Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : August 28, 2025 6:01 PM IST
Jenna Ortega, 22, who has established her name in the industry with her outstanding back-to-back performance in the Netflix series "Wednesday", once again turned heads, but this time for a different reason. Her viral moment from when she was eating a kiwi with a fuzzy skin on got a lot of attention, with many internet user sharing their opinion.
While some internet users called it "unhinged behaviour", Jenna Ortega fans defended the 'Wednesday' star, stating the skin is packed with fibre and bioactive compounds. Talking about the viral moment, Dr. Joseph Salhab, who is known as thestomachdoc, on Instagram, explains how eating kiwi with the skin on is healthy.
In the caption, Dr. Salhab explains, "You're leaving nutrients on the cutting board if you peel your kiwi. Eat it with the skin to get more vitamin C and E, antioxidants, plus folate, magnesium, vitamin B6, and ~50% more fiber."
He further suggests that consuming kiwis regularly is beneficial for your overall health. He stated, "Have 1 2 kiwis about 2 hours before bed. Kiwis contain melatonin, which can support better sleep quality. Regularly consuming kiwi is linked with less oxidative DNA damage and faster transit, which may translate to a lower risk of colon cancer over time."
"As a Gastroenterologist, kiwi is one of my first-line food treatments, gentle, effective, and easy to add to yoghurt. Fuzzy texture not your thing? Wait until it's softer or ripe, grab a smooth gold kiwi, or slice it and mix with yoghurt," Dr. Salhab added.
"Disclaimer about allergies: Some people may be allergic to kiwi, which can cause itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you've a history of reactions to kiwi, it's best to avoid the skin and talk to your healthcare provider. Always wash the skin well before eating."
According to the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over the past decade, scientists have found that regular consumption of kiwi fruit can improve people's nutritional condition, help promote digestion, improve immunity and strengthen metabolism.
Although there is no reliable information to know if kiwi is safe when taken in amounts found in medicine, WebMD warns that kiwi can cause allergic reactions such as trouble swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting, and hives in people who are allergic to the fruit. The health publication confirms that kiwi is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but they should avoid consuming kiwi as medicine.
People with medical conditions such as bleeding disorders must avoid consuming kiwi, as it could make bleeding disorders worse. Individuals who are allergic to other fruits, plants, or spices such as avocado, birch pollen, fig, hazelnut, latex, poppy seed, rye, sesame seed, or wheat should avoid eating kiwi fruit or taking kiwi products if they are allergic to any of these products.
Experts also warns that consuming kiwi might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Hence, you must stop eating kiwi or using kiwi products at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Follow TheHealthSite.com for all the latest health news and developments from around the world.
1-2 kiwis are recommended for healthy candidates to reap their nutritional values.
Kiwis are rich in antioxidants and serotonin, which is a sleep hormone. Experts believe that the compound found in kiwis can promote sound sleep.
