What fruit is best for relieving constipation? Eight out of ten people would probably answer: bananas. In fact, this is a common misconception. To some extent, apples are more effective for relieving constipation than bananas. For some people, not only can bananas not relieve constipation, but they might also cause it.
This is because bananas are tropical and subtropical fruits. To facilitate storage and transportation, they cannot be left to ripen on the tree. Instead, they must be picked while their peels are still green and then stored. Many of the bananas we eat are ripened artificially after being picked.
Bananas that are not naturally ripe contain a certain amount of tannic acid. Even when they are artificially ripened later, although the astringent taste disappears, the tannic acid component remains. Tannic acid has a very strong astringent effect. If you eat a large amount of unripe bananas at once, it will not only fail to relieve constipation but can actually cause it, especially affecting the elderly and children with weaker gastrointestinal functions.
Many people are used to peeling apples when they eat them. Experts point out that the area near the skin is rich in dietary fiber. Peeling the apple removes most of this fiber. Therefore, if you're eating an apple for its laxative effect, it's best not to peel it. You can also choose other foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, sweet potatoes, whole beans, and corn, which are all excellent choices for preventing constipation.