Impact of Bananas on Nutrient Absorption Highlights Important Role of Food Combinations
Adding a banana to a smoothie alters how much nutrition from other foods your body absorbs, according to new research. The study emphasizes the influence of food combinations on the absorption of dietary compounds.
Role of Flavanols in Health
Flavanols are bioactive compounds associated with better heart and brain health. They are found in foods such as apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, and grapes.
Effect of Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO)
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is an enzyme naturally present in many fruits and vegetables. It influences the body's ability to absorb flavanols. PPO causes some fruits to brown when cut, due to its reaction with oxygen.
Research Focus on Smoothie Combinations
Researchers investigated whether PPO activity impacts how much flavanols are absorbed when fruits are blended in smoothies. Javier Ottaviani, lead author and director of the Core Laboratory at Mars Edge (Mars, Inc.) and adjunct researcher at the University of California, Davis, explained:
“We sought to understand, on a very practical level, how a common food and food preparation like a banana-based smoothie could affect the availability of flavanols to be absorbed after intake."
Summary
This study reveals that the combination of foods, such as bananas in smoothies, can significantly alter nutrient absorption, highlighting the complexity of dietary effects.
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