What happens to your gut health if you eat a lot of bananas?

Bananas are usually found in fruit baskets if indoors. Seasons do not affect the availability of bananas; They are usually accessible throughout the year. They are available in every supermarket and are reasonably priced. When you eat them on their own, they also work well as a topping for fruit salads, smoothies, and peanut butter sandwiches.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this tropical fruit is its high potassium level, which is excellent for heart health. Other nutrients found in bananas such as fiber, vitamin C, folate and antioxidants can also be included.

In particular, fiber is very beneficial for intestinal health. Regular consumption of bananas increases the chances of easier digestion. Including bananas in your diet can help relieve constipation, bloating and gastric discomfort. According to qualified dietitian Rachel Link (via Dr. Ax), “Banana fiber helps restore regular bowel function because it binds to waste and toxins in the digestive tract, helping to flush them out of the body.” However, they are not the only ones bright-hued fruits can do for your gut.

Read more: What Really Happens To Your Body When You Eat A Banana Every Day

Bananas Can Promote Healthy Gut Microbiome

People are looking for the right foods to eat and avoid as the topic of having a healthy gut has become popular recently. Bananas belong to the first group.

According to The Healthy, the soluble fiber in bananas is an essential nutrient for probiotics, which support healthy gut microbiomes. Many processes such as digestion, blood sugar regulation, immune system function and heart health depend on a healthy gut. And if you’ve heard that eating bananas improves your mood, there’s another benefit to keeping your gut healthy. While this is all true for the typical yellow fruit that comes to mind when thinking of bananas, their less ripe green cousins also have benefits in terms of gut health.

According to a 2021 study published in PLOS ONE, a specific fiber in bananas that is good for gut health, called pectin, is found in higher amounts in the raw fruit. This is the reason why people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are advised to eat green bananas. Dr. Amy Burkhart, a registered dietitian and integrative medicine practitioner, explains why green bananas are a low-FODMAP food. “FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that contribute to stomach problems in some people, such as people with IBS,” she said. It is impossible to discuss the benefits of a particular cuisine without discussing the proper amount to eat. Plus, there are lots of bananas along with this healthy fruit.

How To Incorporate Bananas Into Your Diet

Remember that bananas are still a high-carbohydrate food, even with all the good things they can do for your gut health, according to Eating Well. This indicates that the fruit is low in protein and fat.

Also, if you eat a lot of fruit – especially ripe fruit – high sugar levels can cause problems. However, for most people, eating a banana or two a day appears to be harmless. If you’re frequently chopping bananas and adding almond milk and Greek yogurt to your morning bowl, this is a great way to add some protein and healthy fats to counter the fiber and carbs in the fruit. They can also be included in recipes for healthy protein smoothies that call for additional ingredients like blueberries, peanut butter, oats, and spinach.

In terms of adding green to your diet, Dr. Amy Burkhart suggests using them as a substitute for potatoes in savory recipes because they won’t be as sweet.

One of the best things about bananas is that they are convenient to eat anywhere: at home, on the road, at work or even as a pre-workout snack. Must be peeled and eaten. However, if you have health issues such as diabetes or are concerned about potassium levels and your kidney health, you should consult your dietitian about your carbohydrate profile. You should also do this before introducing it regularly in your diet.

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