When to avoid bananas: Pros and cons of popular fruit
When it is not recommended to eat bananas (illustration: Freepik)
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are transportable, making them an ideal snack on the go. In addition, bananas are quite nutritious, containing a large amount of fiber and antioxidants. However, in certain cases, it is better to limit their consumption.
Sources used to prepare the material: Health, Healthline.
Nutritional value of bananas
Bananas are quite nutritious fruits and a good source of nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. In addition, these fruits contain various antioxidants and plant compounds.
One medium-sized raw banana contains:
- calories - 105 kcal;
- carbohydrates - 27 g
- fiber - 3 g.
Health benefits of bananas
Like other fruits, bananas are a great source of fiber, which helps improve digestion. Due to the carbohydrates in bananas, the body receives energy.
Adding more soluble fiber to your diet, which is found in fruits, can also lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Potassium, which is also found in bananas, can help control blood pressure, regulate muscle function, and the transmission of nerve impulses.
In addition, vitamin B6 is essential for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism and maintaining brain health.
Who should not eat bananas
In general, bananas are not a food that can cause serious negative health effects.
When it is not recommended to eat bananas (illustration: Freepik)
However, you should consult your doctor about consuming bananas in the following cases:
Kidney disease
In this case, the risks are associated with high levels of potassium in the blood. Bananas contain potassium - a mineral whose levels in people with kidney disease can be either too high or too low.
People with high blood potassium levels may be advised to limit their consumption of this fruit.
Allergy
In some people, bananas can cause an allergic reaction and lead to anaphylaxis.
Therefore, anyone who experiences itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing after eating bananas should seek medical attention immediately.
Intestinal irritation
Ripe bananas are high in oligofructans, a type of carbohydrate that may not be tolerated by people with irritable bowel syndrome, a digestive disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
People who are sensitive to oligofructans are advised to limit their consumption of ripe bananas.
Diabetes
Since bananas contain more sugar than other fruits, it's important for individuals monitoring their glucose levels to consult a doctor concerning its consumption.
Consuming a moderate amount of bananas should be safe for people with diabetes, but it's best to avoid consuming large amounts of fully ripe bananas
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
