Banana compounds may reduce inflammation
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that banana metabolites may inhibit COX-2 mRNA expression, the same target as ibuprofen.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that banana metabolites may inhibit COX-2 mRNA expression, the same target as ibuprofen. The study, “Metabolic recovery from heavy exertion following banana compared to sugar beverage or water only ingestion: A randomized, crossover trial,” contrasted banana ingestion during exercise to water alone or a 6% sugar beverage, which is similar to a sports drink.
Using a randomized, crossover, counterbalanced approach, 20 cyclists engaged in four 75 km time trials with a two-week washout period in between. For each trial, the cyclists fasted the night before and then ingested one of the following: a Cavendish banana, a mini-yellow banana, a 6% sugar beverage, or water only. The two bananas have similar carbohydrate content but the mini-yellow bananas have 63% more polyphenols. Carbohydrate intake was set at 0.2 g/kg every 15 min, and blood samples were collected pre-exercise and 0 hr, 0.75 hr, 1.5 hr, 3 hr, 4.5 hr, 21 hr, 45 hr post-exercise.
The researchers found that after consuming the Cavendish or mini-yellow bananas there was a significant increase in at least 18 banana-derived metabolites, including serotonin and dopamine by-products. The appearance of the metabolites coincided with a reduction in COX-2 mRNA expression, which normally increases with exercise. A reduction in COX-2 mRNA expression usually results in less inflammation and reduced swelling and the perception of pain. In addition, the presence of banana antioxidants kept immune cells operating optimally, preventing them from switching to less efficient energy production methods. Intense exercise often depresses immune function due to physiological stress.
The study did confirm that carbohydrate ingestion, whether from the bananas or a 6% sugar beverage, supported endurance performance by fueling athletes effectively while contributing to a faster recovery by reducing markers of post-exercise inflammation.
“Ibuprofen is the number one drug taken by athletes to combat inflammation,” said study author David C. Nieman, professor in the College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University and director of the Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus. “Research shows that it can cause intestinal cell damage and, in some studies, was found to increase inflammation in athletes. Now, athletes know there is a natural alternative—bananas and water.”