Tooth decay, nerve damage, respiratory problems, abdominal pain, hypersensitivity, ragweed allergy, constipation, risk of type 2 diabetes, gas, drowsiness and weight gain are some of the side effects of bananas for babies.

Bananas are one among those fruits in the world that have a lot of health benefits, be it to ward off any physiological or psychological trouble. For a lot of people, bananas are one of their favourite fruits and they can go one after another. But we often do not think of its side effects that it may have on our babies. Despite their enormous number of health benefits, there are a number of side effects that these bananas may have on your child and it is imperatively important for you to know and be aware of these possible effects.

Banana for Babies: 11 Astonishing Side Effects

Tooth decay

Bananas are high in starch and can lead to serious tooth decay in case, proper dental hygiene is not maintained. In comparison to chocolates, chewing gum and red Licorice, bananas can be more harmful than all of these for oral health. Starches take quite a lot of time to dissolve and the particles rest between the teeth for about two hours, which further attracts more bacteria and leading to cavities.

Nerve damage

Overconsumption of bananas can lead to nerve damage because of the high amount of Vitamin B6 present in it. Although, the possibility of nerve damage through banana consumption is very rare, except for the fact when one is a bodybuilder or is participating in a banana eating competition.

Respiratory problems

Inflammation is just another problem associated with it. It can constrict airways and can lead to respiratory problems.  This can further lead to difficulty in breathing as well as swallowing.

Abdominal pain

It is pretty easy for one to end up with a severe stomach pain if the bananas are not ripe enough. Nausea is just another problem that one can come across with, along with abdominal pain. This is because unripe bananas are high in starch, which is why takes your body pretty long time to digest the same. You may also experience diarrhoea or vomiting.

Hypersensitivity (In patients allergic to Latex)

Individuals who are allergic to latex often display hypersensitivity to bananas. Wheezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy throat and watery eyes are some of the common symptoms associated with this allergy.

Ragweed allergy

This is a condition that causes your immune system to react when you inhale ragweed pollen grains. A lot of people suffering from this allergy show symptoms such as swollen lips, swollen tongue or irritated throat etc. In fact, people who are already suffering from this allergy experience similar symptoms upon handling of bananas or even on its consumption.

Constipation

A lot of people believe that bananas aid bowel movements, but it depends on how ripe the bananas are. In case of unripe or green bananas that are rich in starches, can increase the risk of constipation. Unripe bananas contain heavy doses of tannic acid, which obstructs the secretion of the gastrointestinal fluid. Whereas, a ripe banana can help to alleviate constipation.

Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Overconsumption of foods with high glycemic index can lead to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, you should regulate the intake of bananas. Overripe bananas have a higher glycemic index as compared to regular bananas.

Gas

Bananas contain soluble fiber and fructose, both of which can lead to gas. In case, the intake of fiber is increased on a sudden basis, or you start to consume bananas in huge amounts, your large intestine will require a lot of effort to break down the fiber, which can thus lead to gas.

Drowsiness

Generally, people believe that beginning a day with a banana is a great idea. Well, perhaps, it is not! Bananas can make you feel drowsy even if the day has just started. Bananas are rich in tryptophan that can reduce the mental performance and reaction time. Bananas also consist of a mineral that can help to aid muscle relaxation.

Weight gain

Bananas have comparatively lesser calories than a box of cookies, but even then, bananas have quite enough calories to make you put on your baby’s weight. Thus, in case your baby is already overweight, then it may not be a good choice. You can rather rely on fruits and b=veggies with high water content like strawberries, cucumber, watermelon, peaches etc.

Although, all possible side effects of bananas for babies have been listed above, but there is no denying of the fact that eating by keeping a check on the ripe and unripe bananas and eating them in moderate quantities will not prove to be detrimental for your baby’s health. There are equal number of benefits a banana has and there is no denying of the fact of its nutritional benefits, you just have to let your baby consume it in right quantities.