Here's the Best Time to Eat a Banana During Your Day

Written by Henrik Rothen

Feb.19 - 2024 10:52 AM CET

Health
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Easy to eat and renowned for its health benefits, the banana is a staple in many diets. But did you know there's an optimal time of day to consume it? Let's dive in.

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At snack time, whether it's the morning break or the afternoon return from school, bananas are among the most consumed and favored fruits by children. This yellow fruit's popularity among consumers is particularly due to its nutritional values.

Rich in potassium, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and also an excellent source of gentle fibers, bananas are good for health. They also regulate digestion and promote satiety. Given all these benefits, some people do not hesitate to consume them first thing in the morning for breakfast, considered the most important meal of the day.

Eating a Banana in the Evening

However, this might not be the best option. Why? Due to its high sugar content, which provides a wake-up boost rather than sustained energy throughout the day.

It's also an acidic fruit that, once ingested, releases acidifying agents in the body which can disrupt digestion. Another disadvantage is the significant carbohydrate rate in the fruit, 25%, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.

Therefore, it's recommended to consume it with something else if you wish to eat it for breakfast.

But if one wants to eat it alone, what's the best time of the day?

In an interview with Financial Express, Dr. Santosh Pandey, a naturopath and acupuncturist in Bombay (India), stated that it's preferable to consume this fruit in the evening.

"Bananas can safely be consumed at any time of the day. However, our body's metabolism is at its lowest during the night," he informs.

The expert explains that "eating bananas in the evening can regulate the sleep cycle."

How? Thanks to an amino acid called tryptophan. Essential for the body, it "helps the body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep." A good reason to favor consuming this fruit at dinner time.