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?

Which is the healthiest banana? | The Times of India (3)

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

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

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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? | The Times of India? ›

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.

Which is the healthiest banana in India? ›

Green bananas are agood source of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

What is the healthiest banana to eat? ›

The resistant starch and pectin in green bananas can provide a number of health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and better digestive health ( 3 , 4 ). Green bananas contain a high amount of resistant starch and pectin, which have been linked to several health benefits.

Which is the best quality banana? ›

The 3 Best Banana Varieties there are
  1. Banana Cavendish. After the Gros Michel disaster, they found a variety resistant to the fungus. ...
  2. Red Banana. Its name comes from the English name Red Spanish, which refers to its striking crimson tones and its Hispanic origin. ...
  3. Gros Michel Banana.

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

Kerala bananas, also called Nendran bananas, Nendran pazham or Changalikodan Nendran bananas are one of the most popular bananas in Kerala, India. They are larger and tougher than other bananas, with a much thicker skin. The mature fruit is pale yellow in color. These bananas need to be cooked before eating.

Are Kerala bananas healthy? ›

Rich in nutrients: Nendran bananas are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function, while fiber helps promote digestive health.

Which banana has least sugar? ›

Green, or unripe, bananas contain less sugar and more resistant starch ( 11 , 12 ). Resistant starches are long chains of glucose (starch) that are “resistant” to digestion in the upper part of your digestive system ( 13 ).

What is the best time to eat banana? ›

On top of that, our body's metabolism is at its lowest in the night. Therefore, one should ideally consume bananas in the morning or the evening and must avoid eating them at night.

Which is the sweetest banana in India? ›

Karpooravalli. It is a popular variety grown for table purpose in medium rich soils. Its commercial cultivation is spread over Central and Southrn districts of Tamil Nadu. It is also sweetest among Indian bananas.

What fruit is healthier than banana? ›

While bananas might be the first fruit to come to mind, watermelon actually reigns supreme when it comes to potassium. In just 2 wedges, or about 1/8th of a melon, you'll get 640 mg of potassium, or about 14% DV. Watermelon is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and the antioxidant lycopene.

Which country has best banana? ›

  • Bananas are also the most produced and widely consumed fruit globally.
  • But did you know that India produces the most bananas per year in the world.
  • Let's take a look at the top 5 banana producing countries.
  • India. ...
  • China. ...
  • Indonesia. ...
  • Brazil. ...
  • Ecuador.
Jun 12, 2023

Which is the most popular banana in India? ›

Red Banana (AAA) :

Red banana is the most relished and highly prized variety of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Its commercial cultivation is prominent in Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu.

Which country makes the best bananas? ›

What Country Produces the Best Bananas. The quality of bananas can vary, but Ecuador is often praised for its high-quality bananas, thanks to its ideal growing conditions.

What are the 3 types of bananas? ›

Banana
Fruits of four different cultivars. Left to right: plantain, red banana, apple banana, and Cavendish banana
Source plant(s)Musa
Part(s) of plantFruit
UsesFood

Which banana is famous in Kerala? ›

Changalikodan Nendran Banana or famously known as Changalikodan is a banana variety originated and cultivated in Chengazhikodu village of Thrissur District in Kerala state of India.

What is the English name for Nendran banana? ›

The large bananas have been growing wild in Southern India since ancient times and are treasured fruits, especially in the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Nendran bananas are also known as Nendra Pazham, Nenthiram, Velchi, Kerala bananas, Nendrakkaya, Plantain bananas, Nendrangai bananas, and Nethrampalam.

Is Indian banana healthy? ›

Elaichi bananas are packed with vitamin C and potassium, which makes them an ideal post-workout snack. Other essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fibre, iron and calcium are also found in these bite-sized bananas.

Which type of banana has less potassium? ›

We find the potassium content being highest in karpuravalli while it's the lowest in Rasthali variety. Banana fruit is one among the identified food rich in potassium.

Which Indian banana is good for weight loss? ›

Green bananas or raw bananas serve several health benefits which we maybe unaware of. Here is how this fruit can help us lose weight as well! Green bananas, also known as unripe bananas, are a rich source of nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.

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.

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