. Here are 10 kiwifruit benefits you shouldnt miss out on - NaturalNews.com, September 06, 2023.
8. Popular green fruit shows promise for constipation relief. https://www.foxnews.com/health/forget-prunes-popular-green-fruit-shows-promise-constipation-relief
9. Kiwis vs. Prunes: Which Is Better for Constipation?. https://www.eatingwell.com/kiwis-vs-prunes-for-constipation-12073744
10. Kiwis can safely and naturally ease chronic constipation - NaturalNews.com, December 09, 2018.

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