Bananas are nutrient-rich and provide various health benefits that change based on their ripeness. Known for their high potassium content, which supports muscle function and heart health, bananas also offer fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. This makes them a perfect on-the-go snack. Green bananas, with their higher resistant starch, can help manage blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness, making them ideal for digestive health.

Yellow bananas are slightly higher in sugar and easier to digest. They’re packed with antioxidants that boost as the banana ripens, which supports the immune system. Brown-spotted bananas are especially antioxidant-rich and may even aid in cancer prevention due to increased chlorophyll breakdown, adding health benefits despite their softer texture.

For optimal gut health, incorporating unripe bananas or green banana flour into meals can provide resistant starch and balance blood sugar. If preferred, ripe yellow bananas offer quick energy and better taste. With different varieties available, bananas offer flexibility in taste, texture, and nutrition, from green to yellow to brown, supporting everything from digestion to immunity.

SOURCE:

The Hearty Soul, October 25, 2024

Mercola, June 15, 2024