Why a slightly unripe banana is a good choice for our health
Many people often choose ripe bananas because of their sweet taste, but in fact, unripe bananas are a more notable “friend”.
Unripe bananas have a moderate sweetness, still retain their natural firmness and have many special health benefits.
Unripe bananas are not only attractive in terms of flavor but also have unique nutritional values, completely different from green or ripe bananas.
Because they are used in a special stage, this type of banana has its own health benefits as follows:
1. Support digestion thanks to resistant starch
Resistant starch is a form of fiber that is not digested in the small intestine, instead going straight to the large intestine and becoming “food” for beneficial bacteria. In unripe bananas, this type of starch has not been completely converted into simple sugars, so it is still at a fairly high level, helping to improve the intestinal microflora, enhance digestive health and reduce the risk of intestinal diseases.
In particular, unripe bananas also help prevent constipation symptoms, support intestinal motility stimulation and regulate the digestive process. For people with sensitive digestive systems, using unripe bananas in the right amount will create conditions for the intestines to function more smoothly and effectively.
2. Stabilize blood sugar
Unripe bananas have a medium to low GI index, significantly lower than ripe bananas, so they do not cause a sudden increase in blood sugar after eating. This is a big plus when used for people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or those who need to strictly control the amount of sugar they take into the body.
Resistant starch and fiber in unripe bananas have the ability to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, reduce the rate of sugar absorption into the blood and stabilize insulin. Therefore, eating unripe bananas as a snack is a healthy choice to help maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
3. Contribute to weight control
Immature bananas are an ideal choice for people who are losing weight or want to maintain their figure because fiber and resistant starch have the ability to create a feeling of fullness for longer, limit cravings, thereby reducing the amount of calories consumed in the following meals. In particular, low sugar content and slow digestion make immature bananas an ideal snack to replace snacks or candies containing a lot of sugar and fat.
4. Supplement energy slowly
Unlike ripe bananas with high sugar content, immature bananas with abundant resistant starch will provide stable and long-lasting energy for the body. This is especially useful for people who do mental work, light physical activity or need to maintain concentration for a long time.
5. Good for the heart
Bananas in general and immature bananas in particular are one of the fruits richest in potassium. This is a mineral that plays an important role in keeping blood pressure stable, regulating heart rate and reducing pressure on the blood vessel walls. In addition, magnesium and vitamin B6 in unripe bananas also support a healthy heart, help blood vessels expand and contract flexibly and prevent mild arrhythmias.
6. Strengthen the immune system
Although not as rich in vitamin C as citrus fruits, unripe bananas still provide enough vitamin C to support the immune system. In addition, the vitamin C content and natural antioxidants such as dopamine in unripe bananas also help the body fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress – a factor related to aging and many chronic diseases.
