What happens to the body if you eat 17 bananas a day?

What happens to the body if you eat 17 bananas a day?


Bananas are a popular snack choice. Aside from being nutrient-dense and healthy, they are delicious, handy, and readily available. “This delightful yellow fruit is hailed as the first superfood. It’s high in fibre, which keeps you full, and vitamins, which benefit your health,” said Dr Suhas Udgirkar, consultant, gastroenterology, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune.

However, how much is too much? An influencer on Instagram claimed she eats 17 bananas a day. “When people ask you if you really eat 10 bananas a day. Truthfully, about 17 a day,” said Michelle Thompson.

However, the comments section wondered whether it is a healthy practice.

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A dietitian and a user wrote, “Consuming 17 bananas in a single day poses some concerns. From a caloric perspective, this intake provides approximately 1,785 calories (most women maintain their weight on an estimated 2000kcal per day, give or take depending on various factors but around the 2k mark) and 238 grams of natural sugar (yes, these sugars are fine but this is a high amount which can lead to significant blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, potentially contributing to insulin resistance over time if repeated regularly / people with T2DM etc should be extremely cautious here. The potassium content is another consideration, as bananas are naturally rich in potassium (~422 mg per banana). Consuming 17 bananas results in approximately 7,174 mg of potassium, far exceeding the recommended intake for women (2,600–3,000 mg/day),” it read.

Dr Udgirkar said that eating 17 bananas in one day is not recommended. “When ingested in excess, this healthy, accessible, and low-cost fruit can create a variety of digestive and other health concerns,” said Dr Udgirkar.

*While bananas are a terrific way to add fibre to your diet, overeating might induce digestive difficulties such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, or gas.

*Diabetics should have a well-balanced diet that includes all macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Eating too many bananas may upset this balance, causing blood sugar swings. People with chronic renal disease should limit bananas and other high-potassium foods to protect their kidneys and hearts from harm.

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digestion Here’s what to consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Eating too many bananas or other high-potassium foods can lead to excess potassium in the body, commonly known as hyperkalemia. This can lead to significant health concerns, including heart disease.

Furthermore, eating too many bananas may result in nutrient shortages, mainly if you don’t make room for foods that offer the elements that bananas lack, such as protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Bananas, like other healthful foods, should be taken in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. While there is no hard and fast rule, most healthy people should be able to get by with one or two bananas each day.

When consumed in moderation, the fiber in bananas promotes digestive health, potassium regulates heart function, neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn, and gives rapid but lasting energy. Additionally, the tryptophan in bananas transforms into serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, said Dr Udgirkar.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.





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