A doctor has shared some unexpected advice about consuming a well-loved fruit, cautioning that many of us could be overlooking numerous health benefits. The expert advised against removing the stringy parts of a banana, known as phloem bundles, which are packed with essential nutrients.
Doctor Manuel Viso clarified: “They are the blood vessels of the banana, where the nutrients are supplied.” As reported by Spanish news outlet La Vanguardia, discarding this part of the banana could result in the loss of its rich concentration of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins and minerals.
This includes potassium, magnesium and tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. In a video posted on his Instagram page, Dr Viso advised: “Next time you eat a banana, don’t take away the albedo, eat it,” recommends the expert. By doing so, you can fully reap the body benefits of including this fruit in your regular diet.
His guidance is supported by Nicholas D. Gillitt, vice president of nutrition research and director at the Dole Nutrition Institute in North Carolina. Speaking to the Huffington Post, he suggested these strings “likely” contain more fibre – a crucial carbohydrate that aids digestion and has also been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
He explained: “Although we have not specifically tested phloem bundles, it is likely that there would be a difference in its nutritional value. They likely contain more and varied types of fibre and structural components required for their function.
“Phloem bundles comprise the plant’s vascular system, vital for distributing nutrients throughout the fruit.” Still, Nicholas pointed out that significant benefits would require considerable consumption.
“They are, however, present in such small amounts compared to the rest of the banana, that unless you eat a large amount of them individually, they would not be expected to impact the overall nutrition profile of a banana,” he noted. Nonetheless, these strings are perfectly safe to eat, as he reassured: “As part of the banana, of course (they are safe)!
“Now whether they are palatable is another question. In general, all parts of fruits are healthy – including the phloem bundles – if we find them palatable. But there is no evidence to suggest they are harmful. “.
In addition to phloem bundles, bananas boast several health perks. Their high potassium levels offer an energy boost and might aid in managing blood pressure and reducing stroke risks. The fruit’s fibre, antioxidants, and magnesium are also conducive to heart health.