Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (2024)

Home » Gut Health » IBS » Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting


Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (1)

Green Bananas

Anti-inflammatory, Low-FODMAP, Cancer-Fighting And Good For The Gut

By Amy Burkhart MD, RD

Bananas are usually eaten when ripe, yellow, and sweet. But did you know you can eat them in their green, unripe version? Green bananas have a texture similar to a potato and are typically used in savory dishes. They make an excellent substitute for potatoes in recipes and have unique health benefits!

What Are Green Bananas?

Green bananas are the unripe version of the ordinary yellow banana.

When bananas are sold for mass consumption, they are typically picked early in their growing cycle and ripen during transport to their destination. By the time bananas arrive at the local grocery store, they have matured into the yellow bananas we know and love. But, green bananas are often plentiful in the grocery store alongside their yellow companions.

How To Eat Green Bananas

They are typically eaten cooked.

Green bananas are less sweet and more firm than mature, yellow bananas. They are a common ingredient in savory dishes as a substitute for potatoes. In their raw form, they are bitter.

Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (2)

Health Benefits Of Green Bananas

Green bananas contain high amounts of resistant starch and pectin. New research shows resistant starch may decrease the risk of certain cancers by 60%.

Resistant Starch

Starch is a type of carbohydrate found in foods such as potatoes and grains. Some forms of starch are not completely broken down by the body’s digestive system. When this happens, the starch that is “resistant” to breakdown acts like soluble fiber. We all know fiber is a good thing. It can lower blood sugar, decrease your appetite, and help control cholesterol.

There are other health benefits of resistant starch, which include lowering the risk of colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (2). New research in 2023 showed a 60% reduction in certain cancers when resistant starch was eaten daily for 2 years. Resistant starch is good for you!

In addition to green bananas, other food sources high in resistant starch include:

  • cooked and cooled rice
  • sorghum and barley
  • beans and legumes
  • cooked and cooled potatoes
  • raw potato starch
  • oats

Pectin

Pectin is a form of starch found in fruit, including green bananas. It gives the fruit its structure and breaks down as the fruit ripens—the softer the fruit, the lower the pectin contents (3, 4).

Pectin slows the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine. When this happens, a person is more likely to feel full, decreasing the amount of food a person eats and helping with weight management. Pectin also helps manage blood sugar levels by preventing spikes in blood sugar. Spikes in blood sugar are not good. They increase the risk of mood changes, energy crashes, elevated cholesterol, and hypoglycemia (5). The good gut bacteria feed on pectin in the colon (6). We all want happy gut bacteria. A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system and better overall health.

Prolon Diet: What Is It? Does It Work? Click Here

FODMAPs And Green Bananas

Green bananas have a lower sugar and FODMAP content than yellow bananas.

FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that contribute to stomach problems in some people, such as those with IBS. People with IBS may find symptom relief after removing or reducing FODMAP foods from their diet.

While ripe bananas are considered a high FODMAP food – green bananas are not (7). The FODMAP content of green bananas is low. As a banana ripens, the starches convert to FODMAP sugars. The riper a banana, the higher its FODMAPs content.

Because of the lower FODMAP content of green bananas tare better tolerated by people with IBS, SIBO, and FODMAP intolerance than yellow bananas.

if you have IBS but tolerate bananas there is no reason to remove them from your diet.

Epazote-A natural way to treat gas and bloating. Click here to learn more.

Although they look similar, bananas and plantains are not the same.

Plantains are actually a type of banana but are higher in starch and lower in sugar than typical yellow bananas. Because of their high starch content, they are not usually eaten raw. They are typically fried, baked, or sauteed and are considered more of a vegetable than a fruit.

Plantains are about twice as big as a banana but are used similarly to green bananas. They can also be substituted for potatoes in a recipe and are low FODMAP (1). Both plantains and green bananas are common ingredients in Latin or Caribbean cuisine.

Green Banana Recipes

Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (3)

These green banana recipes are a fun way to mix things up in the kitchen

Mangu is a typical breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic. The bananas are mashed with butter, and sauteed onion, then served alongside fried cheese, egg, and salami. In Puerto Rico, boiled green bananas are served alongside bacalao, a traditional stew. Or, try one of the recipes below.

Give green bananas a try!

Green bananas are healthy, gluten-free, and low FODMAP. The high pectin and resistant starch content help regulate blood sugar and thus inflammation. They may be better tolerated than yellow bananas if you have IBS or other digestive problems. They make an excellent replacement for potatoes in savory dishes and add a unique twist to any menu.

Fonio: A new superfood. Click here to learn more.

Research On The Health Benefits Of Green Bananas

Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (4)

Author:Amy Burkhart

https://theceliacmd.com/

Dr. Amy Burkhart is a doctor (M.D.) and Registered Dietitian ( R.D). Dr. Burkhart is one of only two physicians in the U.S. who is also a dietitian and board certified in integrative medicine. She approaches problems from a unique perspective using traditional medicine, nutrition, and integrative medicine.Follow her on Facebook at Amy Burkhart MD RD or on Instagram @TheCeliacMD

Related Posts

What Does Gluten-Free Mean? 2024 Update


The Low Histamine Diet: What Is It And Does It Work?

Fasting Mimicking Diet (Prolon): What Is It? Does It Work?

Language/Idioma

Popular Posts

  • The Low Histamine Diet: What Is It And Does It Work?
  • Fasting Mimicking Diet (Prolon): What Is It? Does It Work?
  • La intolerancia a la histamina:síntomas, dieta y tratamiento
  • Symptoms After Going “Gluten Free”? Here’s Why

Search the Blog

Blog Categories

Follow My Blog: Amy Burkhart M.D., R.D.

Green Bananas: Anti-Inflammatory, Good For The Gut & Cancer Fighting - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (2024)

FAQs

Are bananas good for gut inflammation? ›

This friendly yellow fruit helps stabilize gut bacteria and fight inflammation. Plus, they're portable, delicious, and cheap. When your gut is out of balance, send bananas to the rescue: They're great at combatting diarrhea and settling upset tummies.

Are green bananas good for your gut? ›

Green bananas: good for the gut but taste bitter​

Youthful green bananas, he explained, are low FODMAP and also full of resistant starch, the nutrient that makes your digestive system work a little harder.

Are green bananas inflammatory? ›

Green bananas are healthy, gluten-free, and low FODMAP. The high pectin and resistant starch content help regulate blood sugar and thus inflammation. They may be better tolerated than yellow bananas if you have IBS or other digestive problems.

What are the side effects of green bananas? ›

Side Effects

Green bananas are considered safe for consumption for most healthy adults. Although, people with sensitive stomach or prone to allergies may feel discomfort like bloating and gas if taken in large amounts. It can also trigger allergies in those with latex allergies.

What does banana do to your intestines? ›

Bananas are healthy, delicious, and versatile fruits. They're full of nutrients that could help prevent constipation, improve digestive and gut health, and promote recovery from intense activity. Eating one banana per day will provide: 12% of the DV for vitamin C.

Do bananas cleanse your gut? ›

Bananas contain prebiotics that nourish the good bacteria in your digestive tract, leading to a healthier microbiome with regular consumption. When your gut is happy, your bowel movements become more regular and easier to pass.

Can you eat green bananas everyday? ›

Yes, green bananas are good for you, in moderation. Because they're rich in fiber, adding green bananas to your diet can help you to feel full from your meal and cut down on extra snacking. Most of us leave green bananas on the counter until they've ripened to a nice yellow color.

What color banana is the healthiest? ›

Good for digestive health and the immune system
  • Green (unripe) = more starch, less sugar, promotes gut health. ...
  • Yellow (ripe) = more sugar, less starch, nutritious and easy to digest. ...
  • Brown (really ripe) = bursting with antioxidants and sugar — and perfect for mashing.

What stage of banana is best for you? ›

Very ripe and overripe bananas are rich in flavor and antioxidants, which can help benefit our immune systems,” says Gabriel. “They also take less time to digest, which can be beneficial, depending on the person.” This phase is also where bananas become just right for adding sweetness and heft to smoothies and shakes.

Are bananas good for seniors? ›

Looking for the best energy food for the elderly? Eat bananas to refuel throughout the day. After a long walk, bananas can recharge and replenish you. Bananas are a great source of energy and rich in potassium, which positively affects blood pressure.

Are bananas good for joint pain? ›

Bananas are high in magnesium, which helps strengthen bones and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain iron that helps fight anemia resulting from anti-inflammatory medications.

Can eating too many bananas cause inflammation? ›

Bananas are versatile fruits with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help counteract inflammation and support the body's immune system. People may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods.

Why do they say not to eat bananas before bed? ›

Bananas are rich in carbohydrates. And researchers have suggested that eating carbohydrate-rich foods in the evening reduces the release of melatonin. Some scientists also think that blood sugar spikes may interfere with sleep.

What medications interact with bananas? ›

Bananas and other potassium-rich foods, plus ACE inhibitors. If you take blood pressure-lowering ACE inhibitors with potassium-rich foods, including bananas, avocados, tomatoes and dried apricots, you can get high potassium levels in your body, which can lead to potentially dangerous heart arrhythmias, Brown warns.

Are green bananas bad for cholesterol? ›

They can help keep your cholesterol levels healthy.

One major benefit of eating boiled bananas is that it may encourage you to choose underripe, green bananas, which have many health benefits. These include reducing the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.

What foods calm an inflamed gut? ›

Well-tolerated fiber sources include tender cooked vegetables, canned or cooked fruits, and starches like cooked cereals and whole wheat noodles and tortillas. Between flares, eat a wide variety of foods as tolerated. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat and nonfat dairy products.

What foods heal gut inflammation? ›

Eat protein
  • soft and well-cooked meats, such as: poultry. salmon or other fish. lean beef and pork with no added fat.
  • low sodium and low fat deli meats.
  • well-cooked eggs.
  • tofu.
  • smooth nut and seed butters, including: peanut. almond. sunflower seed.

What foods heal intestinal inflammation? ›

However, below are some examples of foods usually found in an anti-inflammatory diet that can help give your colon the boost it needs [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]: Vegetables: zucchini, green beans, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, bok choy, cucumber. Fruits: cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, pineapples.

What foods heal stomach inflammation? ›

Eat foods high in B vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables. Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 5832

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.