Green Bananas
Overview
Green (unripe) bananas provide resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut microbiome diversity and SCFA production, particularly butyrate. Prebiotic fibres including resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas) support butyrate production and gut barrier integrity.
Food Context
Synergies
- Part of prebiotic fiber strategy
Preparation
- Consume while still green/unripe for resistant starch
- Can be cooked to increase resistant starch
- Supports gut microbiome diversity
Recipes
Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)
Core nutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 85 kcal | — |
| Protein | 0.7 g | — |
| Total fat | 0.2 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 20.1 g | — |
| Sugars | 15.8 g | — |
| Fibre | 1.7 g | — |
Key micronutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | 25 µg | 6.3% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg | 13.8% |
Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).
Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Bananas, overripe, raw, FDC ID 1105073, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14
Substances
Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).
3 substances in this food
Potassium
Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation
Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)
One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)
PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation
References
- Resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas)
- Prebiotic Fibres: Inulin (chicory, onions), GOS (legumes), resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas), pectin (apples)
- Resistant starch supports butyrate production and gut barrier integrity