Two fresh green kiwis a day may offer a simple dietary option for people struggling with constipation, according to a new research review. The findings were published in the journal Food, Nutrition and Health after researchers examined 33 previous studies and reports on kiwifruit and digestive health.

Eating that amount for about four weeks was linked to more regular bowel movements, less straining and improved digestive comfort. The reported benefits appeared among people with constipation and those with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, also known as IBS-C.

One international trial included in the review produced measurable changes for both groups. Participants with constipation had about 1.5 more complete bowel movements per week, while those with IBS-C had about 1.7 more each week.

Both groups also reported better digestive comfort. Still, researchers did not conclude that kiwi was necessarily more effective than other dietary approaches commonly used to address constipation.

The review pointed to several possible reasons that fresh green kiwi may help. Its fiber can add bulk and retain water in stool, while the fruit's natural water and sorbitol may make stool easier to pass.

Researchers said the apparent effect probably comes from several parts of the whole fruit working together, rather than from a single component. That finding places the emphasis on eating fresh kiwi instead of assuming that one isolated ingredient will deliver the same result.

One United States trial reviewed by the researchers compared green kiwi, psyllium fiber and prunes among people with chronic constipation. All three options helped, but kiwi was associated with fewer side effects and was well tolerated by many participants.

The strongest evidence applies specifically to fresh green kiwi. Researchers noted that gold kiwi, powders and extracts have received less study, so consumers should not assume those forms produce the same digestive effects.

Jason Heiselman, a certified nutritionist and professional chef at Hungryroot in New York City, previously told Fox News Digital that kiwi is easy to add to a person's diet. He was not involved in the new review.

"It feels like a no-brainer to include a few slices with any meal," said Heiselman, who was not involved in the new review. He also noted that kiwi contains fiber and a natural enzyme called actinidin, which can assist with digestion.

Heiselman suggested combining kiwi with foods that provide fat. "Pairing kiwi with some good fat sources, like seeds, nuts or full-fat dairy, allows your body to absorb more nutrients," he said.

The fruit does not have to be eaten alone or reserved for sweet dishes. "Raw kiwi slices often make their way to my dinner table," Heiselman said.

Heiselman said he serves kiwi with salty cheeses, toasted pistachios and shaved red onion. He has also used the fruit as a foundation for chutneys and relishes, offering savory ways to work it into meals.

The paper was a review of earlier research, not a new clinical trial. The studies varied in their participants, the forms and quantities of kiwi consumed, and the outcomes that investigators chose to measure.

Most of the available research also covered relatively short periods. More studies are needed to determine whether the reported digestive benefits continue over the long term, and Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Christopher Gardner, PhD, a nutrition scientist at Stanford University, said increasing fiber is crucial to a healthy diet. He recommends eating more fruits, vegetables and minimally processed foods rather than eliminating an entire food group, an approach consistent with adding fiber rich fruit to meals.