Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are often told not to eat bananas. But is this sound advice?
I received a question via Facebook this morning from a lovely lady who had been warned against eating bananas. After all, “they’re full of sugar” (well, that’s what many women with PCOS are told). This is an important issue, so I thought it would be the perfect topic for today’s blog post.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons! Let’s see where this statement comes from, and whether there are any real and valid concerns about those banana eating women out there (like myself!)
Bananas are perhaps the most well-liked fun fruit in the world. They are oddly shaped, brightly coloured, and remarkably tasty! They are high in fibre and composed of natural sugars which provide important energy for life. But, what else?
Blood Pressure Regulator
It is not uncommon for women with PCOS to have high blood pressure. Bananas are great for this. They contain low amounts of sodium, or salt, and are also high in potassium and magnesium.
Great for Digestion
The high fibre content of bananas and the natural mineral relaxer, magnesium, are a natural remedy to ease and prevent constipation. Better digestive function is also important for weight loss, hormonal balance (especially oestrogen), insulin sensitivity, and optimal digestion and absorption of the nutrients in our foods and drinks.
Note – If you suffer from constipation, there are two things you should know. Women with PCOS have been found to have lower blood levels of magnesium. This is important to address, through foods such as bananas. Poor thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is also more common in PCOS and can cause constipation. To find out more about hypothyroidism, click here now.
Quit Smoking with Bananas
If you have PCOS, stop smoking! You already have an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
And…
This fabulous fruit can do it all! It is chock full of vitamins B12 and B6 which are noted agents that help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Smokers who are trying to quit may be told by their healthcare providers to eat lots of bananas!
Other Important Benefits Of The Magnesium Found In Bananas
This critical nutrient is also important for helping other common PCOS signs and symptoms. Think depression and muscle cramps and pain.
What Other Great Benefits Does The Humble Banana Offer For Women With PCOS?
Bananas are natural and come ‘pre-packed’ in a much safer wrapping than many other snacks. They are quick and easy to take with you.
They are importantly low glycaemic load. The sugar contained within them does not wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels. If you are still concerned about the sugar, choose less ripe bananas and eat them with some protein (like some nuts) as protein helps to moderate blood sugar fluctuations.
They are yummy, versatile and even feel a little naughty. We all need that occasionally 🙂
Oh, and just so you know, I lost 10kg in 10weeks while eating a banana a day.
Add bananas to your food plan and enjoy them regularly. After all, they are delicious and oh, so good for you!
(I think bananas are one of the best fruits for PCOS… but I may be a little biased)
From PCOS to perfect health, with love,
Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com
P.S. Do I see any cons in eating bananas? Absolutely not. Like any foods, don’t gorge yourself as food has calories and calories add up. Are they great for you? Absolutely, so enjoy
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Hi! great post, Dr Harwin! I’m a 26 year old female, who has been suffering from PCOS for the past 12 years. Been to some 6 nutritionists and 3 different gynaecologists over the span of this period. Each one of them has banned fruits such as banana and mangoes for life. They say that women who have PCOS need fruits with less sugar such as apples and berries. I really love both mangoes and bananas, as mangoes are part of my tropical Indian heritage and kind of like home food for us. But wonder if I should sacrifice them to reduce my PCOS symptoms. Would love to know your thoughts.
Hi Ally,
Do a search on the homepage of this website for apples and bananas. There are articles on these. I don’t believe in eliminating fruit. Yes, we may need to be careful, but one banana has important nutrients like magnesium and potassium, plus fibre. Add some cinnamon to it, and you’ll help to moderate the blood sugar response. Also, you can eat it with some protein, say some nuts, and you’ll also blunt the blood sugar response.
I hope this helps,
Dr Rebecca Harwin.
Hello Dr. Harwin,
My daughter can have 7 bananas a day either in smoothie or by itself. She also eats a lot of dates with nuts on the same day. She has PCOS. I am concerned about the amounts of even good sugar in her diet as her face is covered in acne. Not any acne but it looks like pizza face. Can you please let me know if there should be any limitation on the sugar in fruits on daily basis?
She is vegan and doesn’t believe in restricting the portions of any foods as long as they are vegan.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Rebecca,
I came across this article while searching for PCOS and banana combination. I read a similar post of lately by some other, but well know nutritionist where she promotes eating Banana. I incorporated banana in my diet on daily basis for two week now. But yesterday i was surprised to see my blood sugar 125 on fasting and 215 post meal. I was never this high before, this made me think is this the banana effect? I am a PCOS sufferer with insulin resistance. I am not on any medication. However i am taking inositol 4g a day
Hi there,
On occasion, someone can be very reactive. What is your gut like?
Try again. And small-medium, not super ripe. Also, if you add protein (say a handful of nuts) is will help moderate and blunt the blood sugar response.
What else did you eat with that meal?
Hi Rebecca,
I have PCOS, HYPOTHYROIDISM, VATA TYPE BODY and back ache.i usually have white bleeding problem also.
Please recommend me some solutions, should I eat banana or not, and what else can I eat , keep all above problem in mind.
Cheers,
C
Hi Chetana,
I am about to release a free DVD that will really help. Plus there are many resources on this site that will answer your questions re: PCOS and hypothyroidism.
re: banana’s. I eat them regularly and feel they are a wonderful food to include for women with PCOS. They contain magnesium which women with PCOS have been commonly shown to be low in. This mineral also can help with pain.
I am not an expert in Ayurvedic medicine, so I can’t give you my opinion on that.
Warm regards.
i have pcod so can i eat banana or not?
Hi Saniya,
Sorry for the delay, I’ve been in and out of hospital.
I believe bananas are healthy for women with PCOS, especially if you eat one or less per day. There are arguments on both sides but fruit offers so much benefit.
Hi I’m 20 year old and I have PCOS but I have low blood pressure issue and also underweight, is eating 4 banana good for me ?
Hi Prajkta,
There is a small subset of women with PCOS who are petite. Usually, stress is a big issue for these women and it’s important to address.
Banana’s are wonderful for their fibre, their magnesium can help with stress, but there is no definitive right or wrong. But when you say ‘4’ I assume you mean per day? That would seem excessive.
I hope that helps?
Hi ,
I have PCOS with heavy mensutral flow for long days. I have been adviced to have gluten-free diet. Please suggest me what should I do… I dnt wanna take medicine. Can I be cured naturally. I have stress issues also.
Hi Ridhima,
I am sorry you’re struggling.
The best advice I can is to read my book, Conquer Your PCOS Naturally.
If you come and join us in our free group facebook.com/groups/conqueryourpcos/ it is in the files section. You’ll be able to download it and start reading straight away.