Is it okay to eat bananas on an empty stomach?

Eating a banana on an empty stomach not only helps keep the body alert but also aids digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and improves cardiovascular health.

The ideal time to eat a banana is in the morning, when metabolism is most active. You can eat a banana before exercise to boost energy, or mid-morning to reduce hunger and maintain focus, according to NDTV Food (India).

Fast and sustainable energy source

Shilpa Arora, a nutritionist and health coach in the UK, says bananas are a rich source of potassium, fiber, and magnesium, helping to meet many of the body's nutritional needs. Bananas help increase endurance, reduce hunger, and maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Bananas contain three types of natural sugars: glucose, fructose, and sucrose. This combination provides the body with quick yet sustainable energy, preventing fatigue.

Eating a banana in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism, keeping you alert and focused for hours.

Eating a banana on an empty stomach not only helps keep you alert but also aids digestion.

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Improve digestion and protect the gut.

Bananas are considered a digestive-friendly food due to their high content of soluble fiber, especially pectin. When eaten on an empty stomach, bananas help soothe the stomach, reduce acidity, and prevent bloating. Additionally, the fiber in bananas supports smooth bowel movements, making bowel movements easier.

Bananas act as a natural prebiotic, helping to nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and strengthen the gut microbiome. When the microbiome is healthy, the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently and reduces the risk of digestive disorders.

Stabilize blood sugar

Despite their sweetness, bananas have a medium glycemic index of around 48, meaning the sugar is absorbed slowly and steadily. Therefore, bananas don't cause a sudden spike in blood sugar.

Dimple Jangda, a traditional medicine expert in India, recommends combining bananas with some nuts or dried fruit to better balance blood sugar levels.

The fiber in bananas slows down the absorption of sugar, helping the body use energy more efficiently instead of storing it as fat.

Helps you feel full for longer.

A banana provides about 4 grams of fiber and nearly 98 calories, enough to keep you feeling full for several hours.

Fiber expands in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness and helping to maintain stable energy levels. As a result, people who eat bananas in the morning tend to crave less sweets or fast food throughout the day.

Improve cardiovascular health and reduce bloating.

Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, two minerals that play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and supporting stable heart function.

Potassium helps the body regulate sodium levels, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing water retention.

Eating bananas regularly helps stabilize blood pressure, reduce bloating after salty meals, and improve long-term cardiovascular health.

Things to keep in mind when eating bananas on an empty stomach.

Dr. Anju Sood, a nutritionist in India, says that bananas are slightly acidic and contain a lot of potassium.

For people with acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or sensitive digestive systems, eating bananas on an empty stomach may cause mild bloating or discomfort.

Anju Sood recommends eating bananas with other fruits like apples or pickled nuts to neutralize acid, or eating them after a light meal to reduce stomach irritation.

People with diabetes should also control their portion sizes because ripe bananas have a higher sugar content.

Additionally, eating bananas at night can slow digestion and affect sleep.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-nen-an-chuoi-luc-bung-doi-185251106102407551.htm