Bananas are one of the world’s favourite fruits and most people are aware that they contain many different vitamins and minerals. Although, it has been found that the Green Banana contains even more nutritional properties! With increased global consumption, Green Bananas can even reduce several of the waste issues that arise in the banana supply chain.
A banana is considered green when it can be classified into stages 1 and 2 of the banana maturation process. Consumption of the Green Banana in its fruit form is not common due to the highly astringent taste. Consumption however, is recommended as the natural presence of resistant starch is known to be highly beneficial to health. Green Bananas have typically been milled into powders, like the Organic PhytoBanana RS Powder made from bananas cultivated and sourced from the Piura region of Peru. A more convenient and enjoyable way to consume the fruit, while still gaining the amazing health benefits!
What is ‘Resistant Starch’?
Starchy foods contain a chain of carbohydrates which are digested in the small intestine and assist food to move through the digestive tract. Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine but instead pass through to the large intestine to feed the good gut bacteria or microbiome, which aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Resistant starch is also a component of dietary fibre, which research has shown to impact satiety, maintain healthy gut regulation, reduce appetite and can reduce risk of bowel cancer. This form of starch, unlike most, can be categorised as having a low glycemic index (GI), reducing the amount of glucose released into the blood. Low GI foods are recommended more often as they are believed to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND HEALTH BENEFITS:
As previously mentioned, Green Bananas are naturally high in resistant starch. Resistant starch supports a healthy gut microbiome and contributes to the prevention of intestinal disorders (including intestinal cancer). Research also indicates that it can reduce blood cholesterol, increase mineral absorption and the synthesis of B-complex vitamins (assist nutrients in performing their required function in the body after being more easily absorbed), and also improve the immune response.
In addition to being Low GI, Green Bananas are also Low FODMAP and the PhytoBanana RS Powder is Monash University Low FODMAP certified. This means that they contain less short-chain carbohydrates than ripe bananas. Short-chain carbs are believed to be poorly digested by humans causing gastrointestinal discomfort. For individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or those following a Low FODMAP diet, Green Bananas can be consumed regularly!
NUTRIENTS & PHYTOCHEMICALS:
The Green Banana is an excellent source of fibre. Most Green Banana flours contain between 6-10g of dietary fibre (PhytoBanana contains around 8g in every 10g serve), keep in mind adults should aim for 25-30g of fibre daily. In addition, Green Bananas contain Vitamin C, a known antioxidant. They contain Vitamin B6, which is vital for normal protein metabolism, maintaining healthy red blood cells and reducing fatigue. Provitamin A is also present and is needed to maintain good vision, reproductive health and obtain a well-functioning immune system.
Minerals are just as essential as vitamins and Green Bananas are packed with them, containing excellent sources of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Potassium regulates the electrolyte balance and is required for energy metabolism. Phosphorus and magnesium are required to maintain healthy bones and are essential for energy metabolism, with magnesium also assisting in the metabolism of calcium.
USES FOR PHYTOBANANA RESISTANT STARCH POWDER:
- A low FODMAP and gluten-free flour substitute for baking
- PhytoBanana can also be added to smoothies or shakes to increase fibre intake for a macro-balanced meal
- Can be included in non-baked snacks like energy bars (nut bars, muesli bars, protein balls)
DID YOU KNOW?
- More than 1000 varieties of banana are produced globally
- Sadly almost 1/3 of all bananas grown and picked are lost due to the consumer demand for consumption of ripe bananas only
- Bananas are considered as the 3rd most popular fruit worldwide
- Bananas are grown from a bulb not a seed
REFERENCES
‘Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review’, Falcomer, Ana Luisa et al., 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627159/, accessed 17/01/2022
‘Banana’, Algarrobos, 2022, https://www.algarrobosorganicos.pe/en/products, accessed 17/01/2022
‘Resistant starch facts’, CSIRO, 07/01/2021, https://www.csiro.au/en/research/health-medical/nutrition/resistant-starch, accessed 17/01/2022
‘Nutrients: Nutrient Reference Values’, National Health and Medical Research Council, 22/09/2017, https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients, accessed 17/01/2022
‘All About Bananas’, BananaLink, 2022, https://www.bananalink.org.uk/all-about-bananas/, accessed 18/01/2022
