Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason – they’re sweet, they’re creamy, and they’re packed with nutrients. But what about their nutritional value? Are bananas alkaline or acidic?
Bananas are often considered a “healthy” food, but what many people don’t know is that they can be acidic or alkaline. So, which is it? Are they alkaline or acidic? Read on to find out.
Are Bananas Acidic or Alkaline?
At first glance, the answer to this question might seem like a simple one: bananas must be acidic, right? After all, they are most often eaten as a sweet dessert or snack, and their tart flavor suggests that they are acidic in nature.
So, where do bananas fall on this spectrum? Are they acidic or alkaline? Although bananas are often thought of as being acidic, they are actually quite alkaline. In fact, Dr. Sebi includes bananas on his list of approved alkaline foods.
However, according to Dr. Sebi, not all bananas are alkaline and indeed some banana are more acidic than others. The recommended banana variety are burro bananas and baby bananas. According to Dr. Sebi these bananas are natural, non-hybrid, with seeds and alkaline.
Dr. Sebi is a world-renowned healer who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve optimum health. One of the cornerstone beliefs of his teachings is that the human body is designed to function properly in an alkaline state. Therefore, he recommends that people consume mostly alkaline foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and avoid acidic foods, such as meat and dairy.
Related:
Are Bananas Alkaline-forming?
Bananas are technically considered to be alkaline, but some are more alkaline than others. However, it is worthy to note that most bananas are alkaline-forming when ingested except for a few.
As we would later learn in this article, some bananas like burros have an alkalizing effect on the body. There’s also some evidence that the fermentation of these bananas can create alkaline compounds. So, bananas are alkaline-forming, and potentially have an alkalizing effect on the body.
Are Green Bananas Alkaline?
The answer is no, green bananas are not all that alkaline. The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is alkaline. Green bananas have a pH of 6.5 – 6.7, which makes them slightly acidic.
However, when they ripen, the pH increases. This makes ripe bananas almost neutral or alkaline on the pH scale. While green bananas are not technically alkaline, they are very close to being neutral.
Are Ripe Bananas Alkaline?
Ripe bananas have a pH of around 6.7 to 7.4, making them alkaline. The acidity level in bananas changes as they ripen. When a banana is unripe, it contains a higher level of acidity than when it is ripe. This is why unripe bananas have a strong, astringent flavor, while ripe bananas are sweeter and more mellow. The difference in acidity levels is due to the changing levels of enzymes in the fruit.
Whether you prefer your bananas ripe and sweet or green and unripe, one thing remains constant: they’re definitely not acidic.

Are Overripe Bananas Acidic?
As a banana overripens, the enzymes break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars and even alcohol, resulting in a higher overall acidity level. So if you’re looking for a less acidic banana, make sure to avoid overripe ones.
Table 1: Banana type Alkalinity
Banana Type (Burros) | Alkalinity | pH |
Green Bananas | Slightly acidic | 6.5 |
Ripe bananas | Alkaline | 7.3 |
Overripe bananas | Acidic | 5.8 |
Raw Bananas vs Boiled vs Fried vs Baked: Which is More Alkaline?
Which banana is more alkaline – raw or cooked? When it comes to bananas, the answer isn’t so simple. While raw bananas are more alkaline than cooked bananas, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for people who are trying to follow an alkaline diet.
Raw bananas are the most alkaline option, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for everyone. Raw bananas are high in resistant starch, which can be protective of the gut. However, raw bananas may be difficult for some people to digest and may cause bloating and gas.
Boiled bananas are slightly less alkaline than raw bananas, but they’re still a good option for people on an alkaline diet. Boiling helps to break down the resistant starch in bananas, making them easier to digest. In addition, boiling make some nutrients more bioavailable.
Ultimately, cooking methods like frying can impact the alkalinity of foods in a negative way.
Here’s a closer look at the different ways you can prepare bananas and how each one affects their alkalinity levels.
Table 2: Raw and Cooked Banana Alkalinity
Banana Prep Type | Method | Alkalinity |
Raw Banana | Raw | Most Alkaline |
Cooked Banana | Boiled | Moderately alkaline |
Baked | Slightly alkaline | |
Fried | Least alkaline |
Related:
What Type of Banana is Alkaline?
There are many different types of bananas, but not all of them are alkaline. The most alkaline bananas are burros and baby bananas. Burro banana, also known as Saba, Bluggoe, Orinoco, Horse, Largo and Hog bananas are shorter, sturdier and more block-like or square in shape than regular common (cavendish) bananas. In general, the more natural a banana variety is, the more alkaline it will be.
Cavendish bananas, which are the type most commonly found in supermarkets, have a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. So if you’re looking for an alkaline banana, you’ll want to go for the burro variety.
R
Why Are Burro Bananas Alkaline?
The answer has to do with their nutrient levels. Burro bananas are very natural (the most natural pf the bunch out there), they contain seeds, and have not been artificially hybridised. Their molecular structure has not been tampered with and as such, are packed with the most vitamins and minerals.
Burros are high in potassium, which is a key electrolyte for maintaining pH balance in the body. They’re also low in sodium, another important electrolyte. This combination helps to keep the body’s alkaline pH levels in check, preventing acidosis.
In addition, burro bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to elimination toxins from the body.
So even though our tongues might tell us that bananas are sour, the truth is that these delicious fruits are actually quite alkaline-forming when ingested.
Banana Type Alkalinity
There are many different types of bananas, but the most popular varieties in the United States are Cavendish, Plantain, and Red Dacca. Each type of banana has its own unique flavor and texture. For instance, Cavendish bananas are typically sweet and creamy, while plantains have a starchy taste that is often compared to potatoes. Red Dacca bananas, on the other hand, are both sweet and tart.
In addition to their different flavors, each type of banana also has a different level of alkalinity. For example, Cavendish bananas have a pH level of 4.5-5.2, making them slightly acidic. Plantains, on the other hand, have a pH level of 5.6-6.0, making them neutral. Red Dacca bananas fall somewhere in between, with a pH level of 5.3-5.8.
Table 3: Banana Types and their Alkalinity
Banana Variety | Alkalinity | pH | |
Apple bananas | moderately acidic | 5.8 | |
Baby Banana | moderately alkaline | 7.3 | |
Burro Banana | moderately alkaline | 7.6 | |
Cavendish Banana | moderately acidic | 5.5 | |
Plantain bananas | Slightly acidic | 6.5 | |
Red Bananas | Slightly acidic | 6.2 |
Read More:
- Are Baby Bananas The Same As Burro Bananas?
- Health Benefits Of Burro Bananas
- 22 Best Places to Buy Organic Burro Bananas in 2022
- How to Store Burro Bananas to Last Longer, Fresher [10 Tips]
- How Do You Know When Burro Bananas Are Ripe?
Green vs Ripe Banana Alkalinity
There is some debate over which between green and ripe bananas have greater alkalinity. On one hand, many people argue that green bananas are more alkaline, since they contain more chlorophyll and other nutrients that can help to balance out natural acidity. However, others point to the higher sugar content in ripe bananas as evidence of their greater alkalinity.
In reality, green bananas have greater alkalinity than ripe burros.
However, whether you choose to enjoy them green or ripe, you stand to get all the benefits these versatile fruits can offer.
What kind of Banana is Good for Acid Reflux
For those who suffer from acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be a tricky one. While there are a number of foods that are known to trigger acid reflux, there are also some that can help to relieve symptoms.
Generally, foods high in alkalinity help relieve symptoms. And one such foods is bananas. However, more alkaline bananas help better with acidic reflux. Hence, burro bananas will help better with acid reflux.
Burros are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to reduce stomach acids. They are also low in acidity, making them less likely to trigger heartburn. So, be sure to include burro or baby bananas into your diet.
As an added bonus, burro bananas are also a good source of potassium, which can help to reduce stomach cramps.
Final Notes
Bananas are often thought of as an alkaline food, but not all bananas are alkaline. Burro bananas are considered more alkaline. This means they have an effect on the body’s pH levels and help to restore balance.
As with any food, it’s important to focus on eating a variety of alkaline fruits and vegetables to get the most benefit them.
Leave a Reply