If you had to guess the favourite fruit of Dan Buettner, longevity expert, member of National Geographic and founder of Blue Zones, what would it be? You might think of those packed with antioxidants, such as blueberries rich in anthocyanins (that’s what gives them their purple pigment), pomegranates packed with flavanols, or oranges, which are vitamin C powerhouses. And while these options are certainly important as part of a balanced diet, the top spot actually goes to a lunchbox classic: the banana.
In the mindbodygreen podcast, Buettner explains why he’s such a fan, and we’ve collected the details below.
The benefits of bananas for longevity.
According to Buettner’s anthropological research, fruit accounts for about 9% of the diet of centenarians residing in the Nicoya Peninsula, a blue zone in Costa Rica. Bananas are a staple in this category, offering a variety of health benefits that can vary depending on the degree of ripeness:
Green, or less ripe, bananas contain resistant starch and pectins, which function as prebiotics in the gut.
Yellow bananas lose some of this starch, which turns into simple sugars (which is why ripe bananas are sweeter). They also contain soluble and insoluble fibre, with about 3 grams per average banana.
Finally, brown bananas contain the highest amount of simple sugars (most of their starch has turned into sugars); they also have the highest levels of antioxidants.
Nutrition facts aside, the biggest reason Buettner appreciates bananas is because, well, they’re convenient. “They come in their own packaging!” he says. And practically speaking, bananas are affordable, enjoyable (assuming you like the flavor), and accessible. “The best longevity food is the food you’re going to eat,” Buettner adds, so if you have a thing for bananas? Consider them your No. 1 longevity-supporting snack.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the only fruit you should be eating, but I would say having a bowl full of fruit sitting on your table is a much better attraction than having a toaster on your counter or a bag of crisps in a clip,” he continues. “Convenience is one of the most important elements of healthy eating,” so let’s make bananas (or whatever nutritious fruit you prefer) the most available option in your kitchen, shall we?
What to remember.
Bananas are a solid choice when it comes to longevity foods, both because of their nutritional value and their convenience. Of course, bananas aren’t the only fruit Buettner loves.
