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| - Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that kiwi can cure eye diseases and improve eyesight. We did the fact check and found it to be mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Kiwi is the most powerful fruit in the world. Consuming it cures eye-related diseases and improves eyesight!”
Fact Check
Is kiwi truly the most powerful fruit for eye health?
Not really. While kiwi is an excellent source of essential nutrients, calling it the “most powerful fruit in the world” is an overstatement. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, all of which are beneficial for general health. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it is especially powerful in curing eye-related diseases or significantly improving eyesight.
We reached out to Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, for her opinion on kiwi for eye health. She says, “Fresh kiwis have some amount of vitamins C and E, which make them a rich source of antioxidants. The vitamin A content, however, is very poor to support this fruit directly for eye health. There is no retinol in fresh fruit, though it does contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin in trace amounts.”
Can kiwi cure eye diseases?
No, it cannot. Eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration require professional medical treatment, often involving surgery or specific medications. Conditions such as refractive errors are addressed with corrective lenses, glasses, or LASIK. While nutrition plays a role in supporting eye health, no single food, including kiwi, has been proven to cure these conditions. It is important to rely on evidence-based treatments rather than hoping for miraculous results from a fruit.
We interviewed Dr Isha Agarwalla, Ophthalmologist, from Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh, Assam, for her expert insights on whether kiwi can cure eye diseases. She states, “Kiwi fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support overall eye health, but it cannot cure eye diseases or significantly improve eyesight. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or refractive errors require medical diagnosis and treatment. A balanced diet, including fruits like kiwi, can help maintain eye health but is not a substitute for professional care.”
A similar claim has been circulating on social media, where famous personalities are promoting lemon water as a cure for eyesight problems. However, this is an AI manipulated video and completely false.
Does kiwi improve eyesight?
Not in the way the claim suggests. Kiwi contains vitamin C, which is essential for overall eye health, and it also has some compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. However, eating kiwi will not magically improve your eyesight or reverse vision problems. A balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrients, including those found in kiwi, can help maintain eye health, but it’s not a cure for poor vision.
In the past, there have been claims suggesting that morning saliva can help eliminate the need for glasses, but this is false.
What about the specific compounds in kiwi that affect the eyes?
Kiwi contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are helpful for eye health. These antioxidants help protect the eyes from harmful light and may reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions. However, these benefits are preventive and long-term, not immediate or curative. Regular consumption of kiwi can contribute to overall eye wellness, but it is not a substitute for professional eye care.
Should kiwi be part of a healthy diet for maintaining eye health?
Yes, kiwi is a nutritious fruit that contributes to a healthy diet. Its high vitamin C content helps with collagen formation, which is vital for the health of blood vessels in the eyes. It also contains other nutrients like vitamin E, which plays a role in protecting the eyes from oxidative damage. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including kiwi, is a good strategy for promoting eye health over time.
That said, while kiwis are a healthy choice for most, they can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, especially children. The primary allergen in kiwi is actinidin. If you’re allergic, symptoms such as an itchy throat, swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting, or hives may occur. If you experience any of these, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
THIP Media Take
While kiwi is a nutritious fruit with several health benefits, including supporting general eye health, it cannot significantly boost eyesight. Therefore, the claim that kiwi can cure eye diseases and improve eyesight is mostly false. To maintain healthy eyes, focus on a balanced diet rich in various nutrients, regular eye check-ups, and professional medical advice when necessary.
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