Green, yellow and black bananas arranged in a row on white wooden table.
When it comes to fruit, there’s few more popular at your grocery store than a banana. While most of us go for a bright yellow, some claim that when they’re brown, they’re actually healthier? So, does the color and condition of a banana matter – green, yellow, or brown – when it comes to health?
Well…yes and no. It all depends on what your health goals are.
No matter the ripeness, bananas are healthy – rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins – and they reduce risk of stroke, help muscles and bones, even clearing up allergy symptoms.
Green bananas are usually starchier, which means they have a minimal amount of sugar – so it’s a better choice for those who have, or are at risk of, type 2 diabetes. And because they’re so fiber-rich, they’ll fill you up in a healthier way.
The opposite bananas, when they get freckled and brown, are ripe to the point of nearly being spoiled, but all the starch has now turned into sugar, so it’s a good way to satisfy your dessert cravings – and you get the added boost of more antioxidants too, helping with blood pressure and cholesterol.
And if you choose a traditional, picture perfect yellow banana, that’s where you’ll find the most micronutrients. But no matter the color, there’s no right or wrong answer, it’s all what you like and what you want to accomplish for your health.
Image Credit: cegli / iStock / Getty Images Plus
FAQs
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.
All varieties of bananas are good for your health, as they are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. However, some research suggests that the Cavendish variety may have slightly higher levels of certain nutrients compared to other varieties.
What is the perfect Colour banana? ›
Bright yellow bananas are at peak ripeness If the banana has some brown spots, it is still good to eat. This is also when bananas are at their sweetest. Once bananas are very soft and mostly brown, it is over-ripe.
What is the healthiest stage of a banana? ›
But when it comes to bananas, peak ripeness is an indicator of palatability and nutrients. “Consuming bananas at the ideal ripeness provides the best balance of starch and sweetness, as well as maximum micronutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants,” says Lane.
Which banana color is best for weight loss? ›
Green Bananas are not only effective for weight loss but also control high blood sugar levels and are beneficial for gut health. It's recommended to eat raw bananas at least 2-3 times a week if you wanna shed extra weight.
Which banana is good for diabetes? ›
Green (unripe) bananas contain resistant starch, which doesn't raise blood sugar levels and may improve long-term blood sugar management. Yellow (ripe) bananas contain more sugar, so they may cause a bigger rise in blood sugar.
Should you eat a banana every day? ›
While there's no blanket rule, sticking to one to two bananas per day shouldn't cause issues for most people. With that said, remember that they are relatively high in carbohydrates, so eating them along with protein or fat is also advisable to support stable energy levels.
Is it good to eat a banana everyday? ›
Eating one banana per day is a healthy option. But since most of the calories in bananas come from carbs, eating too many bananas may result in high sugar intake, which could lead to high blood pressure.
How many banana should I eat a day? ›
How many bananas a day should you eat? While there's no strict rule, it's best not to eat more than one or two bananas a day. Eating more could lead to weight gain, as they contain both carbohydrates and sugar. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet by including a range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What color banana is the sweetest? ›
As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, making them sweeter. Generally, yellow bananas with some brown spots tend to be the sweetest, but personal preferences may vary. Though black skinned, a well ripened banana(not rotten)will be the sweetest.
You might assume brown bananas are less nutritious than yellow ones, but in actuality, the difference between the two is fairly small. Brown bananas still contain healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ( 2 ). However, some nutrients to be aware of in brown bananas are fiber and sugar.
What color was the original banana? ›
The original banana was different from current sweet yellow bananas. Instead, early bananas were green or red, and were prepared using a variety of cooking methods. These bananas are presently referred to as plantains or cooking bananas in order to distinguish them from the sweet bananas we know today.
Why should we eat 2 bananas and not 1? ›
Eating two bananas in a day can provide several benefits due to their nutrient content: Rich in Nutrients: Bananas are a great source of essential nutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate) and minerals (like potassium and magnesium), which contribute to overall health.
Should I eat banana before or after meal? ›
HERE'S THE ANSWER. You should consume bananas in the morning time with other breakfast items and avoid eating bananas on an empty stomach at all times. There is no scientific evidence that concludes that it is harmful to eat bananas at the night time.
Why are older bananas better 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 darker bananas healthier? ›
You might assume brown bananas are less nutritious than yellow ones, but in actuality, the difference between the two is fairly small. Brown bananas still contain healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ( 2 ). However, some nutrients to be aware of in brown bananas are fiber and sugar.
Are brown bananas healthier than green? ›
The nutritional content doesn't change depending on how ripe the banana is. The only thing that really changes is the taste and how your body processes the sugar. So the kind of banana you should eat is pretty much just based on preference.
Are red or yellow bananas healthier? ›
Red bananas contain more beta carotene and vitamin C than yellow ones that support building a robust immune system. Aside from these, it is also imbued with potent antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which works well in optimising overall physical and mental well-being.
Are green bananas better for you than brown? ›
Unripe bananas are ideal for people suffering from high blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes but like bananas, then you should stick to unripe bananas. They are incredibly rich in probiotic bacteria, which is necessary for maintaining gut and colon health.
