Name one fruit that is always present in your fruit basket. It has to be banana! Probably one of the most popular fruits across the world, it is affordable, easily available and widely available all year round. And what adds to its popularity is the fact that it is filling and a versatile ingredient in the world of gastronomy. You can eat it as a fruit or as a vegetable in its raw form, drink its peels as healthy banana tea and use the stem, flowers and leaves for various other culinary purposes. Oh wait, the goodness doesn’t end here. Bananas are also loaded with nutrients. This fruit is rich in fibre, protein, healthy fats and several essential minerals and vitamins, all of which come together to boost digestion and metabolism and promote overall nutrition. This is why, you will find people making bananas a part of their regular diet, either as a fruit or by including it in their shakes, smoothies and more. Now, the question arises what is the best fruit to eat? Don’t worry, we have found the possible answer.
Recently, we came across a post by nutritionist and macrobiotic coach Dr Shilpa Arora on Instagram, in which she talked about whether one should eat a whole banana for a nutritious meal or add it to their smoothies. Let’s get started.
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Whole Banana vs Banana Smoothie – Which is Healthier?
We usually make banana smoothies by mixing milk and bananas. First of all, we would like to say that both the ingredients in this drink are loaded with health benefits and are a part of our daily diet. But, Dr. Shilpa explains that when it comes to bananas, it is always better to eat it as is – as a whole fruit. Let’s find out why.
“For me, the fresh banana is the clear winner. In fact, I always say, stop putting your banana in the blender and calling it your weight loss smoothie,” she explains, adding that putting the fruit in the blender breaks down the fiber and increases its glycemic load. On the other hand, if you eat the whole fruit, the fiber slows down the insulin spike, therefore keeping your blood sugar relatively under control.
The expert concluded, “If you were given the option to choose between a whole fruit and its blended version, I would hope you would choose the fruit.”
Check out the detailed video post here:
Also read: Why Bananas Should Be Part of Your Diet During Pregnancy? Experts Explain
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Banana and milk – is it good or bad? Can you eat banana and milk together?
This now brings us to the next question – can bananas and milk be taken together in their original form? Do they make a nutritious combination? While it has been a popular breakfast choice for many, Ayurveda refers to it as a bad combination or ‘viruddha aahaar’. Banana and milk together produce a toxin, which creates an imbalance in the body, and further disrupts the intestinal flora, leading to congestion, cold, cough, rashes and allergies.
On the other hand, Shilpa Arora says that banana with milk can be a great option for bodybuilders and people looking to gain weight and those who need energy for high-intensity work. “However, it is not recommended for people with allergies like asthma as it causes mucus formation which causes breathing problems,” she adds.
Also read: Does eating banana increase or decrease weight? The truth is out
Bottom-line:
According to the expert, banana and milk should be avoided while eating them together, but you can eat them separately in the same meal, provided it does not lead to any further health complications. In fact, considering all the factors, we say that different human bodies function differently and their nutritional needs are also different. So it is always better to consult an expert for your healthy diet guide to avoid unwanted concerns. Eat wisely and stay fit!
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