Does Eating Banana Cause Or Relieve Constipation?

Who doesn't love eating a banana? Do you know this modest fruit is lauded for its taste and numerous health benefits? According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, bananas are extremely resourceful. They are enriched with potassium, which is essential for maintaining blood pressure. Well while it may be the 'perfect' fruit for many, it has become the centre of much debate regarding constipation.

According to Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Coach, Shilpa Arora bananas are loaded with fibre and nutrients that protect the gut lining. It is the food for healthy bacteria in the gut. Fibre helps to eliminate toxins from the colon, which helps with constipation. But one needs to understand that bananas don't cure constipation magically. It is important to avoid eating certain refined foods that are said to cause chronic constipation. One has to avoid biscuits, bread, and all other items made with refined flour and processed sugar. The book 'Healing Foods' states that the banana's high fibre content helps bowel regularity and eases constipation.

A Delhi based dietician, Ritu Arora says that ripened bananas improve the bowel condition and let the microvilli present in the small intestine to function better. They further help in digestion and also relieves constipation.

Ripe and Unripe Bananas

Unripe bananas (green-coloured) to some extent may cause constipation since they contain high levels of resistant starch. This starch is pretty hard for the body to digest. Therefore, instead of picking the yellow-coloured ripe bananas is always a healthier option.

However, green unripe bananas are in general believed to help in treating diarrhoea in infants. As the banana ripens, the amount of resistant starch reduces and is converted into sugars. Ripe bananas are relatively high in fibre content. And has long been asserted to prevent and ease constipation. Fibre tends to absorb water more thereby helping stools to pass easily.

Can we consider Bananas as a good Option for Infants?

Dr Deepak Bansal, a Delhi-based Paediatrician is of the opinion that breastfeeding should be continued till the age of six months as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Gradually after six months, weaning should be started. And the banana is a brilliant weaning food, that can be safely started at six months of age. It has much compensation over other weaning foods or cereals.

He further said that Banana is soft in texture, hence it is easier to mash. As it has a thick natural covering, therefore, the chances of contamination are also negligible. Since banana is rich in fiber it helps keep stools normal. Another added advantage of Banana is that it can be softened further, if necessary by adding water, milk or curd into it. For that one has to start with a small amount at the starting - that is once or twice a day. But it should be kept in mind that it can be given with other cereals, only if the baby is not under the risk of food allergies. Some children may be allergic to bananas. In such cases, it is always better to should consult a paediatrician soon.

Worth mentioning, ripe and unripe bananas are used for different purposes. Unripe bananas are the best medicine if you are suffering from diarrhoea; on the other hand, ripe bananas are best to relieve constipation.

So, go for bananas and don't hesitate to eat one every day! Also at the same time keep in mind that bananas have a high amount of natural sugars, it is suggested that diabetic patients should consult their diabetologist before consuming them.