Michael Billows

Michael Billows

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Psychology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences


The Role of Kiwifruit in Supporting Psychological Health and Wellbeing

I am engaged in a 4-year Industry PhD working with industry partners CSIRO and Zespri International Ltd. The PhD will explore the potential for kiwifruit to positively influence psychological health and wellbeing. The research will focus on Zespri®SunGold Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’) due to its exceptionally high vitamin C content and nutritionally relevant levels of dietary fibre.  Specifically, my research will 1) extend previous findings indicating the potential for Kiwifruit to improve mood outcomes as a result of increased vitamin C intake; and 2) examine improvements in psychological wellbeing in individuals with bowel conditions as a result of dietary fibre intake from Gold kiwifruit consumption.

The PhD is being supported by a CSIRO Industry Zespri International Scholarship, and Research Training Program Stipend.

  • Memberships

    Date Role Membership Country
    2013 - ongoing Member College of Clinical Psychologists Australia
    2011 - ongoing Member Psychology and Health Forum Australia
    2011 - ongoing Member Australian Psychological Society Australia

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