This is the healthiest type of banana, according to an NHS Doctor – but you might not like it
If I asked you to draw a picture of a brunch of bananas, what colour would you use? Yellow or green? While most of us know that bananas change colour as they ripen, did you know that bananas also change nutritionally?
That’s right, depending on the colour of your banana, there are different health benefits. And according to NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan, one type stands out as the healthiest...
Why green bananas are the healthiest
If you tend to buy bananas when they’re still green, and then wait for them to ripen, you’re not alone. But eating them in their unripe state could actually be the best choice for your health, explains Dr Rajan.
Green bananas are a ‘resistant starch powerhouse,’ says Dr Rajan – a type of fibre that reaches the large intestine undigested, acting as a prebiotic to nourish gut bacteria.
Green bananas are also helpful if you’re trying to manage high blood sugar. ‘It's low in sugar (only 10g compared to 17g in a standard yellow banana), which is useful if you're keeping a close eye on this,’ he says.
What happens as bananas ripen?
As bananas ripen – and change colour from green to yellow – their fibre content decreases, and their potassium levels increase.
In the middle of these stages, bananas become softer and ‘mildly sweeter’ to eat, adds Dr Rajan.
Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the balance of fluid in our bodies, supports our heart and aids muscle health.
According to the NHS, Adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day – and you should be able to get all the potassium you need from your diet. A single banana provides about 360mg.
Once a banana has fully ripened, it becomes rich in antioxidants, explains Dr Rajan. Antioxidants like catechins may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Interestingly, banana peels contain even higher levels of catechins than the pulp, so it might be worth eating the skin, too.
The bottom line
Whether you enjoy them unripe, perfectly yellow, or fully ripe, both yellow and green bananas offer health benefits. But it’s the green bananas that stand out as the best choice when it comes to gut health, blood sugar control, and sustained energy.
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