Bananas are incredibly tasty and one of the most convenient fruits to eat. What’s more, they’re rich in many essential vitamins and minerals. Most people eat bananas when they’re yellow and ripe, but unripe green bananas are also safe to eat. However, some people dislike their taste and texture.
Although green bananas are simply unripened yellow bananas and has different benefits. While you can eat the yellow banana immediately after peeling, the green banana is best eaten cooked, either boiled or fried. Nutritionally, green bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and contain a starch that may help control blood sugar, manage weight and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Are green bananas good for you? With a fancy sounding name, one might expect green bananas to be something exotic. But they are just regular bananas. But don’t dismiss them as they have a host of health benefits.
Improve Digestive Health
The nutrients in a green banana may also have a prebiotic effect. Consuming them can help keep your gut bacteria healthy. It can also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are important for digestive health.
Benefits for Your Blood Sugar
Having high blood sugar levels is a major health concern. If left untreated over time, it may lead to type II diabetes and raise the risk of other serious health problems. Both the pectin and resistant starch in a green banana may help control blood sugar after meals.
High Fiber Content
Green banana is full of fiber. We all know that fibers are important for the proper functioning of the digestive tracts and bowel movement. One cup of boiled green banana contains 3.6g of fibers. Consumption of adequate amounts of fiber also means that you are less susceptible to diabetes.
High Potassium
Green bananas are high in potassium. A cup of boiled green banana contain 531 mg of potassium. Our body needs potassium for muscle movement, proper functioning of the nerves, and purification of blood by the kidneys.
Better Absorption of Nutrients
Nutrients in a green banana can be earned in a better way by regular consumption of this fruit.
Probiotic Bacteria
Green bananas serve as the perfect food for the ‘good and friendly’ bacteria. These bacteria, which live in your intestines, consume green bananas and help achieve a healthier stomach and digestive tract.
Source of Vitamins
Green banana is a rich source of various vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and more. These vitamins are extremely important to maintain a healthy body.
Green Bananas Treat Diarrhea
Green bananas prevent as well as treat diarrhea. Cook them well before consuming. Diarrhea is caused by a bactericidal, viral or parasitic infection. The symptoms of diarrhea include headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. Green bananas help tackle these symptoms.
Green bananas, like their yellow counterpart, are a storehouse of several health benefits. You can prepare a variety of recipes using these bananas. Many people are wary of the taste, but with so many recipes to choose from, I am sure, you can whip up something that will be palatable for your family!
Interestingly, the resistant starch and pectin gradually decrease as the banana ripens, so bananas that are yellow with a hint of green should still contain small amounts.
Green bananas may provide some additional nutrients and benefits that yellow bananas do not. They’re rich in resistant starch and pectin, which are filling, improve digestive health and help lower blood sugar levels. However, some people find that green bananas have a bitter taste and a bad texture.