Kiwi Side Effects: Side Effects That Might Shock You (2023)

Kiwis may not be for everyone. It can cause health complications and side effects in some people. Check out some side effects of kiwifruit.

wroteSanchari Bhattacharya|Updated May 24, 2023 | 00:27 Standard Time |13.3K

Kiwi Side Effects

Kiwifruit is generally considered safe to eat, but some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues due to specific sensitivities. If you know the side effects of kiwi fruit, you may want to reconsider binge eating kiwi fruit. By reviewing scientific studies and consulting with health experts, we can better understand these possible side effects, helping us make informed decisions about including kiwifruit in our diets.

By starting this topic, we can make sure you understand the downsides of kiwifruit and consume it wisely.

How to use kiwi?

While you might think that kiwifruit is a delicious, full-flavored fruit that's hard to incorporate into your diet except in fresh pieces, you could be wrong.

Before trying these recipes, you need to know the taste of the fruit and the perfect ripeness. Be sure to choose an olive green that is firm and even in color; small brown spots on the sides could mean it is damaged. Also try to smell ripe. A sweet smell means the kiwi is fully picked and ready to eat, while an extremely firm kiwi with a pungent smell means it needs more time to eat.

Now that you have decided which one to choose for your recipes, read on for the best kiwifruit recipes to enjoy its benefits without any side effects.

1. Fresh and simple:

Peel the kiwi and cut into thin slices or bite-sized chunks. Enjoy it as a refreshing and healthy snack. You can also mix kiwi with other tart fruits like strawberries, oranges or grapes.

It's important to note that you shouldn't combine protein-rich fruits like kiwis with starchy fruits like bananas or plantains. This slows down the digestive process and disrupts the body's mechanisms.

2. Kiwi and Yogurt Smoothie

Sprinkle kiwi slices and kiwi pulp over your favorite yogurt for extra texture and a hint of tartness. You can also drizzle some honey on top or sprinkle over granola for a delicious breakfast or snack. Enjoy low-sugar meals and lip-smacking desserts.

You can also add other citrus fruits like oranges or apples.

3. Kiwi

Who doesn't love a fruity and spicy salsa for tacos? It's easier to make and doesn't take minutes of your time to prepare.

Dice kiwis with toppings like tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro for a delicious kiwi salsa. This spicy and slightly sweet salsa is great with tacos, grilled meat and fish, or as a dip with nachos.

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4. Kiwi ice cream

Puree kiwi with a little water or juice, pour the mixture into ice molds and freeze for a homemade chilled treat. You can also add small pieces of fruit for extra texture.

5. Kiwi

Yes, you read that right. Kiwi bread is a thing, and trust us, it tastes amazing. If you like banana, orange or fruit bread, you will love this.

Add the kiwi puree to the wet dough and mix with the dry ingredients. You probably keep everything in the kitchen and put them in the oven like any other bread. Enjoy the bread itself or top it with mascarpone cream and serve it as a dessert.

6. Kiwi marinade:

Puree kiwi with your choice of herbs, spices, and oil to make a delicious marinade for meat, poultry, or tofu. Enzymes in kiwifruit help soften the protein, giving it its distinctive flavor.

7. Chiwetney:

If you are a lover of Indian food, you will love kiwi ajvar with every meal. Cook diced chiafruit with ingredients like onion, ginger, spices and garlic for a delicious and spicy chutney. Use it as a condiment with roasts, stews, curries, chips, cheese or Indian dishes.

Nutritional value of kiwi

Kiwifruit is a source of nutrition that contains many beneficial nutrients. This is the nutritional value of a medium-sized kiwifruit (approximately 100 grams) based on USDA data (1):

Calories: 64
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Weight: 0.44 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Vitamin C: 83% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin E: 9% RDI
Vitamin K: 34% RDI
Folic Acid: 7% RDI
Bacal: 15% RDA
Potassium: 4% RDI
Magnesium: 4% RDI

12Kiwi Side Effects

Let’s dive into the side effects of kiwifruit.

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1. Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy is a critical period for women's diet, which plays an important role in ensuring the health and development of mother and child. As expectant mothers struggle to make smart food choices, it's important to eat consciously and healthy.

The mother's body requirement for folic acid is 600 mcg/day(2).Anything exceeding or exceeding may be harmful. Kiwis are rich in folic acid (3) and excessive consumption of kiwifruit may be harmful.

Before starting to eat fruit during pregnancy, it is always advised to take it slow; a doctor should be consulted if kiwi has any side effects in pregnant women.

2. Oral allergy syndrome

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen food syndrome, is a condition in which an individual develops an allergic reaction to certain fruits and vegetables due to a cross-reaction between proteins in certain foods and environmental allergens such as pollen In some cases, pollen is especially common in children.

Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is one of the most common causes of OAS, especially in people with pollen allergies. When people who are allergic to tree or grass pollen eat kiwifruit, their immune systems recognize a similar protein in the kiwifruit as an allergen, leading to an allergic reaction.

A recently published study that examined 86 people with OAS found that kiwifruit was one of the top three fruits that caused symptoms. The researchers noted that 76% of patients reported symptoms such as itching, swelling and tingling in the mouth, throat and lips after consuming kiwifruit (4).

It is important to note that the severity of OAS symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe reactions. In some cases, the symptoms of OAS may extend beyond the mouth, causing wheezing or shortness of breath. Therefore, people with known pollen allergies or a history of OAS should exercise caution when consuming kiwifruit or other related fruits to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis.

3. Drug interactions with kiwi fruit

Foods rich in vitamin K may have anticoagulant effects; one such drug is warfarin. Although the studies are limited, one found that people who took anticoagulants and got a lot of vitamin K from foods like kiwi fruit had reduced effects of the drugs. This may increase the risk of blood clotting or cause other complications (5).

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At the same time, kiwi fruit interacts with drugs to increase allergic reactions. Therefore, the advice of a healthcare professional is required for possible drug interactions.

4. Kiwis Can Cause Digestive Issues

Some people may experience digestive issues after consuming kiwifruit. There are a number of reasons someone might have digestive issues, one of which is low fiber tolerance. People can be sensitive to high-fiber foods and often experience bloating or gas.

According to the study, participants who ate two kiwifruits per day for four weeks improved their bowel function but also caused constipation in others.

Additionally, actinin, an enzyme present in kiwifruit, is known to aid in protein digestion. People with digestive sensitivities or underlying digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea if kiwifruit contains actinidin (6).

5. Kiwifruit can cause skin reactions

Skin reactions were the second most common allergic reaction after kiwifruit OAS. People with sensitive skin may experience redness, itching, or irritation from direct contact with kiwifruit.

For example, eating a kiwi can cause an allergic reaction, causing the body to release histamine. This release of histamine can lead to the development of hives, which are raised, itchy, and often red sores on the skin.

People with eczema may experience more severe symptoms after exposure to kiwifruit. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry, itchy, and erythematous skin (7).

6. Cross reaction with latex allergy

Some people may experience latex allergies and cross-reactions with kiwifruit. Latex is a type of natural rubber commonly found in gloves, balloons, rubber bands, and various medical devices. Actinidin present in kiwifruit can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. When a person allergic to latex eats or comes into contact with kiwifruit, the immune system may mistake chia protein for latex protein, resulting in an allergic reaction (8).

Allergies can be as mild as a rash or escalate into vomiting, nausea, or an anaphylaxis that makes breathing difficult.

7. Kiwifruit can cause kidney stones

While there is only limited evidence that kiwifruit can cause kidney stones, the medical theory may not be wrong either. Kidney stones form when uric acid, uric acid, and oxalate crystallize and then form a solid mass in the kidney.

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One such substance is oxalate, which is also found in kiwifruit and many other foods. This has been known to cause kidney stones to form in some people. However, this does not mean that everyone who consumes kiwifruit will develop kidney stones; of course it depends on many other factors such as diet, genetics and fluid intake (9).

8. Kiwifruit can cause low blood pressure

Kiwis may be one of the most nutritious fruits. Although it's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it may indirectly help lower blood pressure in people already taking blood pressure medication.

In addition to the high potassium content of kiwifruit, when consumed in higher than recommended amounts (2 kiwifruit per day), it can interact with blood pressure medication and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure (8).

9. It can increase blood sugar levels

Kiwifruit has a low glycemic index, which means it's low in sugar; however, it's still high in carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar levels. Diabetics should be cautious when consuming kiwi fruit as it may increase blood sugar levels

Although kiwi is relatively low in sugar compared to some other fruits, it still contains carbohydrates that can affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetic patients should pay attention to carbohydrate intake, including carbohydrates in kiwifruit (10).

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion and raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, while eating kiwifruit regularly, diabetic patients should also monitor their sugar content at all times.

Carbohydrates in food are broken down into glucose during digestion, which raises blood sugar levels. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is essential for effective control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

10. Kiwifruit can make asthma worse

Asthma is a chronic disease that can be caused by any type of allergy (11). Symptoms may worsen after consuming kiwifruit in asthmatic patients. Because the protein contained in kiwifruit can cause allergic reactions in asthmatic patients. During an allergic reaction, the immune system releases substances such as histamine, which cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to worsening of asthma symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and even shortness of breath (12).

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11. Kiwis can cause headaches

Kiwis contain a natural compound called tyramine, which is known to cause headaches in some people. Tyramine is produced when protein in food breaks down over time, and it can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to headaches. Some people may also be sensitive or allergic to certain compounds present in kiwifruit, such as phenols. In some cases, allergic reactions manifest as headaches (13).

12. Kiwifruit can cause diarrhea

Kiwi is rich in dietary fiber, which helps digestion. On the other hand, eating too much fiber can lead to loose stools or diarrhea, especially if you're not used to a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to stools and promotes regular bowel movements, but consumption in excess can have a laxative effect.

Kiwifruit also contains enzymes such as actinin, which has a natural laxative effect in some people. These enzymes help break down proteins in the digestive system, but can also increase bowel frequency or soft stools in sensitive individuals (14).

In a nutshell, the kiwi, commonly known as the kiwi fruit, is one of the most famous fruits that offers countless health benefits with its impressive nutritional value. The antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in kiwi help maintain the body's digestive and cardiovascular systems.

It's also important to be aware of the unintended side effects of consuming large amounts of kiwifruit. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to kiwi fruit, characterized by symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

It is important to emphasize that kiwifruit has relatively few side effects and usually affects people with certain allergies or excessive intake. With awareness and moderation, you can enjoy the many benefits this vibrant and delicious fruit has to offer while prioritizing your personal health needs.

source:

1. Kivi、zeleni、sirovi

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/327046/nutrients

2. Nutritional requirements for maternal and infant health

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cwhr/2015/00000011/00000001/art00008

3. Nutritional and health properties of kiwi fruit: an overview

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267416/

4. Kiwifruit allergy in children: characterization and recognition patterns of major allergens

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928771/

5. Abstract 16175: Effect of dietary intake of kiwifruit on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure

https://lomalinda.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/abstract-16175-effect-of-dietary-intake-of-Kiwi-fruit-on-24-hour--2