Before they have fully ripened, bananas will have a green peel. However, as these fruits begin to ripen, they will develop a yellow color and a sweeter taste.
Bananas are a popular fruit thanks to their sweet flavor and their high nutritional value.
Most people prefer to eat bananas once they have reached the iconic yellow color. Yet, green bananas, also known as unripe bananas, are also safe to consume and remain incredibly nutritious.
What are the benefits of eating green bananas? Continue reading to find out!
Benefits Of Green Bananas
There are lots of advantages to eating green bananas, namely:
They Are Rich In Dietary Fibers
A green banana will contain roughly 3 grams of dietary fiber. This makes it a superb source of fiber for people who are attempting to increase their fiber intake.
This dietary fiber is great for normalizing bowel movements and enhancing digestive health. Fiber can also be beneficial for weight loss.
They Are High In Potassium
Yellow and green bananas alike will be high in potassium. In fact, these fantastic fruits are often considered the premier source of potassium.
Potassium is a highly important supplement that maintains fluid balance in human cells. As a result, potassium is essential for your muscles and nerves. It also has a strong connection to blood pressure.
By consuming plenty of potassium, your body will better regulate blood pressure. This can prevent heart attacks.
There are approximately 300 or 400 mg of potassium in a banana. Therefore, you may want to eat more green bananas if you wish to increase the amount of potassium that you are consuming.
They Contain Vitamin B6
One of the main b vitamins is vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of different foods. This includes potatoes, fish, and, most importantly, bananas.
Bananas contain approximately 0.4mg of vitamin B6. While this may not sound like a lot of this vitamin, it counts for around one-third of your daily recommended intake.
This vitamin is crucial for standard bodily functions, such as aiding the immune and nervous systems. Not to mention, it can aid metabolism.
Green Bananas Are High In Vitamin C
A banana, whether it’s green or yellow, will contain between 10% and 15% of your recommended intake.
Though it may not be as high in vitamin C as other fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits and broccoli, it will nonetheless contribute highly towards your required intake.
Vitamin C is needed to develop tissues and keep them healthy. Not to mention, it will enhance antioxidant levels, allowing your body to better fend off free radicals that can damage cells.
Lower In Sugar
Green bananas contain less sugar than yellow versions (more on that later). This makes them a superior option for diabetics.
Green bananas are also significantly lower on the glycemic index than yellow bananas. In fact, green bananas have a glycemic index of just 30. In comparison, yellow bananas will have an index of approximately 50.
If your diet is filled with foods that are high in glycemic index, you will be more vulnerable to a plethora of health problems. This includes diabetes and heart disease.
They Are Filling
Due to the large content of dietary fiber, green bananas are incredibly filling. As a consequence, you are unlikely to feel hungry after eating an unripe banana.
Because you will feel full, you won’t need to eat as much food. This can reduce the number of calories that you’re consuming, thus aiding you to lose weight.
What Is The Difference Between Green And Yellow Bananas?
Now that you know about the benefits of green bananas, you may be wondering about the differences between green and yellow bananas.
Of course, the main difference between them is the color, which is the best method of differentiating between these two types of bananas.
As bananas encounter ethylene gas, the bananas will start to change in color and texture. The banana will become softer, while the pigment of the color will be altered.
Namely, the green chlorophyll pigments will be replaced by yellow pigments, thus giving the fruit its famous yellow color.
Aside from examining the color of the peel, here are some of the other key differences between a yellow and green banana:
- Scratches: Unripened bananas will be higher in starches than yellow bananas. Throughout the ripening process, the starches will be converted into sugar.
- Flavor: As mentioned, yellow bananas will have a sweeter taste than green bananas. This is thanks to the higher concentration of sugar. Meanwhile, green bananas may taste somewhat bitter. This is why many people prefer the taste of yellow bananas.
- Texture: Green bananas have a firm texture, while yellow bananas are softer. This is thanks to the natural hormone known as ethylene.
Do Green Bananas Taste Nice?
Green bananas certainly taste different from yellow bananas, having a bitter flavor that is noticeably less sweet. Despite this, green bananas can still taste nice. Some people even prefer eating green bananas to yellow bananas.
Since the nutritional benefits of green and yellow bananas are comparable, it’s best to opt for the level of ripeness that you prefer. Namely, if you enjoy the taste of yellow bananas, you shouldn’t be afraid to eat them.
Are There Any Side Effects To Eating Green Bananas?
Though it is safe to eat green bananas, you should bear in mind that you could experience some side effects.
Namely, green bananas can cause you to experience bloating and constipation. If you notice any of these side effects, you should stop eating green bananas immediately.
As with all foods, it’s important to eat green bananas in moderation. If you eat lots of green bananas, you could experience a range of unpleasant symptoms.
For instance, if you eat lots of bananas that are high in sugar, you could have dental problems. Not to mention, your body will intake too much potassium, causing a health issue known as hyperkalemia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is The Healthiest Banana?
Any type of banana will be considered healthy. However, many people consider green bananas to be the healthiest version. This is because green bananas are lower in sugar than yellow varieties.
Of course, you can continue to eat yellow bananas if you prefer the taste, as they still offer similar health benefits.
Are Green Bananas Safe To Eat?
Yes, green bananas are perfectly safe to consume. They are merely not ripe, meaning that they will have a different feel and taste than yellow bananas. Green bananas are not only safe to eat, but they are also packed with nutrients.
Do Green Bananas Contain Lots Of Sugar?
No, green bananas are not particularly high in sugar. They are much lower in sugar than yellow bananas.
The reason for this is that the resistant starch has not yet been converted into sugar. This explains why green bananas are less sweet than yellow varieties.
Final Thoughts
Most people will prefer the taste and texture of yellow bananas. These yellow bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium and fiber.
However, there are also plenty of advantages to consuming green bananas. So if you enjoy eating green bananas, these fabulous fruits can offer lots of benefits!