Bananas are a familiar fruit to everyone. They are not only sweet and delicious but also highly nutritious and beneficial for our health. You can enjoy bananas as they are, blend them into smoothies, or bake them into cakes. Besides ripe yellow bananas, green bananas are also widely consumed, especially boiled green bananas, which are a favorite among many.
So, what are the benefits of green bananas, and how does boiling them affect their nutritional value?
Nutritional Value of Green Bananas
According to Dr. Micheal Mosley, a diet expert quoted in The Sun, green bananas contain a significant amount of resistant starch. This type of starch behaves similarly to dietary fiber. It resists digestion in the small intestine, acting more like a prebiotic fiber. This resistant starch slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, resistant starch serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. These bacteria can convert resistant starch into butyric acid, a type of fatty acid that has positive effects on gut health and may also reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Resistant starch found in foods like green bananas has also been linked to improved liver health. A study conducted at Shanghai People’s Hospital in China observed 200 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results showed that consuming resistant starch (made from corn) twice a day for four months reduced liver fat by 40% compared to those who did not include resistant starch in their diet.
Benefits of Boiled Green Bananas
Boiled green bananas are a simple yet nutritious dish loved by many. Here are some of the key benefits they offer:
– Improved Digestion: Boiled green bananas are a rich source of dietary fiber, which positively impacts digestive function. They help prevent indigestion and reduce abdominal pain associated with digestive disorders.
– Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Boiled green bananas can aid in glucose absorption control, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, which plays a crucial role in enzyme reactions, stimulating the production of hemoglobin and enhancing oxygen metabolism. This vitamin is also important for insulin regulation in the body.
– Weight Loss Support: Green bananas are high in fiber and resistant starch, which slow down food absorption and increase feelings of fullness, helping to curb appetite and support weight loss. Additionally, green bananas have a low-calorie count, making them an excellent choice for those watching their weight.