How many bananas should I eat a day?

Answer:

Experts recommend caution with banana consumption, as a frequent error is overindulging in this fruit daily, under the impression that consuming ripe bananas poses no risk.

Bananas, widely cherished for their taste, come with minimal adverse effects and are recognized for their health benefits, whether unripe or ripe. They aid in digestion and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, notably potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Moreover, bananas support heart health and contribute to lowering the risks of developing kidney stones and osteoporosis.

Bananas offer various health benefits. Illustration photo by Pixabay

Nonetheless, bananas are calorie-dense, and overeating can result in weight gain. A large banana weighs about 100 grams and provides roughly 97 calories. Consuming two bananas equates to one and a half times the caloric content of a bowl of rice, which typically ranges from 130 to 150 calories. Burning off the calories from two bananas would require approximately two hours of walking.

Therefore, the recommendation is to limit intake to one or half a banana daily, even when in surplus, to avoid excessive calorie consumption that could lead to weight gain.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam

Former deputy director of National Institute of Nutrition