Doctor: To eat bananas for the best health, you need to know this

Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, fiber to aid digestion, and natural carbohydrates to fuel the body.

Did you know that bananas have different nutritional values ​​at different stages of growth? Here, a nutritionist shares the health benefits of bananas at different stages of growth, according to the New York Post.

Completely green bananas: Storehouse of resistant starch

Green bananas contain relatively high levels of resistant starch, a type of fiber that takes longer for the body to digest and does not raise blood sugar as quickly or as strongly as ripe bananas, says nutritionist Stephanie Schiff, who works at Northwell Huntington Hospital in the US. Resistant starch also helps balance gut microbiota and reduce inflammation.

Green bananas also help control hunger. Green bananas are healthy but taste less appealing, explains Schiff.

Green bananas contain relatively high levels of resistant starch.

Photo: AI

Green Bananas with Yellow Spots: "The Perfect Balance"

As bananas ripen, the chlorophyll breaks down, making the yellow xanthophyll pigments more apparent. The starches are also converted into simple sugars, making the bananas taste sweeter.

Dr Karan Rangarajan, who works in the UK, describes bananas in this stage 2 as "a great balance" because they are both high in fibre and low in sugar.

At this stage, the potassium in bananas becomes more bioavailable, making them better available to the body, says Karan Rangarajan. Bananas at this stage are also good for people who want to improve their bowels and have a little sweetness.

Bananas Are More Green Than Yellow: Ideal for Diabetics

Expert Schiff recommends that diabetics should stick to bananas that are more green than yellow, according to the New York Post.

In addition, slightly ripe bananas are easier to digest than unripe bananas because the starch is converted into simple sugars that are easier for the body to absorb.

Bananas Are More Yellow Than Green: Antioxidant Powerhouse

Yellow bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin A, while green bananas are generally higher in folate, which plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair.

Yellow bananas contain higher levels of antioxidants, vitamin C, and sugar, explains Suzi Schulman, MD, of New Jersey. The ripening process leads to an increase in antioxidants, including catechins, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Yellow bananas are a great pre-workout snack because of their balance of energy and fiber.

Photo: AI

Yellow Bananas with Green Tops: Great Pre-Workout

Some experts say: Bananas at this stage are a great pre-workout snack because of their balance of energy and fiber.

Fully Ripe Bananas: Perfect for Smoothies

Fully ripe bananas are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which help boost your immune system and digestion. They are naturally sweet, easy to digest, and perfect for smoothies, experts say.

Ripe bananas with brown spots: Easiest to digest

The brown color of bananas indicates high levels of catechin, which is good for the heart, according to the New York Post.

Bananas that have started to turn brown are the sweetest and easiest to digest, and although the nutrient content may decrease slightly, they are still a good source of energy and potassium, says Dr. Schulman.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-an-chuoi-muon-tot-nhat-cho-suc-khoe-can-phai-biet-dieu-nay-185250504102024931.htm