Banana acidic or alkaline? Well, it depends.

Store-bought ones often have a pH of 4.50 5.20, which is somewhat acidic. Burro bananas, on the other hand, have an alkaline pH of 7.6.

Because bananas tend to change towards a more alkaline pH value as they develop, the green type is believed to be more acidic than the mature version. Their acidity also changes during cooking.

There are lots of things to cover or peel off. So lets get started.

pH Values of Bananas

Ripe bananas have a pH that varies between acidic and alkaline, ranging from 4.50 to 7.6 depending on the variety.

A pH scale determines whether a chemical (such as a banana) is acidic or alkaline. It’s a chemical detector for hydronium and hydrogen ions, having a 0 to 14 scale. Acid potency ranges from 0 to 7, with 0 being the most potent.

Blueberries, for example, are acidic due to their low pH of roughly 3.33. A base or an alkaline substance is any chemical with a pH between 7 and 14. A chemical with a pH of 7 is regarded as neutral, such as popcorn.

However, the acidity of bananas, in particular, varies as they grow. Their acidity is stronger while they are green, with a pH range of 4.4 to 5.5. This explains why mature yellow ones taste sweeter and more mellow, but green ones taste sourer.

pH Values of Different Banana Types

This tropical fruit comes in over a thousand distinct types, each with a varying amount of acidity. Although it is hard to know the pH value of every kind, looking at the most prevalent ones may be useful.

The Cavendish kind is the most common in supermarkets, with a pH of roughly 5.5, making it somewhat acidic. Apple bananas have a pH of 5.8, making them extremely acidic. Red ones have a higher pH, hanging about 6.2, while plantains have an even higher pH, hovering around 6.5.

Burro and baby bananas are the best low acidity performers. They have very high pH readings. Burros have a pH of 7.6, whereas the latter has a pH of 7.3.

Do Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

They do not. In fact, they may be quite beneficial in reducing acid reflux. Let’s have a look at how.

Acid reflux is a digestive condition. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to completely close, stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The symptoms include a burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest, followed by bloating and nausea.

So, how may these lovely yellow fruits aid in the relief of the burning sensation? The high potassium content of this fruit is supposed to aid digestion and prevent acids from entering the esophagus. Furthermore, its soluble and insoluble fiber boosts metabolism. They also include vitamin B, which helps with esophageal strength.

Overall, they aid in the preservation of the stomach lining by stimulating the creation of mucus, which serves as a buffer against stomach acids. Additionally, the protease inhibitors present in these fruits fight some harmful germs in the stomach. Because of their properties, they may be used as a natural antacid to treat acid reflux.

Can Overripe Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

Overripe enzymes transform complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, increasing the acidity of ripe fruits. A ripe banana has a pH of about 5.8, indicating that it is somewhat acidic.

Fortunately, they are not harmful to your heartburn if consumed in moderation, unlike other acidic foods such as lemons (pH up to 2.6).

If you are worried about acid reflux, you should avoid overripe bananas.

Can Cooked Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

It all depends on how you prepare it. When consumed uncooked, they are the most alkaline. However, digesting raw bananas may be difficult, and you may feel bloated and gassy as a result. If you must cook them, the best approach is to boil them. Boiling the starch breaks it down, making it simpler to digest.

Avoid cooking them since they have the greatest influence on your acidity levels.

Which Banana Is the Best for Acid Reflux?

To begin, avoid unripe or overripe ones. Green bananas, in particular, have been linked to bloating and gas, which may ultimately lead to acid reflux.

Instead, eat them when they’re ripe, and if they’re burros, even better. Burros are high in potassium, an electrolyte that is necessary for maintaining the body’s pH equilibrium.

They also include trace amounts of sodium, another vital electrolyte. This combination keeps the body’s pH alkaline, avoiding acidity. Burros are also high in dietary fiber, which aids in the removal of toxins from the body.

You may attempt to ease your acid reflux symptoms with them, but excessive ingestion might induce bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort owing to their high insoluble fiber content.

Conclusion

You may find these fruits more appetizing now that you know they are alkaline. However, keep in mind that they are not all equally alkaline. Take it easy and eat some baby (pH 7.3) or burro bananas (pH 7.6). Keep in mind that green apples are more acidic than ripe ones.

Cooking them enhances their acidity, however boiling may aid digestion. Avoid fried ones since they will most likely cause heartburn.

Finally, take them in moderation rather than in excess. They are an excellent smoothie addition and may help balance the pH levels of other acidic fruits such as strawberries.