Green Banana


Musa paradisiaca

Evidence: Moderate

We use Green Banana in the All-in-One Gut Essentials because it is rich in fermentable resistant starch. The starches refined from unripe green bananas are unable to be digested by the human body and therefore pass unabsorbed into the colon, where they are fermented by gut bacteria. This process generates short-chain fatty acids, contributing to reduced gut inflammation and supporting intestinal barrier integrity for improved digestive well-being. The growth of these bacteria also promotes a balanced microbial ecosystem.

There are 58 peer-reviewed scientific studies on this ingredient.

Selected Study:

Chen Z, Liang N, Zhang H, Li H, Guo J, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wang Y, Shi N. Resistant starch and the gut microbiome: Exploring beneficial interactions and dietary impacts. Food Chem X. 2024 Jan 3;21:101118. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101118. PMID: 38282825; PMCID: PMC10819196.

Study summary:

Study type: 2024 narrative review in Journal Food Chemistry X surveying cell, animal and human studies on Resistant Starch (RS).

Participants: No new trial; the authors compile dozens of published RCTs and mechanistic papers that together include hundreds of volunteers.

Observed benefits (human data):
  • Colonic fermentation of RS boosts butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids, improving gut-barrier integrity and dampening inflammation.
  • Several RCTs show greater satiety, higher energy expenditure and modest weight- or fat-loss when RS replaces rapidly digestible starch.
  • Lower post-meal glucose and better insulin sensitivity, driven by SCFA-triggered GLP-1 and PYY release.
  • Emerging signals for improved lipids and blood pressure, but data are still limited.
Mechanisms summarized:
  1. RS resists small-intestinal digestion, reaching the colon intact and serving as a substrate for fermentative microbes that create butyrate, acetate and propionate.
  2. SCFAs tighten epithelial junctions, modulate immune cells and stimulate appetite-regulating hormones, explaining metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.
  3. RS selectively enriches Bifidobacteria and other beneficial taxa, crowding out pathogens.
Side effects / tolerability: The authors note individual variability; rapid RS increases can cause transient gas, bloating or loose stools until the microbiota adapts, so a gradual ramp-up with adequate fluids is advised. Severe adverse events were not reported.
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