A recent study suggests that bananas, a common smoothie ingredient, may reduce the nutritional benefits of other ingredients like blueberries. The study found that bananas contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which can break down polyphenols, beneficial compounds found in fruits and vegetables.

Understanding the Study

The study, published in the journal Food & Function, analyzed food absorption in eight healthy men. The participants drank either a banana smoothie, a mixed berry smoothie, or took flavan-3-ol capsules with milk. Blood tests showed that people absorbed about 84% fewer beneficial plant compounds after drinking the banana smoothie than after taking the flavan-3-ol capsules.

According to Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical scientist, the PPO enzyme in bananas can break down polyphenols, which are beneficial for gut, heart, and brain health. However, not all beneficial compounds in blueberries will be eliminated by bananas, as the fruit contains many other polyphenols, including anthocyanins.

Expert Opinions

Registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein notes that the study’s findings are interesting but do not tell the whole story. She points out that the study included only eight participants and has not yet been replicated. Muhlstein also notes that researchers used a standardized cocoa-derived flavanol supplement instead of whole fruits, which may be absorbed differently by the body.

Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco agrees that the findings do not mean everyone should avoid bananas. She emphasizes that nutrition advice should be individualized, and someone who eats mostly fast food should focus on replacing processed foods with fruits and vegetables, while someone with a more advanced nutrition plan may benefit from limiting high-carb, high-sugar fruits like bananas.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.