Have you ever wondered why many people cut or break off the top of a banana before eating it? It is a common opinion that this part can be harmful or contaminated – bacteria and toxins accumulate in it.
But what do nutritionists really say about it? Is it really necessary to avoid eating a banana tip, or is it just a myth without any scientific basis? In this article, we will examine this question and find out if you can eat a banana with complete confidence, including its top.
Why is there a myth about the harmfulness of the banana top?
One online portal wrote about it:
“Cutting off the dark top of the banana before eating the banana is a habit that many people learned while growing up in their family. It has often been repeated to many that this part contains parasites and consumption of this part can be harmful. Most of us have heard such explanations many times. There are even videos online of bananas (especially very ripe ones) being examined under a microscope. This is said to prove that there are harmful microorganisms or other organisms in the top of the fruit. Nutrition experts unanimously agree that this is a myth.”
Can you eat the top of a banana?
The myth that the banana tip is infected with parasites was recently debunked by nutritionist Iwona Wierzbicka, who actively publishes her posts on the social network Instagram. According to her, “even if there were any living things on the black banana tip, they wouldn’t cause any problems. In fact, in every product we pick up and put under the microscope, we would find “some kind of creature”. “Living beings” are no problem for us. (…) On the other hand, studies show that children who grow up in the countryside, whose hands are often dirty, are much healthier than those who grow up in the city,” she explained.
What about the toxins in the top of the banana?
“There are no ‘lives’ in banana tops.” There are also no toxins that some advocates of cutting off the banana tip fear. This part of the fruit probably got a bad reputation because of its ugly appearance (it is black). Although the top may not look pretty, it is just as healthy and safe as the rest of the banana. Iwona Wierzbicka explained that instead of the perfectly harmless top of the banana, you should pay attention to the peel. Bananas are sprayed with various pesticides and preservatives. In addition, dangerous parasites can be found on their surface. Therefore, it is very important to wash these fruits well before eating them. Touching the pulp with the hands you used to touch the dirty peel can be dangerous to your health.
Nuotraukos @Canva, @Freepik
