The utter confusion, is it okay to eat a banana after drinking coffee?
I became somewhat frustrated looking into this subject.
So, it’s easy to understand why you’re looking for a definitive answer.
Some people will tell you that eating a banana after drinking coffee is a definite no-no.
Whereas others say that it’s actually a good thing.
However, after researching this banana conundrum with a fine-tooth comb, I have finally come to a conclusion.
Allow me to reveal all.
It is perfectly okay to eat a banana after drinking coffee. The main cause for concern is that coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant, whereas bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan, which can aid sleep. However, potassium also helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Plus, bananas contain carbohydrates, so they will provide an instant boost of energy.
1. Do Bananas and Coffee Cause Conflict?
I can see why the banana-coffee question causes so much confusion.
Basically, there is so much conflicting information about whether you should or you shouldn’t.
It seems the main point of contention is that coffee is good for keeping you awake, whereas bananas can help you sleep (apparently).
Coffee, as I’m sure you know, contains caffeine which is a stimulant.
However, bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan, which are all said to aid sleep.
Now, while this is true to some extent, you’ll also hear that bananas are great for giving you a boost in energy.
In other words, bananas keep you awake, as well as help you to sleep.
Right then, well, that’s perfectly clear then, isn’t it?
For me, I wouldn’t class bananas as a sleep aid.
Okay, they contain the “right ingredients,” but more importantly, the carbohydrates they provide are a perfect energy booster.
Surely, if bananas were so great for sleep, wouldn’t most gym bunnies be falling asleep halfway through their workout?
I will also say that the time of day you consume bananas will make a difference.
Later in the day, your metabolism has slowed down, and melatonin production increases.
So, the potassium content of bananas may well help to promote sleep in conjunction with your metabolism and melatonin levels.
However, by the same token, you’re unlikely to drink a cup of coffee before you go to bed.
Therefore, it’s all relative.
I would say that most of us would be looking to consume a banana after drinking coffee much earlier in the day, possibly first thing in the morning.
So, by that token, it’s absolutely fine.
2. Do Bananas Even Out Coffee Consumption?
We then have the other side of the coin.
There are those who will state that coffee is acidic (which it is) and that bananas are alkaline (which they are), so you are, in effect, able to “even things out” by consuming both.
In fact, it is said that you shouldn’t actually drink coffee on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
This can trigger the release of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system.
To make matters worse, you can make coffee less acidic by adding milk.
But then we are told that you shouldn’t add milk to coffee.
The reason for this is that coffee affects the body’s absorption of calcium, which is then wasted through urine.
Furthermore, there is “medical evidence” that caffeine consumption can lower potassium levels.
Therefore, eating a banana straight after drinking coffee can replenish your potassium levels.
In truth, any potassium depletion after coffee consumption is negligible.
Basically, you’re going to have to consume a swimming pool of coffee before this becomes an issue.
3. Am I Overthinking Bananas and Coffee?
I think the whole point I’m trying to make here is, don’t overthink it.
Yes, there is so much conflicting information about eating bananas after drinking coffee that it’s enough to make your head spin.
However, I don’t believe that all these potential internal reactions and opposing views of how you should consume these products should influence you.
I see no harm in eating a banana after drinking coffee, or coffee after a banana, or even eating and drinking them together.
In fact, the banana coffee smoothie is a “thing,” and it’s absolutely delicious.
So, if you want to enjoy any combination of bananas and coffee, then go ahead.
Banana Coffee Smoothie
Final Thoughts
I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s perfectly okay to eat a banana after drinking coffee.
You will receive a vast array of differing advice and opinions on this subject.
However, for me, it all comes down to whether you can tolerate it (there should be no reason you can’t) and whether you enjoy it.
So, don’t worry about waking up, falling asleep, acid, alkaline, potassium replenishment, or potential chemical reactions.
It’s fine.
Right then, I’m off to chow down on a banana, followed by a huge cup of java.
But here’s something I won’t be doing – the banana and Sprite challenge!
Well detailed.