Forget prunes: Popular green fruit shows promise for constipation relief

Eating two green kiwis a day could help people struggling with constipation, a new review suggests.The research, published in the journal Food, Nutrition and Health, looked at 33 previous studies and reports on kiwifruit and digestive health.Eating two fresh green kiwis a day for about four weeks was linked to more regular bowel movements, less straining and better digestive comfort in people with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).COMMON KITCHEN STAPLE MAY HELP RELIEVE MILD CONSTIPATION, NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTSIn one international trial included in the review, people with constipation had about 1.5 more complete bowel movements per week, while those with IBS-C had about 1.7 more per week.Both groups also reported improved digestive comfort.The new review suggests there may be several reasons kiwi helps with constipation.Eating two green kiwis a day could help people struggling with constipation, a new review suggests.

(iStock)Its fiber can add bulk and hold water in stool, while the fruit's natural water and sorbitol may help make stool easier to pass.Researchers said the benefit likely comes from several parts of the whole fruit working together rather than one component alone.Kiwi was not necessarily more effective than other constipation treatments.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZOne U.S.

trial included in the review found that green kiwi, psyllium fiber and prunes all helped improve chronic constipation.Kiwi was associated with fewer side effects and was well-tolerated by many participants.The evidence is strongest for fresh green kiwi, the researchers noted.

There is less research on gold kiwi, powders and extracts, so those forms should not be assumed to have the same effect.Researchers found that consuming two green kiwis daily for about four weeks was linked to more regular bowel movements and less straining.(iStock)Jason Heiselman, a New York-based certified nutritionist and professional chef at Hungryroot in N...