The pH of Banana: A Thorough Study of pH Level of Banana

Knowing the pH of banana makes it possible to know if it is safe for consumption. Bananas have an average pH level of 4.0. This means that it is easy for the digestive system to break it down.

There are different varieties of bananas, and they differ based on their pH level. Therefore, these pH levels will determine whether you can eat a particular type of banana.

Everybody cannot eat a banana. People with health issues cannot eat a banana because it contains alkaline.

This article will discuss the pH of bananas to help you know if you can eat one and how often.

Why is knowing the pH of bananas important?

It is important to know the pH of bananas so you can eat them without causing damage to the body. Knowing the pH of bananas helps you know if they are edible for people with different health challenges.

The pH of a banana will determine if a pregnant woman or a person suffering from heartburn can eat it. i.e., the pH of a yellow banana will have negative effects on a pregnant woman unlike when she eats a green banana.

Different types of bananas can only be eaten by people whose bodies can break them down.

What is the pH level of a banana?

The pH level of a banana is the level of acid or base in a banana. A banana can contain a pH level of 0 to 12 if it is ripe, unripe, cooked, overripe, blended, mashed, or rotten.

All the states a banana can be in will determine its pH level and nutritional benefits. These will be discussed below.

1. Under ripe banana

The pH level of an under-ripe banana is between 4.4 and 5.2 and this makes it acidic in nature. Under-ripe bananas, unlike ripe bananas, provide some health benefits and nutritional value.

The acidity of under-ripe bananas makes them rich in starch and pectin. This improves digestive health and helps to improve the sugar level in the blood.

Under ripe bananas are not as sweet as ripe bananas, and their acidity gradually reduces as they ripen.

2. Ripe banana

A ripe banana has a pH level of 6.5 to 6.7 which makes it basic. The health benefits of a ripe banana cannot be overemphasized.

Ripe bananas are rich in calories. A single banana can produce about 112 calories. It also contains pectin, which helps to prevent constipation and indigestion.

Ripe bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium. These two nutrients are both vital for heart health and blood pressure management.

They are full of antioxidants, which help to reduce the risk of degenerative illness. Ripe bananas may also aid weight loss. This is because they contain resistant starch, which reduces food intake.

3. Overripe banana

Overripe bananas have a pH value ranging from 6.5 to 7.6. Overripe bananas are less acidic. Although they do not have the same amount of nutrients as a ripe banana, they are nutritional nonetheless. The enzymes in a ripe banana break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugar.

When you notice that your bananas are overripe, do not throw them away. An overripe banana helps to improve the immune system and can also help fight against cancer.

Overripe bananas keep your cholesterol levels in check and prevent anemia. It improves cardiovascular health, manages ulcers, and helps to relieve heartburn.

4. Rotten banana

The pH value of rotten bananas ranges from 8.0 to 10.0 depending on the level of rottenness. Unless the banana starts developing mold do not throw it away. You do not need to worry if your banana peel has gotten brown, the content inside can be eaten. Rotten bananas are still edible, and they have their nutritional benefits.

You can eat rotten bananas by adding them as a flavor to your food. You can blend a rotten banana with other fruits to make a milkshake. You can also mix it with your ingredients for pancakes and cookies.

However, if you perceive any rotten smell or see mold on the banana, then it is too rotten to eat. Eating a banana with a bad and repugnant smell is dangerous to your health.

5. Banana peel

Banana peels are basic in nature and their pH value is 9.91. Banana peels are not poisonous. They are safe to eat and filled with nutrients. Eating banana peels, especially unripe peels, can help reduce the risk of cancer.

Few people are aware of the nutritional benefits of banana peels. They throw the peels away once they finish eating the banana.

It is important to wash your banana peel very well to remove any fertilizer or chemicals. The water will wash off the residual chemicals on the banana peel.

Banana peels are bitter and most people cannot eat them alone. If you cannot eat them alone, you can blend them with other fruits, bake them with cinnamon and sugar, or boil them.

6. Banana juice

Banana can be made into a juice, although it is not the most common fruit juice available. The pH value of banana juice is 6.5. You can make banana juice yourself if you cannot get it in your local store.

The ingredients you need to make banana juice are easy to find. You need a banana, water, and lemon or orange for flavor.

The health benefits of banana juice are that it improves energy levels and reduces stress. It also detoxifies the body, boosts immunity, aids digestion, and promotes sleep.

7. Banana puree

The pH value in natural banana puree is between 4.5 and 5.0. Banana puree is like banana juice but only thicker. It can be made by using a blender, a potato masher, or pressing the banana yourself without adding water.

You can make banana puree at home. To do this, blend or mash a ripe peeled banana with a teaspoonful of lemon or orange juice for flavor. You can then eat as desired. Banana puree is a perfect meal for babies. Mothers feed their babies banana puree instead of feeding them banana bits.

Banana puree is best eaten fresh. If there is any leftover, you should keep it in an airtight container and store it in a refrigerator.

8. Cooked banana

The pH level of cooked bananas is between 4.0 and 5.0. Cooking a banana is the best way to improve its flavor. When cooked, the banana’s sugars begin to caramelize, which enhances their sweetness. It also brings out their natural flavor. A cooked banana is a healthy treat or a quick dessert.

Cooking a banana is the best way to eat an unripe banana for people who cannot eat it raw. They can eat it with any topping once it is ready. It also serves as an extra menu for your food timetable.

Cooking a banana does not reduce its nutritional benefits. You can get all the benefits gotten from ripe or unripe bananas from cooked bananas. Read also about the benefits of drinking Biofit tea.

Are Bananas Acidic or Basic in Nature?

The acidity or basicity of bananas depends on the ripeness of the fruit. When unripe, bananas have a pH of 4.5 to 5.2 which is acidic in nature. A ripe banana has a pH of 6.5 to 6.6 which makes the banana less acidic.

Malic acid, oxalic acid, and citric acid are the acidic constituents of a banana. People suffering from acid reflux are often advised to eat bananas.

Due to their pH value being closer to the natural range, bananas are always considered alkaline in nature.

How to determine the pH of a banana?

To determine the pH of a banana, you will need indicators. By changing the color of the solution, indicators aid in pH analysis.

Each indicator has an acidic and an alkaline color, as well as a certain pH at which it changes color. These color variations indicate whether the banana is acidic or basic.

At different pH levels, the universal indicator produces distinct colors. Its colors range from red for highly acidic to purple for highly alkaline solutions.

If you wish to determine the pH level of a banana, follow the procedures below.

• The first step is to wash and remove the excess water from the banana with clean paper or a towel.
• The banana should now be split into two halves and placed on a platter.
• Slice a small piece of pH paper and press it firmly against the banana’s cut surface.
• When color appears on the pH paper, compare it to the usual color indicators to determine the banana’s pH level

Once all this is complete, you can then know what type of banana is good for your health.

pH Values of Common Foods and Ingredients

Conclusion

Bananas are very popular and a lot of people eat them. There are hundreds of banana varieties that exist in the world. People ask questions about the nutritional value, acidity, and ripeness of bananas.

There are different types of bananas. These bananas provide different health benefits to different people. You should know the pH levels of a banana before you consume them.

Bananas can cause digestive issues and stomach disorders if you do not eat the one with the right level of ph. i.e., Ripe bananas cause stooling in pregnant women while green bananas do not. This means that an unripe banana is the best type of banana for pregnant women.

To get the best health benefits bananas to provide, you need to determine and know their pH level. This will help you know the type of banana that is edible for you.

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