Surprising research reveals why you shouldn't add bananas to your smoothies
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- University of California - Davis researchers find banana-based smoothies reduce flavanol absorption by 84% compared to a control capsule
- Bananas exhibit high polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, which degrades flavanols in mixed berry smoothies when blended
- Flavanols from low-PPO berry smoothies are absorbed at levels comparable to a supplement control, preserving their health benefits
Why it matters: Smoothie drinkers lose up to 84% of flavanol benefits when combining bananas with berries, undermining efforts to boost heart and cognitive health through diet. This changes how nutritionists may advise on fruit pairings for maximum nutrient uptake.
