Which Banana Is Healthier: Slightly Ripe or Spotty Brown? (Page 2 ) | November 24, 2025

One of the surprising benefits of brown-spotted bananas is their higher antioxidant content. As bananas ripen further, the development of brown spots indicates increased levels of compounds that help fight inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain canc3rs. Slightly ripe bananas, while still nutritious, contain fewer antioxidants.

Digestive Benefits

Slightly ripe bananas are rich in resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that acts like fiber in the digestive system. Resistant starch feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promotes digestive health, and helps with satiety. Fully ripe bananas, with reduced resistant starch, are easier to digest but provide less support for gut bacteria and less slow-release energy.

Who Should Eat Which?

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