Fruit is often the first thing people reach for when trying to eat healthier. From morning smoothies to quick snacks during the day, fresh produce has long been linked to a balanced lifestyle and better nutrition.
Bananas in particular have become a staple in many households. They are convenient, affordable and widely recommended as a source of potassium and energy.
But a recent claim from a health specialist has sparked discussion about whether the popular fruit is as harmless as many believe.
Debate over bananas
Dr Daniel Pompa, a cellular health specialist from Utah, recently raised concerns about bananas in a video shared with his social media audience.
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Pompa, who has nearly two million followers on Instagram, frequently posts about diet and environmental health.
According to reporting by UNILAD, Pompa argued that bananas may not be as beneficial as commonly believed.
His criticism focuses less on the fruit itself and more on how it is produced and prepared for global markets.
The doctor pointed to agricultural practices used in banana farming, particularly the use of fungicides to prevent disease during growth and transport.
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Chemicals and ripening
Bananas are also often exposed to ethylene during distribution. Ethylene is a plant hormone used commercially to trigger the ripening process after the fruit has been harvested.
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ethylene occurs naturally in plants and plays a role in processes such as fruit ripening and leaf drop.
Pompa also suggested that certain starch components in bananas could worsen inflammation-related symptoms in some individuals, although mainstream nutrition guidelines generally continue to classify bananas as a healthy food.
Millions of people around the world eat bananas every day, and most health organisations still recommend fruit as part of a balanced diet.
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Sources: Unilad and Britannica
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