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Sweet News from Hello Nana!

The Green Banana Is Getting a Lot of Attention.

Sometimes, the foods we see every day still have a few surprises left to reveal.

Scientists have been taking a closer look at green bananas and discovering that they contain something called resistant starch. Unlike many carbohydrates that are quickly broken down during digestion, resistant starch can make its way farther through the digestive system, where it becomes a food source for certain bacteria in the gut.

That has researchers interested in what green bananas—and foods made from green banana flour—could mean for the future of food and nutrition.

In one human study, researchers gave adults a small amount of green banana powder each day and observed changes in the bacteria living in their digestive systems. The results suggested that green banana ingredients may encourage the growth of certain beneficial gut bacteria.

Researchers are also exploring another interesting possibility: using green bananas before they become fully ripe. Turning green bananas into flour could give the fruit additional uses in everything from baked goods to new food products while potentially helping reduce food waste.

There is still more to learn, and scientists say additional research is needed. But it’s another reminder that even something as familiar as a banana can inspire new discoveries.

 Nana’s Take

The next big food discovery might be hiding in something we’ve loved all along.

And in the world of bananas, there’s always something sweet to discover.

Sweet News from Hello Nana
The delicious side of what’s happening in food, science, and beyond.