Bananas

Bananas, also called Musa, are a popular fruit of choice for children and adults across the world. There are many varieties such as lady finger bananas, red bananas, plantains (green bananas), and cavendish (the type most commonly seen in North America). Bananas are most well known for their high potassium content, which helps support our muscles and blood pressure. However, bananas also contain fiber and are a great source of prebiotics, which help to encourage growth of the beneficial bacteria in our gut. A common question asked about bananas is if you have Diabetes or are pre-diabetic, can you eat bananas? Contrary to widespread belief, the answer is yes, depending on the type of banana and portion size. Carbohydrates in bananas are referred to as resistant starches, meaning they cannot be digested. Because these carbohydrates are not digested, this leads to less glucose being released. Ripened (yellow) bananas contain less of this resistant starch whereas unripened bananas contain more. So, if you are wanting a banana, go for an unripened banana or a plantain. Keep portion size to ½ of a banana to further help with carbohydrate control.