Also Read: 5 Food Sources Plentiful In Lutein That Promotes Overall Health - Infographic

Storehouse of Antioxidants

Red bananas are bestowed with more powerful antioxidants than yellow ones. The antioxidants prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals and lower the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some of the key antioxidants present in red bananas include carotenoids, anthocyanins, dopamine, and vitamin C.

Bolsters Immune System

Red bananas, being a great source of vitamins C and B6 are essential for building a robust immune system. Vitamin B6 in red bananas holds a significant role in supporting immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells and immune antibodies, which have the potential to combat pathogens.

Augments Digestive Health

Red banana is best known to support the digestive system in several ways. Laden with prebiotics, red banana helps to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Fructooligosaccharides and insulin are prebiotic fibre present in red bananas that help in reducing bloating, and constipation and increase the diversity of the gut microbiome. Aside from this, one serving of red banana offers 3 grams of fibre that aids to regularise bowel movements, lessens inflammation, stimulates the growth of good bacteria and lowers the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.

Uplifts Mood

Red bananas can not only help you enhance physical health but your emotional well-being as well. Imbued with vitamin B6 helps the body to convert tryptophan into serotonin the feel-good hormone that helps to improve mental health and deal with problems like depression and anxiety.

Purifies The Blood

Immensely rich in vitamins and antioxidants red bananas improve the haemoglobin level and pump iron stores. Aside from this, the essence of vitamin B6 assists in the breakdown of proteins and the formation of red blood cells. Including red bananas in the diet regimen helps to treat anaemia and boost stamina and energy levels.

Red Bananas For Fertility

Red bananas are greatly prized as a potent aphrodisiac food that may help improve reproductive health and fertility. Adding red bananas to the diet is known to balance reproductive hormone levels in women. Being a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, it helps to promote fertility and libido. Furthermore, rich in zinc, which is a key mineral associated with male fertility regulates testosterone levels, improves prostate health and boosts energy levels in men.

Red Bananas For Babies

Red bananas serve as a great weaning food for babies as they are easy to digest, soft, mushy, and loaded with a chock full of essential nutrients. It can also be easily blended with other cereals and food, which enhances the taste of the weaning food owing to its natural sugars. It can be mashed up and just served as a complete meal.

The comprehensive nutritional profile of red bananas makes them a perfect food for meeting the increasing nutritional demands of growing children. Endowed with healthy carbs, starches, and fibre red banana promotes healthy weight gain in young children,  and supports in attaining developmental milestones.

Red Bananas For Skin And Hair Health

Red bananas are a powerhouse of antioxidants including beta carotenoids, vitamin C and A that help slow down premature ageing and fade away wrinkles and fine lines. The goodness of vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which is a key component of skin and hair health. Collagen prevents the skin from sagging and makes it firmer, toned, plump and youthful. Besides these, red bananas are also beneficial in strengthening and conditioning the hair. The hair-nourishing properties of red bananas maintain the elasticity of hair and avert hair breakage. It also helps to relieve problems like dandruff, hair fall and dry hair.

Also Read: Bananas: 5 Awesome DIY Recipes For A Glowing And Beautiful Skin –Infographic

Skin Glowing Mask

Ingredients

A medium, ripe red banana

1 tbsp honey

Method:

In a bowl mash the banana well and add honey to make a fine paste.

Apply this mixture all over the face evenly, let it stay for 20 minutes.

Wash the face with lukewarm water, repeat this thrice in a week for best results.
Hair Conditioning Mask

Ingredients

A medium, ripe red banana

½ tsp lemon juice

1 tsp almond oil

1 tbsp yoghurt

Method:

In a bowl blend all the ingredients together to form a thick paste.

Smear the hair, from root to tip, and let it stay for 15 minutes

Wash well with cold water, repeat this twice a week for a lustrous and bouncy mane.

How To Eat Red Bananas?

Red bananas are best eaten when ripe, the same way you have a regular banana, after peeling them. They can also be incorporated into breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and desserts like fruit salads, smoothies, pancakes, ice creams and pudding. Baked delights like banana bread, cakes, and muffins also taste well. Raw red bananas can be also made as savoury snacks or dry gravies.

Also Read: Immunity Boosting Smoothies: Yummy Healthy Fruity Blends To Keep Illness At Bay

Red Banana Recipes

Banana Paniyaram/ Balehannu Mulka Or Appam

Red banana paniyaram is a popular snack all over the season made with ripe bananas. These sweet appams are very easy to make and taste delicious.

Ingredients

2 ripe red bananas

1 cup wheat flour

½ cup jaggery

¼ cup grated coconut

1 tsp cardamom powder

A pinch of baking soda

A pinch of salt

Water as required

Oil for frying

Method

In a bowl take red bananas and mash well until smooth puree.

Add all the ingredients to the banana puree and mix well to a thick batter.

Heat oil in a pan, drop a small spoonful of batter in and fry in a medium flame till golden brown.

Drain appam on the kitchen towel to absorb oil.

Serve red banana appam with a cup of tea.

Nutrition Facts

Red bananas are laden with a wealth of essential nutrients including potassium, fibre, vitamins B6, C and antioxidants that are well-known to regulate blood pressure, improve heart health and digestion and serve as an instant energy booster. Wheat flour is a good source of complex carbs and fibre provides you with needed energy. Ample amounts of iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium in jaggery aid to pump the iron stores and detoxing the liver. Coconut is a source of healthy monosaturated fatty acids that support digestion, improve skin and hair health. While cardamom adds taste and assists in the smooth digestion process.

Raw Red Banana Masala

Raw banana masala curry is a tasty accompaniment that goes well with plain rice or chapati.

Ingredients

2 raw red bananas

1 cup finely chopped, onions

1/2 cup chopped, tomatoes

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1 sprig curry leaves

1/2 tsp mustard seed

1/2 tsp jeera

1 pinch hing

1 green chilli

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

2 tbsp oil

Salt as required

For Garnishing

1 tsp chopped coriander leaves

Method:

Peel and wash bananas cut them into a cube and steam them for 10 minutes until just cooked.

In a pan heat, oil splutter mustard and jeera seeds.

Add curry leaves, onions, green chilli and hing, sauté until onion turns translucent and add ginger, garlic paste and fry until raw smell goes off.

Add turmeric, salt and all masala powders, and stir for 3 minutes.

Add a little water and cook until the mixture turns to a thick gravy.

Now add the steamed banana and stir well.

Cook for 5 minutes on a low flame until the masala becomes dry.

Garnish with coriander leaves and switch off the flame

Serve raw banana masala with hot rice or roti.

Nutrition Fact

Raw red bananas are a storehouse of vitamin A, besides carotenoid antioxidants – lutein, and zeaxanthin, which enhance eyesight for healthy vision. Packed with lycopene, tomatoes effectively lower the risk of cancer, while onions abound in dietary fibres to uplift digestion and gut health.

Side Effects

In most healthy people, red banana do not show any harmful side effects. In very rare cases intake of too much red banana may result in digestive problems like bloating, flatulence, cramping, nausea and vomiting in some people with gastrointestinal disorders. Sometimes, very high doses of red bananas may elevate blood potassium levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eating Red Bananas Increase My Weight?

No, red bananas are loaded with an impressive source of dietary fibre that helps in managing weight and keeps you satiated. However, having them in moderate amounts is key.

Can I Eat Red Bananas Daily?

Yes, you can add this nutrient-dense fruit to your meal plan regularly to meet your nutritional needs, but in moderate amounts.

Can Diabetic Patients Eat Red Bananas?

Being intrinsically high in dietary fibre and low in glycaemic index, they are an ideal choice of fruit for diabetic patients. Have them as an intermediary snack in moderation (one medium-sized).

Can I Eat Red Bananas On An Empty Stomach?

Yes, there is no scientific information about the adverse effects of consuming red bananas on an empty stomach.

Who Should Not Eat Red Bananas?

All varieties of bananas are good sources of potassium, hence patients with kidney problems or kidney failure should avoid eating bananas.

Which is the Best Time to Eat Red Bananas?

The best time to eat red bananas is:

Morning: Having a red banana in the morning offers a natural energy boost due to its carbohydrate content. It also helps regulate digestion and prevents constipation.

Pre-Workout: Red bananas provide an instant source of energy and prevent muscle cramps due to their potassium content.

Mid-Morning or Evening Snack: They make for a healthy snack; keep you feel satiated and curb unwanted sugar cravings.

Avoid eating red bananas at night, especially if you have a weak digestive system, as they may cause bloating or indigestion.

 Is Red Banana Good for the Kidneys?

Yes, red bananas are beneficial for kidney health when consumed in moderation. It helps maintain electrolyte balance and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Low in sodium it supports healthy blood pressure and reduces strain on the kidneys.

Pro-Tip: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or compromised kidney function should limit potassium intake, so they should consult a doctor before consuming red bananas regularly.

 Does Red Banana Increase Haemoglobin?

Yes, red bananas can help increase haemoglobin levels.

 Rich in vitamin B6 and iron it promotes red blood cell production and improves haemoglobin levels.  Folate supports the formation of red blood cells, preventing anaemia. The goodness of vitamin C content promotes iron absorption, further boosting haemoglobin levels.

Is Red Banana Good for Blood Pressure (BP)?

Yes, red bananas are excellent for regulating blood pressure.

Rich in potassium helps relax blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing hypertension. A low-sodium diet is essential for controlling blood pressure, and red bananas naturally fit into this category. Additionally, magnesium supports heart health by regulating blood pressure levels.

Conclusion:

Red bananas are nutrient-dense, fibre and antioxidant-rich fruits that offer you a plethora of health benefits. Regular consumption of this super fruit keeps the heart healthy, blood pressure and blood sugar under control, manages weight and enhances healthy eyesight. Moreover, they are a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and an ample source of healthy carbs offers a steady supply of energy for your daily activities.

(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

https://www.health.com/red-bananas-8672763#:~:text=All%20banana

Dietary Fruit Red Banana (Musa acuminata “Red Dacca”) as a Potent Antiaging Candidate in Caenorhabditis elegansArticle link copied!

Govindhan ThiruppathiAmirthalingam Mohankumar*Duraisamy KalaiselviMir Waqas AlamShinkichi TawataPalanisamy Sundararaj*

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00352

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of the Two Varieties of Musa acuminata: An In Vitro Study

Balajee V 1, Lokesh Kumar S 1,✉, Rajesh Kumar S 2

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10824364/