Do bananas cause constipation?

You’ve probably heard it before: bananas cause constipation. Many people believe bananas clog up your bowels, making it difficult to go to the toilet for a number two. But, is this based on scientific facts or is it just an urban myth?

Spoiler alert: it’s not true.

Myth

‘It’s an absolute myth that bananas cause constipation,’ says a representative of the Dutch nutrition centre. Bananas are full of vitamins and they also contain a lot of fibre, which we need in our diet to aid bowel movement and digestion. The dietary fibres in bananas aren’t digested by the small intestine but are rather taken to the colon to aid digestion in there. Therefore, bananas have a great and positive impact on your overall digestion.

Constipation

Claims that bananas cause constipation are absolutely false. However, these claims may be caused by a few other problems regarding your bowel movement in relation to bananas. Bananas that just aren’t ripe yet contain a lot of indigestible starch. Starches are good for the digestion, as they are fibres. However, your bowels may have difficulty processing so many at the same time.

Gas

At the same time, bananas can cause gasses to release during the fermentation process. This can make you feel bloated and windy. Whilst this is no fun, it won’t do you any harm and it does not mean you are actually constipated.

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Source: Margriet | Image: Free Stock Photos