Banana is a fiber rich fruit. But it is believed that bananas can treat diarrhea. So, the question arises, do bananas cause constipation? To know the answer, and the reasons, read this article till the end!
Fiber is very important nutrient for your overall health. According to the American Dietetic Association, Americans should consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day from plant foods, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. However, the majority of Americans receive only half of this amount. The reason behind this is the wrong food choices.
Constipation is a very common health issue. It is distinguished by irregular bowel movements and difficult-to-pass stools. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including a poor diet and a lack of exercise. Some people believe bananas cause constipation, while others believe they help prevent it.
Banana Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 105
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 1.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugars: 14.4g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Potassium: 422mg
- Vitamin C: 10.3mg
- Magnesium: 31.9mg
Read Also: How to Relieve Constipation with Home Remedies?
Do Bananas Cause Constipation?
Fiber has long been claimed to aid in the prevention and relief of constipation. Bananas are high in fiber and high in several important vitamins and minerals.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a medium banana is a good source of fiber because it contains 3 grams of the nutrient (nearly 11% of the recommended daily intake).
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They’re a quick and easy snack that’s also extremely healthy. They can be consumed in different from by adding them in salads, smoothies, milk shakes, cereals, oats, etc.
Surprisingly, depending on their ripeness, bananas can be either a cause of constipation or a source of constipation relief. Green, unripe bananas are constipating. However, ripe bananas are high in soluble fiber, which can help push waste through the bowels in some cases, so bananas can also help with constipation. Pick bananas that are good and ripe for constipation relief.
According to some studies, soluble fiber can help relieve constipation. Other studies, on the other hand, suggest that reducing dietary fiber intake may help in some cases.
Soluble fiber absorbs water, which keeps stools large and soft. This may aid in the passage of stool through your digestive tract. However, the evidence for fiber’s ability to relieve constipation is conflicting and surprisingly weak, especially given how many health professionals advise constipated patients to consume a high fiber diet.
Bananas, in particular, contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, which aids in the formation of a soft, easier-to-pass stool. According to the Mayo Clinic, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and promotes the movement of material through your GI tract while increasing stool bulk, which normalizes your bowel movements.
Are Green Bananas Good for Diarrhea?
A banana is almost entirely starch before it ripens, accounting for up to 70-80 percent of its dry weight. This starch contains a significant amount of resistant starch, that is a complex carbohydrate with fiber-like properties.
It avoids digestion in the small intestine and makes its way to the large intestine, where it feeds the beneficial bacteria that live there. It is beneficial to feed these bacteria. They produce short-chain fats, which aid digestion and have a positive effect on metabolism.
As a result, green bananas have been used to treat diarrhea in both children and adults. These characteristics are attributed to their high resistant starch content.
Although there is no conclusive evidence that bananas cause constipation, one survey found that some people believe they do.
What are the Health Benefits of Banana?
Bananas are generally well tolerated by most people, at least when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the important health benefits of banana;
- They improve digestive health and have prebiotic effects, which means they feed and stimulate the growth of friendly gut bacteria.
- Bananas are excellent source of antioxidants that are good for your heart, skin and overall health
- Bananas are low calorie fruit and helps in reducing weight.
- Bananas are rich with potassium and magnesium that are good for your heart’s health.
- Bananas are also beneficial for diabetic patients as they improve insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion:
Bananas are a rich source of fiber. The unripen bananas are good for diarrhea and ripened bananas are good to prevent constipation. You can eat bananas daily in different forms to get maximum benefit from this fruit.
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FAQs
What does banana do to your poop?
Bananas contain a lot of fiber. Fiber has long been claimed to aid in the prevention and relief of constipation. Soluble fiber absorbs water, which keeps stools large and soft. This may aid in the passage of stool through your digestive tract.
Is banana good for constipation?
Yes ripened bananas are good for treating and preventing constipation. They are the rich source of fiber that is helpful in making your stool soft and bowel movement easy.