Why You Should Never Eat Too Many Bananas

There’s nothing more appealing than a fresh, ripe banana. Whether you enjoy it sliced up over your morning cereal or blended into a smoothie, bananas are a popular and delicious fruit that many people scoff on a regular basis.

However, as with most things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. That’s, sadly, the case with bananas, where over-consumption can lead to some unpleasant side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you need to watch how many bananas you eat.

8 reasons why you shouldn’t eat too many bananas

1. Bananas can cause constipation

You might think that bananas are the perfect fruit to keep you regular, but eating too many can actually have the opposite effect. Unripe or slightly green bananas contain a lot of starch, which can be difficult to digest, thus leading to constipation.

So, while bananas are generally good for digestion, consuming too many of the “wrong” kind could make you constipated.

2. Bananas can cause potassium toxicity

We all know that bananas are a great source of potassium, but did you know that consuming too much potassium can actually be harmful?

Potassium toxicity can cause muscle weakness, nausea, and even heart arrhythmia. Now, unless you’re some kind of monkey whose diet consists solely of bananas, it’s unlikely that you’ll consume enough of them in one sitting to cause potassium toxicity, but it’s still important to be aware of the risks.

3. Bananas are high in sugar

Although the sugar content in bananas is all natural, it’s still sugar, and eating too many bananas can eventually lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. This can be especially problematic for people with diabetes or those at risk for developing it.

The riper the banana, the higher its sugar content, so if you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, your best bet is to stick with firm, barely ripe bananas.

4. You’ll gain a punch of weight

We’re told to eat lots of fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. But not all fruits are created equal, and bananas, unfortunately, have some of the highest calories out of all fruits.

While a small banana contains around 90 calories, a larger, ripe banana can contain up to 120 calories. Compare that with, say, an apple, which has around 50 calories, and you can see how eating too many bananas can lead to unwanted weight gain.

5. You’ll increase your risk of getting migraines

If you’re prone to migraines, you might want to think twice before reaching for that second banana.

Bananas contain tyramine, an amino acid that can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Although not everyone is sensitive to tyramine, if you’re prone to migraines, it’s a good idea to limit your banana intake.

6. They can interfere with medication

Believe it or not, bananas can actually interfere with certain medications.

That tyramine substance I mentioned above has been said to potentially cause blood pressure to increase. This, naturally, is problematic for individuals who are taking medication to lower their blood pressure.

In addition to that, bananas can interfere with certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, by reducing their effectiveness.

7. They can give you an upset, bloaty stomach

If you’ve ever eaten lots of bananas in one sitting, you know that it can lead to an upset stomach and bloating.

This is because bananas are high in fiber and resistant starch, which can be difficult for some people to digest. If you’re prone to digestive issues, it’s best to eat bananas in moderation.

8. You’ll be eating a lot of carbs

Bananas are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but they’re also high in carbohydrates. A medium-sized banana contains around 27 grams of carbs, which is a significant amount.

Yes, carbs are an essential part of a balanced diet, but consuming too many can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

You also need to watch out for them if you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, as they can quickly add up and kick you out of ketosis.

Wrapping up

In general, you’re not going to do too much damage by eating a banana or two a day. In fact, adding bananas to your diet, for the most part, will help it, not hurt it. Bananas are jam-packed with many of the nutrients we humans need, and can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

However, as with any food, it’s important to practice moderation and be mindful of how much you’re consuming. If you’re concerned about any of the potential risks mentioned above, consider talking to a healthcare professional to determine what’s right for you.