Bananas are a popular snack because they are rich in fiber and potassium and are easy to eat. Interestingly, the health benefits of bananas vary depending on their ripeness. Let's learn about the health effects of bananas.

 

◇Unripe green bananas are effective for stomach health

 

Unripe green bananas contain 20 times more resistant starch than yellow bananas. Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that is not easily absorbed by our bodies and is digested and fermented by gut microbiota. It slows down the conversion to glucose, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. In fact, the glycemic index of unripe bananas is 30, which is significantly lower than the 56 of yellow bananas. Moreover, resistant starch is beneficial for gastrointestinal health and can even prevent cancer. A study from the University of Brasilia found that consuming one green banana daily reduced gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation, and also lowered the risk of colon cancer.

Green bananas are also a good snack for people on a diet. Resistant starch suppresses appetite and promotes metabolism. There is research indicating that replacing just 5% of daily carbohydrate intake with resistant starch-rich foods can increase post-meal fat burning by up to 23%.

 

◇The more it matures, the greater the immune-boosting effect

 

Green bananas turn yellow as they ripen. If you have a weak digestive system or frequently experience gas, it is better to eat yellow bananas rather than green ones. This is because as bananas ripen, resistant starch is converted into sugars that are easier to absorb. Additionally, the more ripe the banana, the richer it becomes in beneficial minerals such as B vitamins, vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

Eating ripened bananas with brown spots can help boost immunity. Bananas with brown spots strengthen the power of white blood cells. According to research from Deikei University in Japan, bananas with brown spots were eight times more effective at enhancing white blood cell strength than green bananas. The bioactive substances in bananas also increase the activity of immune cells, leading to an increase in neutrophil counts, which are key to the immune system.

 

◇ Must wash and eat with running water at least three times

 

Bananas should be washed more than three times under running water or rinsed with a mixture of vinegar and water at a ratio of 1:10. Baking soda can also be used instead of vinegar. This is because a large amount of pesticides are used during the cultivation process. Pesticides are used not only during cultivation but also during transportation to our country. When we eat imported bananas, we hold the stem and peel off the skin. At this time, residual pesticides may remain on our hands and the banana flesh, which can be ingested into the mouth. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducts residue pesticide analysis when importing bananas, but during the inspection, the stem of the banana is removed, and only the peel is ground to check the levels. The amount of residual pesticides remaining on the stem is not checked. In particular, banana stems are more likely to accumulate pesticides than other parts, so it is recommended to cut them off with scissors before eating.

 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the recommended daily intake of adult bananas is two. One banana contains 100 to 150 kcal, and consuming more than the recommended amount can lead to obesity or high blood sugar.

 

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I ate a banana without washing it again.

Wow~~ I should wash it before eating.

Ripe banana

Just add blueberries and milk and enjoy.