Bananas

Overview

Bananas provide B6, tryptophan, and potassium, supporting neurotransmitter synthesis and electrolyte balance. Bananas are listed as sources for tryptophan and B6, both critical for serotonin synthesis. Serotonin: Mood regulation, emotional control, impulse moderation; food sources include turkey, eggs, dairy, soy, seeds, oats, bananas. Note: Green bananas provide resistant starch (see Green Bananas for different nutrient profile).

Recipes

1 recipe containing this food

Matcha Mitochondria Smoothie

Mitochondrial energising smoothie rich in polyphenols, magnesium, and antioxidants

Substances

3 substances in this food

Potassium

Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation

Tryptophan

Serotonin/melatonin precursor; NAD+ pathway substrate; LAT1 transport dynamics

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)

PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation

Preparation Notes

• Ripe bananas for B6 and tryptophan content
• Green bananas for resistant starch (prebiotic fiber); resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas) supports gut microbiome
• Part of diverse fruit intake strategy
• Pair with tryptophan-rich proteins for serotonin synthesis; pair tryptophan-rich proteins with moderate carbs to increase Trp:LNAA ratio
• Serotonin: Pair tryptophan-rich proteins with moderate carbs to increase Trp:LNAA ratio; timing midday or evening for calming effect

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Methylation	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease	Essential cofactor in remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, which is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe); works with B2, folate, and B12
Neurochemical Balance	Potassium	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Critical for membrane potential, nerve signaling, and neuronal excitability; adequate intake balances sodium effects
Neurochemical Balance	Tryptophan	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Precursor for serotonin and melatonin; brain entry competes at LAT1 with other large neutral amino acids (LNAAs); carbohydrate-rich, low-protein meals raise the plasma tryptophan:LNAA ratio because insulin pushes competing LNAAs out to muscles; can feed NAD+ synthesis via the kynurenine pathway
Neurochemical Balance	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Cofactor for synthesis of dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate; supports rate-limiting steps in catecholamine synthesis; requires PDXK activation with magnesium and ATP support

References

• Serotonin: Mood regulation, emotional control, impulse moderation; food sources include turkey, eggs, dairy, soy, seeds, oats, bananas; cofactors include tryptophan, B6, magnesium
• B6 (chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, whole grains, soy) is a cofactor in the development of all key neurotransmitters
• Tryptophan: Converted to NAD+ via kynurenine pathway; food sources include turkey, chicken, eggs, pumpkin seeds, oats, soybeans (bananas also contain)
• Note: Green bananas provide resistant starch; resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas) supports Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia; ↑ butyrate production; improved gut barrier