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Green (Unripe) Bananas Versus Yellow (Ripe) Bananas - The Nutrional Value Debate Begins.
73Don't Forget Your Banana Holder - A Great Way To Keep Those Bananas Unbruised.
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Does eating a ripened (or yellow) banana provide more nutrition than an unripened (or green) banana?
This question was raised by one of our fellow Hubbers, and I thought I take a shine at the "green versus yellow banana" debate.
Let the debate begin!
* Unripened/Green Bananas.
1.) Unripe bananas contain about 20-25% more starch than ripe bananas. What are the pros and cons?
* The Cons - this can make the unripened banana hard to digest.
* The Pros - your body has to break down the starch itself, thereby causing your blood sugar to rise more slowly than it would in an ripened (or yellow) banana.
2.) Unripe bananas relieve constipation. What are the pros and cons?
* The Cons - if you eat too many, it could give you the runs!
* The Pros - at least you'll finally be able to go!
3.) The unripened banana can be grounded up and used to make Banana flour! What are the pros and cons?
* The Cons - there are no cons in this instance.
* The Pros - banana flour is three times richer in minerals than wheat flour, and is a great gluten-free product.
* Ripened/Yellow Bananas.
1.) A ripened banana has only 1-2% starch. What are the pros and cons?
* The Cons - although low in starch, the chemical process involved converts those starches into sugars. Thereby, causing your blood sugar to rise a little faster than its unripened (or green) peer.
* The Pros - not only is it easier to digest, the "nutrient content does change slightly as the fruit ripens." "As a banana ripens, its level of antioxidants (which decreases the damages free radicals can do to your cells) increase somewhat." - so stated Dr. David L. Katz, MD.
2.) The ripened banana relieves diarrhea. What are the pros and cons?
* Cons - although some disagree, eating too many bananas can cause constipation.
* Pros - hey, it keeps you from running back and forth to the little girls/boys room.
Even with a side by side comparison, I have to agree with Dr. David L. Katz, MD 'that all of this is so insignificant since both ripe (or yellow) and unripe (or green) bananas are rich sources of":
1.) magnesium (which helps bones absorb calcium and remain strong)
2.) folate (forms of the water soluble B9 vitamin that is vital for fighting birth defects)
3.) fiber
4.) potassium
5.) vitamin C
6.) vitamin B6
So in conclusion, I think the true debate lies with personal taste. Whether they're raw, (fried - in moderation ), unripe (green), or ripe (yellow), they're both good for you. So have a banana, it's good for you!
* A Safety Note: be sure to talk with your physician or a nutritionist to see just how little or how much you are able to consume.
copyright © 2009.
Which banana do you prefer?
See results without votingWhat to learn more about bananas?
- Ten Things You Might Not Know About Bananas
My family and I are bananas about bananas! We can't keep them in the house. We probably go through several bunches of bananas every single week. So simple, yet versatile. So undervalued, yet packed full of...
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Yummy! That sounds really good zaheer husain khan! Ill have to try that.
Though I liked ripe Bananas very much but alwys restrained myself due to its high sugar content and rest of the pulp comprising of carbohydrates also breaking down to sugar in the system but my Doctor recommended and when I cast my doubts he said a couple of Bananas a day won't effect your diabetes but will surely help Hypertension due to its high Potassium content.Out side , when you feel hungary this is the safest , fulfilling and least expensive option easily available.
Thanks for that added information. That's really good to know especially for those suffering from diabetes and hypertension. Hopefully those who read this article will read this as well.
if you are diabitic should you be deep frying your bannana? even if it's in olive oil. deep frying it kills all the good sources.
I am not a diabetic nor do I suffer from Hypertension, but from the commentator Zaheer Husain Khan mentioned, his Doctor suggested eating them in moderation. As for deep frying them in olive oil or any oil - I would not know that.
The best person that could answer that is a nutrionist or a person's personal physician.
It is a valid question and statement however. Thank you debb for stopping by and asking this question.
Good question Debb. You are quite right, deep frying any fruit or vegetable not only can but does destroy many of their phyto-nutrients, breaks down or even destroys vitamines, important fats like like omega 3's or omega 6's can be depleted due speeding up oxidation caused by high heat(providing there is fat in the fruits or vegetables you may be deep frying) and even more important as a fruit is placed in high heat it caramelizes, which breaks down the starches and changes it to sugars. So this is certainly not a good thing for a diabetic. If you don't believe me then you should print this out and show it to a reputable nutritionist. I hope I haven't offended anyone, as this was not my intent.
Thank you Will - you did not offend this was a question that needed an answer and I for one was not qualified to answer it. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for stopping by and answering the vital question debb raised.
Will that wasn't offensive at all, fried foods aren't good for anyone, it's a shame how people can't eat a simple nutritious snack, they have to turn it into a dessert. That might have been offensive. I have an overweight sister and I can see her mistakes clearly but nobody listens to my health advice. Maybe I'm too straight-foward. =)
Thanks Jesse for taking the time to stop by, read, and comment.
thank you all for your comments my wife has a problem with sugar and has always liked green banannas for a light snack
Thank you clockshop for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I appreciate that.
Grating and cooking unripe banana adding prawns and palm oil is it good?
I've never had it prepared that way uchechukwu so I would not know.
Good side by side, but seriously, check the spelling before you post. "It's or its"? and "their or they're"?
Veronica.... First, I like your name and second the key to everything is "moderation". The problem is everything is being SUPER SIZED in this country.
Good health and mind.
@ Colin - thanks for stopping by and thank you for the spelling lesson. ;)
@Sammy - I aggree with you Sammy - moderation plays a major role in whatever we eat and drink.
zaheer husain khan 2 years ago
The best way I prefer Green Bananas without feeling guilt , being a diabetic and hypertensive , is to have it sliced , fried crisp in olive oil and sprinkled with black pepper powder, cinnamon powder and lemon juice . No salt.