Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Is there a nutritional difference between a ripe yellow banana and an unripe green banana? Is the sugar count higher in the yellow ripe banana than the unripe banana? Does cooking bananas increase the sugar count? Thanks!” —Martin P., St. Louis, MO A. Dear Martin, The only way to eat a banana is when it is completely free of any green at the stem of the banana. The skin of the banana should indicate brown spots to show it’s in the ripe stage. At this stage the sugar content will be absorbed easily, otherwise, the unripe banana is in the starch stage and more difficult to digest. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally