When to Eat a Banana? It Depends on Your Health Goal! Underripe Green Highest resistant starch Great for gut health Excellent prebiotic Less sweet Barely Ripe Slightly Yellow High fiber Low sugar Good for digestion Still a bit starchy Ripe Fully Yellow Balanced nutrition Mildly sweet Lowest vitamin content Great for snacking or smoothies! Very Ripe Spotted Yellow High in antioxidants Easy to digest Perfect for baking, like banana bread! Overripe Brown/Black Spots Highest sugar level Softest texture Lowest fiber Best for natural sweetening in recipes Pro Tip: Want more fiber? Stick to greener bananas. Need quick energy or natural sweetness? Go for overripe ones!