Doctor Advises Against Removing the Strings From Your Banana

If you regularly eat bananas, you’re likely familiar with those stringy bits that tend to stick to the fruit when you peel it. And most of us simply pluck them off and enjoy our potassium string-free. However, a medical expert explained why you shouldn’t remove those strings, and should instead eat them.

What Are The Strings on The Banana?

The fibrous strings that often stick to the banana actually have a name; they’re called phloem bundles and they serve an important purpose. The bundles carry water and other nutrients throughout the fruit to help it develop. Essentially, they act as the blood vessels of the fruit.

Bananas Could Not Grow Without Them

Without them, bananas would not be able to grow entirely because the photosynthesis process would not be carried out throughout the entire fruit. So, while they may seem annoying to us, they do serve an important function!

What Are The Health Benefits?

We know bananas are a healthy source of potassium and other vital vitamins and minerals, but the phloem bundles are actually responsible for carrying many of these nutrients, and disposing of them means missing out on those health benefits.

Potassium and Magnesium

Particularly, potassium and magnesium can be found in the bundles. These nutrients are excellent for heart health, proper muscle function, and nerve health. They even help regulate hormones such as serotonin, which makes you happy!

Vitamin B6

Bananas are also a great source of Vitamin B6. This essential nutrient plays a vital role in several bodily functions. It helps maintain nerve health, red blood cell production, and keeps blood sugar levels regulated. It also helps metabolise macronutrients properly.

Extra Fiber

Nicholas Gillitt, VP of Nutrition Research and Director at the Dole Nutrition Institute in North Carolina, explains that early research indicates the bundles may even have more fiber in them compared to the rest of the fruit. Fiber helps digestion and also helps decrease the risk of other serious afflictions, such as heart disease and stroke. 

Most Americans Do Not Eat Enough Fiber

Unfortunately, most Americans do not get enough fiber in their diet. Most adults do not meet the recommended daily intake from the American Society of Nutrition, which is 28 grams per day. For this reason, getting extra natural fiber is essential!

Other Higher Fiber Fruits

Some other great sources of fiber are berries: raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Not to mention, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are loaded with fiber as well.

Conclusion

Next time you have a banana, try to incorporate the bundles. They might not be the most fun texture, but they do serve a purpose, so if you can manage, it’s well worth the health benefits.