Bananas are a health asset that should not be neglected. They are in fact an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin B6. They provide rapid energy thanks to their concentration of carbohydrates, particularly natural sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose. Rich in potassium, they also benefit heart health and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
A climacteric fruit that continues to ripen after harvest, the banana can be enjoyed at different stages of maturity. Choosing your bananas and their ripeness is above all a question of taste. Sweeter and less firm, ripe bananas are ideal in smoothies or in banana bread. Bananas that are still a little green are tangier and perfect to enjoy as is as a snack.
The benefits of bananas according to their maturity
The choice of bananas will also depend on the benefits they provide, because depending on their level of maturity, they provide different nutritional benefits. To make your choice, here's everything you need to know.
Green banana
Green bananas are firm and have a slightly tart taste. They contain more resistant starch, a type of complex carbohydrate that our bodies digest more slowly, which is beneficial for digestive health and blood sugar control. Resistant starch also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut. However, due to their higher starch content, green bananas are less digestible for some people.
Yellow banana
As the banana ripens and turns yellow, the resistant starch converts into simple sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose. The banana thus becomes softer and easier to digest. Yellow bananas are rich in antioxidants, including dopamine and vitamin C. They also offer a good source of B vitamins, such as vitamin B6, which plays a crucial role in energy metabolism.
Spotted Banana
Fully ripe bananas that are starting to show brown spots on their skin are even sweeter and rich in antioxidants. Very ripe bananas are particularly rich in soluble fiber, excellent for digestion and helps prevent constipation.
