Gooey, sweet, and delicious-yes, we are talking about bananas. Bananas are undeniably one of the most popular fruits worldwide. They are available year-round and extremely versatile, which makes them stand out in the culinary world. The best part about this fruit is that it is packed with several nutrients like fibre, potassium, good carbohydrates, and Vitamin C, making it a must-have in our diet. However, bananas are also rich in carbohydrates, leading some people to exclude them from their diets, mainly due to concerns about sudden blood sugar spikes. But is this concern justified? Should bananas be excluded from diets solely because of their high carbohydrate and sugar content? If you have these and other questions in mind, let’s find out what the experts have to say on the matter.
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Yes, Bananas Spike Blood Sugar, But There’s A Catch
Bananas are rich in sugar and calories, leading some to believe they are unsuitable for those monitoring insulin levels or aiming to avoid weight gain. However, according to nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar, eating a banana will cause a blood sugar spike, but not immediately.
Why Do Bananas Spike Blood Sugar?
Due to its fibre content, Nutritionist Sudhakar points out that the combination of sugar and fibre is crucial since fibre slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This gradual release prevents immediate spikes in glucose levels.
Are Bananas Good For Weight Loss?
The benefits of bananas are often overshadowed by their high-calorie content. However, if you are trying to lose weight, there’s good news-you can include bananas in your weight loss plan! Nutritionist and health practitioner Shilpa Arora says, “The high fibre content in bananas makes them very satiating, which aids weight loss by improving metabolism. Additionally, they serve as a great sugar substitute and help curb sweet cravings.”
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Can Diabetics Eat Bananas?
Since bananas are high in sugar, diabetics often eliminate this fruit from their diet to maintain blood sugar levels. However, Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia, Chief Dietitian and Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre states that you can eat bananas in moderation under expert guidance. “A qualified nutritionist can advise on the timing and amount of consumption, considering your glycemic control and treatment plan,” she notes.
Adding to this, Sweedal Trinidade, Senior Dietetics Officer (Head) at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, advises against combining bananas with “lunch or dinner” since these major meals are typically rich in carbohydrates.
When Is the Best Time To Eat Bananas?
If you crave bananas, have them as a mid-meal snack. This approach allows you to burn calories throughout the day without feeling guilty about consuming this fruit.
So, include bananas in your diet (in moderation) and reap the benefits of this sweet fruit!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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