Unripe Banana – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 10 min read
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An Unripe banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a berry produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called "plantains", distinguishing them from dessert bananas. The fruit is variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

An Unripe banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a berry produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called "plantains", distinguishing them from dessert bananas. The fruit is variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind, which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Nutritional value of Bananas, raw in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

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  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
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2

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Definition

An Unripe banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a berry produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called “plantains”, distinguishing them from dessert bananas. The fruit is variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind, which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant. Almost all modern edible seedless (parthenocarp) bananas come from two wild species – Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. The scientific names of most cultivated bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, and Musa × paradisiaca for the hybrid Musa acuminata × M. balbisiana, depending on their genomic constitution. The old scientific name for this hybrid, Musa sapientum, is no longer used.

Raw Banana Quick Facts
Name: Raw Banana
Scientific Name: Musa acuminata Colla.
Origin Southeast Asia and Australia
Colors White to cream
Shapes Elongated, cylindrical and slightly curved
Flesh colors White to cream
Calories 134 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients Vitamin B6 (42.31%)
Carbohydrate (26.35%)
Manganese (17.61%)
Vitamin C (14.56%)
Copper (13.00%)

Raw bananas are used to make scrumptious meals. It is used in northern part of the country to make curries, koftas, pakoras and kebabs. In South India, raw banana chips. It could be boiled, steamed, batter fried, stir-fried, deep fried, mashed, curried and stuffed in salads. The fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. Nutritionists say that green bananas are high in fiber and are helpful for people with digestive and bowel problems. It is helpful for people suffering from constipation and IBS. It has potassium which acts as vasodilator. Potassium regulates the level of blood pressure. Green bananas have high content of protopectin which gives off methylene gas and convert starch into digestible fiber.

Name Raw Banana
Scientific Name Musa acuminata Colla.
Native Southeast Asia and Australia
Common/English Name Green banana, Kaccha kela, Vaayaka, Plantain Banana
Fruit shape & size Elongated, cylindrical and slightly curved
Fruit weight 125 and 200 grams
Flesh color White to cream
Fruit peel Thick, smooth, and green
Texture Fibrous
Flavor/aroma Semi-bitter, starchy-tart
Seed Tiny, infertile
Major Nutritions Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.55 mg (42.31%)
Carbohydrate 34.26 g (26.35%)
Manganese, Mn 0.405 mg (17.61%)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 13.1 mg (14.56%)
Copper, Cu 0.117 mg (13.00%)
Potassium, K 537 mg (11.43%)
Total dietary Fiber 3.9 g (10.26%)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.501 mg (10.02%)
Magnesium, Mg 40 mg (9.52%)
Histidine 0.116 g (9.42%)
Calories in 1 cup, sliced (150 g)

Nutritional value of Bananas, raw

Serving Size:1 cup, sliced, 150 g

Calories 134 Kcal. Calories from Fat 4.41 Kcal.

Proximity Amount % DV
Water 112.36 g N/D
Energy 134 Kcal N/D
Energy 556 kJ N/D
Protein 1.64 g 3.28%
Total Fat (lipid) 0.49 g 1.40%
Ash 1.23 g N/D
Carbohydrate 34.26 g 26.35%
Total dietary Fiber 3.9 g 10.26%
Total Sugars 18.34 g N/D
Sucrose 3.58 g N/D
Glucose (dextrose) 7.47 g N/D
Fructose 7.28 g N/D
Maltose 0.01 g N/D
Starch 8.07 g N/D
Minerals Amount % DV
Calcium, Ca 8 mg 0.80%
Iron, Fe 0.39 mg 4.88%
Magnesium, Mg 40 mg 9.52%
Phosphorus, P 33 mg 4.71%
Potassium, K 537 mg 11.43%
Sodium, Na 2 mg 0.13%
Zinc, Zn 0.23 mg 2.09%
Copper, Cu 0.117 mg 13.00%
Manganese, Mn 0.405 mg 17.61%
Selenium, Se 1.5 µg 2.73%
Fluoride 3.3 µg 0.08%
Vitamins Amount % DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.047 mg 3.92%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.109 mg 8.38%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.998 mg 6.24%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.501 mg 10.02%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.55 mg 42.31%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 30 µg 7.50%
Folate, food 30 µg N/D
Folate, DEF 30 µg N/D
Choline 14.7 mg 2.67%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 13.1 mg 14.56%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE 4 µg 0.57%
Vitamin A, IU 96 IU N/D
Beta Carotene 39 µg N/D
Alpha Carotene 38 µg N/D
Betaine 0.1 mg N/D
Lutein + zeaxanthin 33 µg N/D
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.15 mg 1.00%
Tocopherol, beta 0.03 mg N/D
Tocopherol, gamma 0.01 mg N/D
Tocopherol, delta 0.09 mg N/D
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 0.8 µg 0.67%
Lipids Amount % DV
Fatty acids, total saturated 0.168 g N/D
capric acid 10:00 (decanoic acid) 0.002 g N/D
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 12:00 0.003 g N/D
Myristic acid  14:00(Tetradecanoic acid) 0.003 g N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) 0.153 g N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) 0.007 g N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 0.048 g N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) 0.015 g N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) 0.033 g N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 0.109 g N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) 0.069 g N/D
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) 0.041 g N/D
Phytosterols 24 mg N/D
Amino acids Amount % DV
Tryptophan 0.013 g 2.95%
Threonine 0.042 g 2.39%
Isoleucine 0.042 g 2.51%
Leucine 0.102 g 2.76%
Lysine 0.075 g 2.24%
Methionine 0.012 g N/D
Cystine 0.013 g N/D
Phenylalanine 0.074 g N/D
Tyrosine 0.013 g N/D
Valine 0.07 g 3.31%
Arginine 0.074 g N/D
Histidine 0.116 g 9.42%
Alanine 0.06 g N/D
Aspartic acid 0.186 g N/D
Glutamic acid 0.228 g N/D
Glycine 0.057 g N/D
Proline 0.042 g N/D
Serine 0.06 g N/D
Flavan-3-ols Amount % DV
(+)-Catechin 9.2 mg N/D
Flavonols Amount % DV
Kaempferol 0.2 mg N/D
Quercetin 0.1 mg N/D
Proanthocyanidin Amount % DV
Proanthocyanidin dimers 0.6 mg N/D
Proanthocyanidin trimers 0.6 mg N/D
Proanthocyanidin 4-6mers 2.8 mg N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Raw Bananas

Raw banana offers various health benefits such as:

  1. Potassium content

Raw bananas have a high content of potassium. Bananas (small) offer 362 milligrams of potassium and medium bananas offer 422 milligrams of the mineral. Large bananas offer 487 milligrams of potassium i.e. more than 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of 4700 milligrams for healthy adults.

  1. Rich in fiber

Green bananas are a great source of fiber which has a crucial role in promoting digestive health and heart health. A serving of 100 grams offers 2.6 grams of fiber which adds bulk to the stool, ensures bowel regularity, and facilitates smooth digestion. Fiber manages cholesterol levels which lower the chances of stroke and attack. Fiber-rich foods ease the digestion process. The intake of raw bananas helps to control levels of cholesterol keeping the heart healthy and lowering the chances of stroke.

  1. Healthy heart

Green bananas are rich in potassium. Serving size of 1 cup offers 531 milligrams of potassium which has a crucial role in the functioning of kidneys. Potassium acts as a vasodilator that ensures healthy blood pressure levels.

  1. Healthy weight

Green bananas have dietary fiber which takes a long time to digest and induce the feeling of fullness and satiety. It helps to fulfill the cravings.

  1. Vitamin content

Green bananas have vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C and Vitamin B6 which facilitate the absorption of minerals and nutrients such as calcium. Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It enhances immunity and encompasses antioxidants that prevent free radical damage. Vitamin B6 helps to convert food into energy. It is beneficial for heart health and promotes brain function.

  1. Diabetic people

Green bananas have low sugar content and 30 as glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index are easily digested, absorbed, and metabolized slowly by ensuring no surge in the levels of blood sugar. Raw bananas are recommended for diabetic patients due to their high dietary fiber content. It has a glycemic index of less than 55 which helps in maintaining the digestive tract healthy. Foods with low GI prevent spikes in levels of blood sugar.

  1. Resistant starch

Bananas in raw form is a  great source of resistant starch, a type of starch that is not broken down fully and is absorbed by the body at the time of digestion. It is converted into short-chain fatty acids by intestinal bacteria. Resistant starch maintains healthy levels of cholesterol.

  1. Stomach health

Raw bananas contain fiber that helps to prevent stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. A cup of cooked raw banana is found to be helpful. Avoid fried raw bananas as it increases the calorie intake.

  1. Healthy starch

Green bananas are loaded with resistant starch, a starch that does not break down completely or is absorbed. The starches won’t digest easily. It converts into short-chain fatty acids by intestinal bacteria.

Culinary uses

  • Raw bananas are baked, boiled, fried, stir-fried, steamed, and mashed.
  • It could be sun-dried and used in curries and stir-fries.
  • It is used to make chips and dips.
  • In India, raw bananas are dried and ground into flour.
  • It is used to make kachori, pakora, kebabs, portrayals in Southern India.
  • In Kerala, raw bananas are cooked with yams in coconut milk and are flavored with curry leaves and to make a soup known as Kalan curry.
  • Pair it with meats such as pork, chicken, fish, beef, and Indian spices such as cumin, garam masala, turmeric, mustard, bell pepper, zucchini, onion, garlic, ginger, potatoes, and yams.
  • Use the sliced raw bananas in stir fry subzis and serve it with phulkas, chapatis.
  • Basically, the steamed and grated raw bananas are flavored with lemon juice and south Indian tempering.
  • To make bhajis, peel and slice raw bananas thinly. Then dip it in besan batter and deep fry in hot oil. Serve it with coconut chutney.
  • To make chips, slice raw bananas thinly and deep fry, then season it with salt and red chili powder.
  • In Tobago and Trinidad, raw bananas are boiled, fried, or added to soups.
  • Mix the boiled raw banana with groundnut paste, onion, pepper, and palm oil to make to which is consumed with avocado pear.
  • Cooked bananas are used to make jams.

How to store

Store it in a zip lock bag in a refrigerator. The cooked and mashed bananas last for 2 days when kept in an air-tight container under refrigeration.

Precautions

  • As raw bananas are harder to digest, they should not be added to baby food.
  • People having known allergies to bananas should avoid it.

References

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
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Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
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  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

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Care roadmap for: Unripe Banana – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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