8 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Green Bananas

Green bananas, also called raw bananas, may not be as sweet as ripe ones, but they are packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your health. Unlike yellow bananas, green bananas are starchy and have a unique texture, making them a popular choice for cooking in dishes like curries, chips, or stir-fries. Here’s a simple guide to the eight incredible benefits of eating green bananas, based on information from health experts.

1. Great for Your Gut

Green bananas are full of something called resistant starch, a type of fiber that your body doesn’t digest easily. This starch feeds the good bacteria in your gut, helping keep your digestive system healthy. It can also reduce problems like diarrhea and constipation, making your stomach feel better.

2. Helps Control Blood Sugar

If you’re worried about blood sugar, green bananas are a smart choice. They have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar into your blood slowly. This helps keep your blood sugar levels steady, making it a great option for people with diabetes when eaten in moderation.

3. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Green bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps your heart work properly. Potassium keeps your blood pressure in check and supports healthy blood flow, lowering the risk of heart problems. Eating green bananas can be a simple way to care for your heart.

4. Boosts Weight Loss

Want to manage your weight? Green bananas can help! Their high fiber and resistant starch content make you feel full for longer, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods. This can help you control cravings and maintain a healthy weight.

5. Improves Nutrient Absorption

Green bananas contain vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, which help your body absorb important nutrients like calcium. Vitamin C also supports healthy skin and boosts your immune system, while Vitamin B6 gives you energy by helping your body use food better.

6. Lowers Cholesterol

The fiber in green bananas can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood. By keeping cholesterol in check, green bananas support heart health and lower the chances of heart disease or stroke. Eating them regularly can make a big difference.

7. Prevents Stomach Problems

If you struggle with stomach issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), green bananas can help. Their fiber adds bulk to your stool, making digestion smoother and reducing discomfort. Just avoid eating too many fried green bananas, as they can add extra calories.

8. Provides Long-Lasting Energy

Green bananas are loaded with healthy starch that breaks down slowly, giving you steady energy throughout the day. This makes them a great snack for staying active or powering through a busy day without feeling tired.

How to Enjoy Green Bananas

Green bananas are versatile and can be used in many dishes. In India, they’re often cooked into curries, koftas, or crispy chips. You can boil, steam, fry, or mash them to make tasty recipes. Try slicing them thinly for chips or adding them to a stir-fry with spices like cumin or turmeric. Just store them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them in a zip-lock bag to keep them fresh.

Things to Watch Out For

While green bananas are healthy, they can be harder to digest for some people, so don’t overeat them. Babies and people with banana allergies should avoid them. Also, eating too many can cause gas due to the resistant starch.