Bananas and apples are two popular, easy-to-find and nutritious fruits. They all contain a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps digestion, nourishes beneficial bacteria in the intestines and makes it easier to go to the toilet. According to nutritionist Samantha Dieras, director of outpatient nutrition at Mount Sinai Health System (USA), apples have a slight advantage in fiber content: "Table contains pectin, a prebiotic that helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut".
An average apple provides about 4g of fiber, while a banana of the same size only has 3g. However, bananas have their own benefits.
Bananas are rich in inulin and resistant starch, which also help increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, says Dieras. The greener the banana, the higher the inulin content".
Nutrition comparison table
1 apple (medium size):
95 calories
25g carbohydrates
4g of fiber
19g sugar
1 banana (medium size):
105 calories
27g carbohydrates
3g of fiber
14g sugar
1g protein
Should I choose bananas or apples?
According to expert Yasi Ansari from UCLA Health (USA), there is no general answer for everyone: depending on your personal preferences, health status and eating goals, you can choose the right one for you.
If you need more potassium: Bananas are a better choice because they are rich in potassium.
If you have digestive problems: Apples contain many easily fermented substances (FODMAP), which can cause bloating in people with irritable bowel syndrome. In this case, bananas, especially bananas that are not too ripe, will be easier to digest.
If you need energy before exercising: Bananas provide more calories and carbohydrates, so they are suitable for a pre-exercise snack.
However, according to Ms. Dieras, we should not focus too much on choosing which one is better: Both bananas and apples bring many health benefits. It is best to eat a variety of and balanced foods in your daily diet."
If you are wondering whether to choose bananas or apples, remember that both are good for gut health. Apples are slightly higher in fiber, but bananas are easy to digest and rich in energy. Eating both, depending on your body's needs, will bring more benefits than just choosing one type.
