Red or yellow banana: Which should you pick for good health?
Red bananas are not genetically modified and are a natural grouping of bananas created over time through cultivation and biological selection, said Ektaa Tandon, nutritionist, CEO at Dailyy Diet. 'They are sweet in taste with a hint of raspberry sweetness,' said Tandon.
Red banana trees are disease-resistant, grow fast, and produce a compact bunch of fruits, added Tandon.
According to Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad:
Boosts energy – Like yellow bananas, red bananas provide natural sugars and carbohydrates, giving you a quick energy boost.
A healthy heart – Apart from several benefits to the body, it keeps heart health in check by reducing cholesterol and controlling blood pressure, which helps improve cardiovascular health. The high potassium content helps control blood pressure and supports heart health.
Aids digestion – They are high in fibre, which helps with smooth digestion and prevents constipation.
Improves immunity – They contain vitamins C and B6, which support the immune system.
Good for skin and eyes – The presence of antioxidants and beta-carotene helps maintain healthy skin and vision.
Weight loss—Since they are rich in fibre and low in calories, they can keep you full for longer, which helps reduce cravings and keep your diet in check. 'Taking them regularly helps reduce bloating, increase the diversity of friendly bacteria, and reduce constipation, making them beneficial for digestive health and reducing the risk of IBD or inflammatory bowel disease,' said Tandon.
Balances mood – The vitamin B6 content helps produce serotonin, which improves mood and reduces stress.
'Unless you have an allergy or eat them in excess (which might cause bloating or an upset stomach), red bananas are generally very beneficial for overall health. Therefore, one should make it a part of their everyday diet to accrue health advantages,' said Dr Birali.
Compared to yellow bananas, red bananas are denser and smaller, said Tandon. 'They have more vitamin C and are also higher in antioxidants. They are sweeter yet are lower in glycemic index (GI), making them healthy for diabetics or weight watchers. (Lower GI indicated slower absorption, meaning more satiety), said Tandon.
Though red bananas have similar nutrients to yellow, they are nutritionally richer in B6, magnesium, and beta carotenoids, making them a better choice. 'Having 1-2 red bananas/day is considered healthy. One should have it as an in-between snack and not with the meal to absorb its nutrients better,' said Tandon.
According to Tandon, eating red bananas daily can boost digestion and regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. 'It helps provide more energy and a feeling of fullness. It reduces the risk of heart disease by regulating blood pressure and reducing cholesterol,' said Tandon.
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Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Indian Express
Red or yellow banana: Which should you pick for good health?
The red banana, a rich source of nutrients, offers several health benefits for the body. The delicious fruit is known by many names, such as the Musa acuminata Dacca banana or the Cuban banana, the Colorado banana, or the lal kela. But is it better than its yellow cousins? Here's what experts told us. Red bananas are not genetically modified and are a natural grouping of bananas created over time through cultivation and biological selection, said Ektaa Tandon, nutritionist, CEO at Dailyy Diet. 'They are sweet in taste with a hint of raspberry sweetness,' said Tandon. Red banana trees are disease-resistant, grow fast, and produce a compact bunch of fruits, added Tandon. According to Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad: Boosts energy – Like yellow bananas, red bananas provide natural sugars and carbohydrates, giving you a quick energy boost. A healthy heart – Apart from several benefits to the body, it keeps heart health in check by reducing cholesterol and controlling blood pressure, which helps improve cardiovascular health. The high potassium content helps control blood pressure and supports heart health. Aids digestion – They are high in fibre, which helps with smooth digestion and prevents constipation. Improves immunity – They contain vitamins C and B6, which support the immune system. Good for skin and eyes – The presence of antioxidants and beta-carotene helps maintain healthy skin and vision. Weight loss—Since they are rich in fibre and low in calories, they can keep you full for longer, which helps reduce cravings and keep your diet in check. 'Taking them regularly helps reduce bloating, increase the diversity of friendly bacteria, and reduce constipation, making them beneficial for digestive health and reducing the risk of IBD or inflammatory bowel disease,' said Tandon. Balances mood – The vitamin B6 content helps produce serotonin, which improves mood and reduces stress. 'Unless you have an allergy or eat them in excess (which might cause bloating or an upset stomach), red bananas are generally very beneficial for overall health. Therefore, one should make it a part of their everyday diet to accrue health advantages,' said Dr Birali. Compared to yellow bananas, red bananas are denser and smaller, said Tandon. 'They have more vitamin C and are also higher in antioxidants. They are sweeter yet are lower in glycemic index (GI), making them healthy for diabetics or weight watchers. (Lower GI indicated slower absorption, meaning more satiety), said Tandon. Though red bananas have similar nutrients to yellow, they are nutritionally richer in B6, magnesium, and beta carotenoids, making them a better choice. 'Having 1-2 red bananas/day is considered healthy. One should have it as an in-between snack and not with the meal to absorb its nutrients better,' said Tandon. According to Tandon, eating red bananas daily can boost digestion and regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. 'It helps provide more energy and a feeling of fullness. It reduces the risk of heart disease by regulating blood pressure and reducing cholesterol,' said Tandon.
India Today
09-07-2025
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