The Dietetics Department at Tiong Bahru Community Health Centre, a member of the SingHealth group, explains when you should eat bananas and if it's OK for everyone, including people with diabetes, to eat them.
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Ms Peggy Tan, Dietitian, Tiong Bahru Community Health Centre, a member of the SingHealth group,explains why bananas are good for you and when you should eat them.
When is the best time to eat bananas?
The best time to eat bananas depends on your nutritional needs and preference.
Generally, the taste and nutritional value of bananas change as they ripen. Newly-ripened bananas tend to be less sweet than well-ripened bananas because the starch hasn't fully broken down into simple sugars.
The upside to eating newly-ripened bananas is that you stay full for longer and enjoy the benefits of the resistant starch therein.
On the other hand, a well-ripened banana with some dark patches on the skin is easier to digest and may give you the energy boost you require before playing sports.
Can everyone eat bananas?
Some medical conditions can result in people having a high level of potassium in the blood. In that case, it will be wise to refrain from taking bananas.
And contrary to popular belief, a person with diabetes can eat bananas as long as the carbohydrate contents are accounted for.
Article contributed by the Tiong Bahru Community Health Centre.
Tiong Bahru Community Health Centre (CHC) strives to bring about convenient health services to the community. It is helmed by a team of experienced nurses and allied healthcare professionals to support and complement GPs in their management of patients with chronic conditions.
Main services include Digital Diabetic Retinopathy Photography, Diabetic Foot Screening, Nurse Counselling and Education, as well as Dietetic Services.
Ref: Q15
FAQs
Bananas are one of the best bedtime snacks when it comes to boosting sleep. They are also packed with potassium and other nutrients that are great for staying healthy. Along with regulating your sleep-wake cycle, eating bananas can alleviate muscle cramps, anxiety, and stress.
Is banana good for everyone? ›
Therefore, eating a banana every day is certainly a good idea. However, if a person has any health concerns, including uncontrolled diabetes, late-stage kidney failure, or is taking medication for high blood pressure, they should check with a health professional to see if bananas are safe for them to eat.
Is it safe to eat a banana every day? ›
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They're full of important nutrients, but eating too many could do more harm than good. Too much of any single food may contribute to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. One to two bananas daily are considered a moderate intake for most healthy people.
What is the healthiest stage to eat a banana? ›
Among bananas' five stages, there's a clear winner for weight loss. “Green bananas (underripe or barely ripe) have the most weight loss benefits,” says Gabriel. “They are still young and full of resistant starch.
When should you no longer eat a banana? ›
Mold on bananas is fuzzy white, gray, or greenish—it looks a lot like mold on bread. If a banana smells rotten or fermented or is leaking fluid, it's time to say goodbye. If the fruit inside, not just the peel, is black, that's a sign that your banana is too far gone to safely eat.
Are bananas better to eat at night or morning? ›
But our body's metabolism is at its lowest in the night. So one should ideally consume bananas in the morning or evening, but eating bananas at night can regulate the sleep cycle. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep,” Dr.
Is there a downside to eating bananas? ›
Eating too many bananas or other high-potassium foods can cause excess potassium in the body, also called hyperkalemia. This can cause serious health problems, including heart issues.
Is a banana a day too much sugar? ›
A banana will raise your blood sugar, but how much will depend on the size and ripeness of the banana, and the foods it is paired with. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating bananas and other fruit as they contain fiber. It notes that eating fiber can help lower blood sugar levels.
What is the best fruit to eat every day? ›
What are the healthiest fruits?
- Oranges. ...
- Papaya. ...
- Pears. ...
- Plums. ...
- Pomegranates. ...
- Strawberries. ...
- Tomatoes. ...
- Watermelon. As its name suggests watermelon has a high water content – approximately 92% – and may, as a result, help maintain hydration.
What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure? ›
The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include bananas, apples, pears, apricots, grapes, raisins, kiwis, mangoes, watermelon, pomegranate, plums, prunes, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, tomatoes, citrus fruit, berries, and more.
Many people stick to a high protein diet, wherein they combine meat or eggs with bananas, which may slow down the digestive process. Bananas are relatively quick to digest, and combining them with slow-digesting proteins may cause fermentation and gas in the digestive tract.
What time is not good to eat bananas? ›
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.
Which is the right time to eat bananas? ›
Bananas should always be eaten with breakfast or other food because they contain high amounts of carbohydrates, which can cause problems in digestion. This can cause gas and bloating. These carbohydrates are FODMAPs which ferment in the intestines and cause gas formation.
Why should we eat 2 bananas and not 1? ›
Eating two bananas provides twice as much benefit as eating one banana. Bananas are packed with all kinds of nutrition. They contain protein, fat and carbohydrates for good energy.
Is it better to eat banana on empty stomach? ›
"Eating bananas on an empty stomach can offer specific benefits, such as providing an immediate energy boost," says Manaker. "The simple sugars in bananas are easily digested, which means you can quickly gain energy, making it an ideal pre-exercise snack or a means to kickstart your day," she says.
Can I eat a banana 30 minutes before bed? ›
Some people say that having a banana before bed might help. But there isn't much evidence to support this. In fact, eating a banana late at night may cause a big rise in your blood sugar — and this could make your sleep worse.
Do bananas make you sleepy or give you energy? ›
Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium which help relax overstressed muscles and make them an ideal go-to snack before bed. They also contain all-important tryptophan to stimulate production of those key brain calming hormones. Eat whole or whizz into a sleep-inducing smoothie.
Is it better to eat a banana for breakfast or lunch? ›
Bananas can help provide a healthy breakfast high in fiber and low in salt, fats, and added sugars. An overnight fast can let stomach acid collect. Eating anything spicy or fried can similarly cause gastritis and heartburn at night. Bananas are soothing to the stomach, though, and have antacid properties.