Bananas are a popular snack because they are easy to eat and rich in fiber and potassium. But did you know that the health effects of bananas vary depending on their ripeness? Let’s find out how bananas protect our health.
Green Bananas: Excellent for Gut Health
Green bananas contain 20 times more resistant starch, which raises blood sugar slowly and is good for gut health. Resistant starch is digested by gut microbes and helps prevent colon cancer. Eating one a day can reduce diarrhea and constipation and lower the risk of colon cancer.
Green bananas are also good for dieting. Resistant starch suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism. Research shows that replacing just 5% of carbohydrates with resistant starch increases post-meal fat burning by 23%.
Yellow Bananas: Boost Immunity
As resistant starch in yellow bananas converts to sugar, they become easier to digest and richer in vitamins and minerals. Especially, bananas with brown spots strengthen white blood cells, enhancing immunity. According to Japanese research, bananas with brown spots have an eight times higher immune-boosting effect than green bananas.
How to Eat Bananas Safely
Bananas are grown with a lot of pesticides, so before eating, you should wash them under running water at least three times or wash them with a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:10 ratio. The top part of the banana should be cut off with scissors, as it can have high pesticide residue.
According to the USDA, the recommended daily intake for adults is two bananas. While eating bananas in moderation is good for your health, overeating can cause obesity or high blood sugar, so be careful.
Try Eating Bananas This Way!
- Wash under running water at least three times
- Wash with a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:10 ratio
- Cut off the top part with scissors
- Consume in moderation
Eating bananas this way can help you take better care of your health. You’ll likely love bananas even more. Experience the health benefits of bananas. Small changes can lead to significant health gains!