Alan Wells
Bananas are a fave of several. They are replete with nutrients. However can you consume way too many bananas? The response is no, due to the fact that excessive usage of bananas might affect your health. Here, we have actually discovered the negative effects of bananas.
Bananas aid reduce particular crucial health issues and are considered risk-free sufficient to be provided as one of the very first strong foods to babies. So what then could go wrong when you take in bananas? Perhaps taking in too much of it? Read on to learn the 14 possible dangers associated with excess intake of bananas.
Know The Flip Side: Bananas
Short-Term Effects
Tooth decay, allergies, weight gain, ragweed allergies, constipation, abdominal pain, weight gain, and drowsiness.
Long-Term Effects
Aggravates the risk of type 2 diabetes, hyperkalemia, and migraine.
Drug Interactions
Overconsumption may affect antihypertensive (beta blockers and ACE inhibitors), antibacterial, and diuretic medications.
When To See A Doctor
If you experience excessive cramping, throat irritation, and wheezing, or kidney dysfunction.
In This Article
Side Effects Of Bananas
- Weight Gain
- Migraine
- Hyperkalemia
- Tooth Decay
- Drowsiness
- Nerve Damage
- Ragweed Allergy
- Hypersensitivity In Patients Allergic To Latex
- Respiratory Problems
- Abdominal Pain
- Anaphylactic Shock
- Constipation
- Gas
- Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
1. Weight Gain
Concurred that bananas, in comparison to your favored box of cookies or crisps, have lesser calories, yet, they still have enough calories to make you put on weight. That is if you do not maintain a tab on your portion sizes.
A medium-sized banana consists of 105 calories. That, in comparison to a medium-sized orange (62 ), a dish of diced watermelon (45 ), or a mug of grapes (62) is a lot higher. So, if you're seeking a low-calorie treat to enjoy every couple of hours, bananas may not be the very best option. Instead, fruits and veggies with high water material like watermelon, strawberries, melon, peaches, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, cabbage, and so on make for far better snack choices. They have fewer calories and high fiber content to maintain you full for long.
The banana is a fantastic fruit that container be consumed in several means. However, if you eat too many bananas, you may gain weight. This is because of the high amount of calories contained in the fruit. A solitary big banana consists of about 100 calories. If you eat two bananas per day, you would consume 200 calories each time. That's practically 500 added calories daily! Here's when the question of the amount of bananas I ought to eat a day arises. The response is it is dependent on your calorie budget plan each day and your fat burning or weight gain goal.
Related: 20 Reasons For Weight Gain & Tips To Manage It Effectively
2. Migraine
If you're frequently bothered by agonizing migraine headache attacks, you may want to stay clear of consisting of bananas in your everyday diet regimen. Tyramine, a compound found in lots of foods like cheese, fish, meats, and bananas is a trigger for migraine headache frustrations ( 1 ). Given that banana peels contain 10 times more tyramine than banana pulp, be additional careful about removing the stringy items of peel from the fruit prior to consuming it .
3. Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is a problem triggered due to excess potassium in the blood and is recognized with symptoms like irregular pulse price, queasiness, and uneven heartbeat that can even lead to cardiac arrest . Excess consumption of potassium might create hyperkalemia in adults. There are certain diet strategies like the GM diet plan that advise excess consumption of bananas on specific days. If you adhere to such diet regimens, you could just be requiring trouble.
Did You Know?Bananas contain a minute focus of radioactive potassium. One banana can discharge a minuscule amount of radiation (0.1 microsieverts).
4. Tooth Decay
Being high in starch, bananas can cause serious tooth decay if you don’t maintain proper dental hygiene.
A 2021 study published in the Plos One study journal kept in mind the levels of nutrients, such as dietary fiber and sugars in bananas drawn from various stores, at different stages of ripeness, as received the graph below.
The graph illustrates that once the banana ripens, its starch web content dramatically lowers but its sugar material rapidly rises. Therefore, you can prevent tooth decay from banana starch by avoiding extreme intake of unripe and a little ripe bananas.
Dietary fiber, starch, and sugars in bananas at different stages of ripeness in the retail market
Source: Dietary Fiber, Starch, and Sugars In Bananas At Different Stages Of Ripeness In The Retail Market
According to particular studies, bananas can be much more harmful to your dental health as contrasted to chocolates, red licorice, and chewing gum ( 2 ). Starches dissolve gradually in the mouth whereas sugars liquify quickly. Consequently, when you take in foods like bananas, their particles remainder between the teeth for concerning 2 hours and thus attract more bacteria, causing even more dental caries.
Subscribe Related: How To Get Rid Of Cavities – 8 Home Remedies To Follow
5. Drowsiness
Always thought that beginning your day with a banana was a fantastic concept? What you probably didn't understand was that bananas can make you really feel sleepy, also if you've simply started the day. They are abundant in tryptophan, an amino acid that can minimize your mental performance and reaction time, besides making you really feel drowsy ( 3 ). Bananas additionally consist of high doses of magnesium, a mineral that helps muscle leisure. These residential properties, nevertheless, make them an excellent treat before going to bed.
6. Nerve Damage
Since bananas have vitamin B6 in high quantities, their overconsumption can cause nerve damage. Extremely high consumption of vitamin B6 supplements without prescription can cause nerve damages ( 4 ). However, the opportunity of nerve damages with banana consumption seems rare unless you are a bodybuilder with a banana fascination or if you are joining a banana consuming competition.
Related: How To Treat Nervous Weakness Naturally – 5 Home Remedies
7. Ragweed Allergy
Ragweed allergy is a condition that creates your body immune system to react when you breathe in ragweed (weeds that expand throughout the USA) pollen grains. A person struggling with this allergic reaction presents signs like inflamed lips, irritated throat, inflamed tongue, etc. Individuals who are already dealing with ragweed allergic reaction might experience similar symptoms upon intake and even dealing with of bananas. Nonetheless, minimal data is readily available to show these insurance claims.
8. Hypersensitivity In Patients Allergic To Latex
According to a research conducted by the Annals of Allergic Reaction, Bronchial Asthma, and Immunology, those individuals who dislike latex screen hypersensitivity to bananas also ( 5 ). Common allergic reaction symptoms may include wheezing, a runny nose, coughing, itchy throat , and watery eyes.
9. Respiratory Problems
Another problem that is an offshoot of ragweed allergic reaction is inflammation. It could tighten airways and cause breathing problems like a difficulty in breathing. In serious cases, this may likewise influence swallowing ( 6 ).
10. Abdominal Pain
If you indulge in bananas that aren't ripe enough, you may end up with a serious stomach discomfort. You may additionally experience queasiness together with the stomach pain. Immature bananas contain a high amount of immune starch that takes a long period of time for your body to digest. You may additionally experience instant throwing up or looseness of the bowels.
Related: Symptoms That Indicate You Need To Stop Fasting + How To Fast Properly
11. Anaphylactic Shock
Some individuals allergic to bananas can also experience a serious immune response, known as anaphylaxis, with an unexpected drop in blood pressure. Their respiratory system problems hinder blood oxygen levels from increasing, and they can experience shock. Watch out for symptoms such as increased or reduced pulse rate, light-headedness, and fatigue. A research carried out by the Journal of Medical Situation Information reveals such severe instances of banana allergy also in infants ( 7 ). The research study additionally recommends that while presenting strong foods to their children, parents have to beware and take into consideration banana as a prospective allergen.
12. Constipation
Shocked? Yes, we were stunned too on learning that bananas create irregular bowel movements! All along, we have known that bananas aid defecation, yet the magic hinge on just how ripe the bananas are. Immature or environment-friendly bananas are abundant in immune starches, which can raise the danger of irregular bowel movements. They even have hefty doses of tannic acid that has a repressive effect on the digestive system system. Tannic acid obstructs the secretion of the gastrointestinal liquid and visuals gastrointestinal mobility ( 8 ). A ripe banana, on the other hand, can help alleviate constipation. Bananas have been reported as constipation-causing foods ( 9 ). Irene Opoku-Acheampong , MILES PER HOUR, RD, LD, claims, "Bananas are constipating, so if you have persistent constipation, it's best to stay clear of bananas up until you have actually passed a couple of soft bowel movements."
Bananas are filled with fiber, however they do not contain sufficient water to make them easy to absorb. Consequently, your body soaks up less than 10% of the fiber. Fiber helps keep your gastrointestinal system healthy and balanced and routine. When you don't have adequate fiber in your diet regimen, your bowels come to be sluggish and constipated.
Related: 12 Foods That Can Cause Constipation And How To Prevent It
Quick TipIf your constipation persists, your healthcare provider may prescribe fiber supplements (Citrucel), stool softeners (Docusate), or stimulants (Dulcolax).
13. Gas
Excess consumption of bananas may result in gas. They include soluble fiber and fructose, both of which can cause gas. If you all of a sudden increase your consumption of fiber or eat it in big quantities, it takes a great deal of effort for your big intestine to break down the fiber, and it can hence create gas. Likewise, in the case of fructose, when taken in huge amounts, your body can locate it hard to digest it.
14. Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Bananas fit the 'medium-level' glycemic food classification, which indicates that they have the capacity to trigger a minor spike in your blood sugar level levels. Irene states, "Bananas are additionally carbohydrates, and 1 tool banana counts as 2 servings of carbs. Consequently, bananas must be limited by those who have diabetes."
Mary Sabat , MS, RD, LD, adds, "Because bananas are high in sugar, individuals with type 2 diabetic issues or those who are obese could have to limit their consumption of bananas or combine them with various other foods high in healthy protein and/or fat to blunt the insulin reaction. For most individuals, nonetheless, bananas can be taken pleasure in like any type of other fruit in moderation."
Considering that the overconsumption of foods with a high glycemic index can boost your threat of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and heart diseases, you should regulate your consumption of bananas. This is even more true in the case of overripe bananas as they have a higher glycemic index as contrasted to regular bananas ( 10 ). However, Barbara Kovalenko , a nutrition consultant states, "Yes, bananas are a natural source of sugar, with an average medium-sized banana consisting of about 14 grams of sugar. However, this sugar is normally happening and is accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can aid control its influence on blood glucose degrees." In the long run, it is recommended to look out for the amount of you eat in a day.
Caution
Here are some warnings and precautions regarding the consumption of bananas:
- In instance your kidneys don't work effectively, maintain your intake of bananas to a minimum. Way too much potassium in your diet can place a great deal of pressure on your kidneys to remove the unwanted from your blood. This can be really hazardous.
- Considering that bananas are saved at area temperature level, they can get ruined conveniently and ought to be consumed within 2 days considering that the day of purchase. At the exact same time, it is very important that you stay clear of eating underripe bananas.
- If you experience cramping, hives, hissing, and throat irritability each time you consume a banana, you can be adverse either the bananas or to other fruits including the exact same healthy protein.
- Irene states, "Banana is an alkaline fruit, which indicates it has reduced acid web content. People with acid reflux may tolerate this fruit far better than citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit." However, Mary includes, "Banana is a reduced acid food and might really feel good for somebody who has acid reflux. However, people with heartburn should avoid consuming bananas right prior to going to bed, as they may actually trigger heartburn given that they are relaxing on a full tummy."
- In case you want to increase your intake of bananas, do consult your doctor to know the recommended dosage.
Major Interactions
When you are taking medication, you should keep in mind the following banana-drug interactions ( 11 ):
1. Beta-Blockers
If you are a heart client, your physician may have suggested you a type of drug called beta-blockers. This medicine creates a rise in the level of potassium in the blood. You must, therefore, eat bananas in moderation as they are rich in potassium and can trigger a harmful rise in the potassium levels in your blood.
2. Oxazolidinone Antibacterials
If you get on oxazolidinone antibacterials, you might wish to enjoy your intake of bananas. Bananas have tyramine that can cause a hazardous increase in your blood pressure when supplemented with oxazolidinone antibacterials. Consult your doctor on the allowed intake.
3. ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)
Physicians prescribe these medications to lower blood pressure or deal with cardiac arrest. Like beta-blockers, they enhance the quantity of potassium in the blood. You must, consequently, avoid overindulging in bananas if you get on this medicine as you may experience irregular heartbeat and palpitations ( 17 ).
4. Diuretics
Medical professionals recommend diuretics to help the body get rid of water, sodium, and chloride. Diuretics additionally help reduce the swelling caused by heart or liver issues. They assist deal with high blood pressure as well. Because some diuretics increase the degrees of potassium in the body, you should decrease the consumption of bananas as they can better enhance the level of potassium in your blood, which can be harmful ( 18 ).
Though we have listed down all the cons of consuming bananas, do you question are bananas helpful for you? We can not refute the fact that when consumed in small amounts, they absolutely are. Unless, obviously, you have a wellness problem that does not allow you to consume them.
The united state Division of Farming suggests every healthy and balanced adult to delight in 2 mugs of fruit daily (equal to two bananas). Rather than making bananas your staple diet plan, you should have them along with other healthy foods. Just after that, you can reconcile the advantages of bananas.
Hope we addressed several of the concerns you may have had regarding adverse effects of banana. Do provide us your responses in the comments section listed below.
Infographic: 5 Common Side Effects Of Bananas
Bananas are rich in numerous nutrients, making them optimal for day-to-day consumption by infants and adults alike. Nevertheless, consuming a lot of bananas might cause unfavorable health effects. We have actually rounded up the 5 common negative effects of eating too many bananas. Have a look at the infographic listed below to recognize even more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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While bananas are a healthy, tasty fruit, extreme consumption can have some unfavorable results. The negative effects of bananas consist of migraine, dental caries, and a boosted threat of nerve damage. They might likewise cause gas or bloating in moderate instances and cause an anaphylactic shock in severe instances. They might additionally interfere with certain medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. But do not enter the issue-- are bananas poor for you-- due to the fact that the majority of these are related to excess consumption. Restricting or avoiding their intake can assist prevent these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you eat 2 bananas a day?
Having two bananas a day falls within the acceptable recommended limit and is safe.
Is having 4 bananas a day too much?
Possibly. Having too many bananas in a day may lead to abdominal cramps, pain, and gas.
What happens if we eat bananas on an empty stomach in the morning?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that having bananas on an empty stomach might lead to abdominal cramps, constipation, and dizziness ( 15 ).
Can we drink water after eating a banana?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that having water after consuming bananas may lead to indigestion.
How long does a banana take to digest?
A banana takes about 30 minutes to digest ( 16 ).
Key Takeaways
- Bananas can cause bloating and constipation if you have them in excess quantities.
- Similar to delicious chocolates, bananas can also produce dental caries if you do not take added care in removing the starch particles from your teeth.
- Bananas are high in calories, so avoid them when aiming for weight loss.
- Bananas contain a substance called Tyramine that can cause severe migraine headaches.
Are you consuming a lot of bananas? Discover the severe negative effects of eating way too many bananas at the same time in the complying with video clip. Take a look!
John salley