Bananas Don’t Make Fruit Smoothies Unhealthy
A 2023 study found less of one polyphenol subgroup in banana smoothies, not a loss of all nutritional value.
A banana in a smoothie does not erase the drink’s health benefits, despite a burst of online warnings about polyphenol oxidase. The enzyme occurs naturally in produce and helps cause browning. Polyphenols are plant nutrients linked with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but they are not a single substance.
The study behind the social-media claims involved 19 men and compared smoothies with bananas against fruit-only versions. Banana smoothies provided smaller amounts of one polyphenol category, flavan-3-ols. The research was funded by Mars, Inc. That finding does not mean bananas wipe out every polyphenol or turn a smoothie into a poor choice.
A varied eating pattern still supplies many kinds of plant nutrients. The smoothie also keeps its fiber, vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. Nutrition advisor Abby Langer said the result should not create fear around combining fruit. She also cautioned against swapping fresh produce for supplements promoted as superior by questionable health websites.
- Polyphenol oxidase is the enzyme involved in fruit browning.
- The research was published in 2023.
- The trial included 19 men.
- Researchers measured flavan-3-ols, one polyphenol subgroup.
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