ONEAs the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. As popular as they are, if you look around, you will probably see more people nibbling on bananas than their tougher, rounder brethren. The reason? They are soft, delicious and can be easily mixed into a variety of delicious recipes, whether it is banana smoothie with peanut butter, banana bread or world-famous banana pudding. As delicious as bananas are combined with other foods, however, questions revolve around how they stand on their own. That is, should you eat a banana on an empty stomach?
While yellow fruit may seem uncomfortable when you are in a hurry, some experts are quick to point out the side effects of eating a banana with nothing else in your stomach.
The benefits of banana
Bananas are a fantastic food because, as New York-based dietitian Jennifer Maeng points out, they are a nutritious fruit that is both delicious and affordable. “Bananas are also high in potassium, which is one of the electrolytes needed for bodily functions such as pH balance, water balance in our body, blood pressure, digestion and even contraction. muscle, “he says. (Therefore, it is a very popular snack for people focused on health and fitness.)
Should you eat a banana on an empty stomach?
It’s not a simple answer yes or no – it depends on the lifespan of the banana. To begin with (think: when the skins are green), Maeng says bananas contain more durable starch (such as fiber). “As they ripen, the fiber content decreases, making bananas mostly simple sugar, which can raise your blood sugar and possibly cause your blood sugar to drop or you may be slightly tired.” So while it may seem like a great idea to grab this bright yellow banana for your lunch snack or 30 minutes before your workout, you may want to reconsider. After all, feeling tired while trying to work or I am processing it is never ideal.
That said, eating a banana on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is also not a good idea, according to Maeng. “Your body naturally raises your blood sugar in the morning and if you are not diabetic, your body will produce more insulin to balance your sugar,” he explains. “For this reason, breakfast (or on an empty stomach) is not the best time to eat foods high in simple carbohydrates and low in fiber, such as bananas.”
Strange as it may seem, Maeng says it includes popular breakfast items such as fruit smoothies, acai bowls or portions of oatmeal with bananas. “Everything can have a negative impact on your blood sugar and energy levels,” he warns.
The best way to eat bananas
This does not mean that you can never eat bananas. Simply put, it is best to combine them with other foods and eat them at the right time to avoid an unintended effect of sugar fatigue. (So a banana can help you fall asleep faster at night.)
“Fiber, protein and fat can help slow the absorption of sugar in your body, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar and crashes,” explains Maeng. “Sometimes your body can make too much insulin after a big meal of simple carbs. [like those containing bananas], causing your blood sugar to fall too low. “This reaction can lead to more cravings for sugar as your body tries to bring your blood sugar back to a safe level.” Therefore, the next time you crave bananas in the morning, he suggests combining them with nut butter or mixing them in your protein smoothies.
Do you have some overripe bananas? Do you know what that means — banana bread: