Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (2024)

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01/7Take a guess

Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (1)Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (2)

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Banana--the original 100-calorie snack--is one of the easiest fruits to eat. While we all have a different concept of our 'perfect' banana, take a moment to imagine yours. Is it just the right amount of yellow with tiny black spots all over it? Or does it tilt more towards a greenish-yellowish colour with no spots at all?

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02/7Green, Yellow or Brown?

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Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (4)Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (5)

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While the colour and texture of banana changes as it ripens, what we don’t really know is that different stages of fruit maturity contain different health benefits. This is the reason there is a lot of confusion about what colour should a banana be when we eat it.

If you have often wondered the same, here is the breakdown of the health benefits of bananas as they change their colour according to nutritionist Dr Rekha Jithin.

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03/7​Green

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When bananas are green in colour, be assured that they are full of high resistant starch. If you are watching your diet and trying to avoid food high in sugar content, green bananas might be one of the healthiest food options for you. They might taste bitter as they contain less sugar.

These unripe bananas also contain probiotic bacteria which is good for your digestive system and are also perfect for cooking. Do keep in mind that this green variant might cause bloating and make you feel gassy.

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04/7​Yellow

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These variants are the ‘perfect’ bananas for many. This sweeter, softer yellow banana is easier to digest as the resistant starch changes into simple sugar. They contain more antioxidants when compared to the green ones, as bananas have a higher level of antioxidants as they ripen.

But the higher glycemic index makes the yellow variant something Type 2 Diabetes patients need to avoid.

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05/7​Spotted

Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (12)

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These spots indicate the amount of starch that has been converted into sugar. This means the more the number of spots, the higher the sugar content in it. Think of these brown spots as immune system boosters as they are incredibly rich in antioxidants.

The best part? They might also help protect you from cancer as spotted bananas are known to be linked to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and TNF is linked to destroying tumours.

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06/7​Brown

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When bananas turn a shade of brown, most of us tend to discard them without giving a second thought. Interestingly, while these mushy, brown bananas might look unappetizing to you, they are the powerhouse of antioxidants.

In one of the polls conducted by the Times of India regarding the healthiest banana, a majority of people leaned towards the spotted bananas, calling them the healthiest choice of bananas, while in reality, it is the brown variety that packs the most antioxidants.

Be warned that while brown bananas are extremely high on antioxidants, all the starch has broken down into sugar, hence, it must be completely avoided by diabetes patients and those watching their sugar intake.

Tip: If the brown colour and mushy texture of bananas put you off, you can always mash them to make banana bread and pancakes.

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07/7​The bottom line

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Ultimately, while the brown bananas contain the most antibiotics, the healthiest banana is the one that fulfills your nutritional requirements and suits your lifestyle needs.

Case in point, if you are watching your sugar intake and want a snack that fills you up quickly, you can go for the green variant.

The yellow or spotted bananas can be very easily digested as they contain a lot of antioxidants.

Lastly, you can always whip up some pancakes and banana bread with the help of brown bananas and not feel guilty of them not being healthy.

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Which is the healthiest banana?  | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

Which is the healthiest banana in India? ›

Yelakki Bananas are the healthiest as its rich in calories and the amount of glucose is also higher as compared to robusta banana. Yelakki banana benefits our mind and body.

What type of banana is the healthiest? ›

Green Bananas Can Offer Health Benefits. Green bananas are less sweet and contain less sugar than riper yellow bananas. They also have more resistant starch, which may benefit blood sugar management and your overall health. Bananas are incredibly tasty and easy to eat.

Which banana has more health benefits? ›

Yelakki and Robusta bananas both have unique nutritional benefits. While Yelakki bananas are sweeter and richer in vitamins and minerals, Robusta bananas are more fibre and starch-rich, making them equally valuable to a balanced diet.

Which banana is good for diabetes? ›

It is always preferable for people with diabetes to eat bananas that are slightly green because they have a lower GI compared to overripe bananas. If you have a low potassium level, your body makes less insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to spike.

What is the best banana to eat for consumption? ›

As bananas ripen, they tend to lose some of their pectin content, so greener or slightly ripe bananas are a better source of fiber than overripe bananas, per a 2021 study published in the journal PLoS One.

Which country has the best bananas? ›

Ecuador is renowned as the leading banana export country. The Philippines, Colombia, and Guatemala also have significant roles in the global banana trade.

What is the best time to eat bananas? ›

But our body's metabolism is at its lowest in the night. So one should ideally consume bananas in the morning or evening, but eating bananas at night can regulate the sleep cycle. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep,” Dr.

Is it okay to eat a banana every day? ›

Therefore, eating a banana every day is certainly a good idea. However, if a person has any health concerns, including uncontrolled diabetes, late-stage kidney failure, or is taking medication for high blood pressure, they should check with a health professional to see if bananas are safe for them to eat.

Which banana has least sugar? ›

Green, or unripe, bananas contain less sugar and more resistant starch. Resistant starches are long chains of glucose (starch) that are “resistant” to digestion in the upper part of your digestive system. This means they function similarly to fiber and won't cause a rise in blood sugar levels.

Is banana good for high blood pressure? ›

The Bottom Line. Bananas are a nutritious and tasty option for helping lower blood pressure. Loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas offer several benefits for cardiovascular health. Their potassium content counterbalances sodium intake, promoting blood vessel relaxation.

What is the safest fruit for a diabetic? ›

The worst fruits for people with diabetes are high in sugar and low in fiber. The 5 best fruits for people with diabetes include apple, guava, orange, papaya and melons. These fruits are high in fiber and low in sugar. Firstly, these fruits are naturally low in fat, low in calories, and low in sodium.

Which is better Elaichi banana or regular banana? ›

Powerhouse of nutrients

Although all bananas are packed with nutrients, Elaichi bananas stand out for their superior nutritional profile.

What is the difference between Kerala bananas and normal bananas? ›

So, what makes the Nendran banana stand out? Well, it's not just a snack; it's a culinary classic. It can transform from a simple fruit into crispy chips or sweet delicacies. Its thick skin and firm texture make it a culinary staple, especially loved for its ability to retain heat.

Which state banana is best in India? ›

Andhra Pradesh: The Undisputed King (5.8 Million Tonnes)

Andhra Pradesh reigns supreme as the top banana producer in India. With fertile lands and a favorable climate, the state boasts a production of a staggering 5.8 million tonnes annually.

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