What Really Happens When You Eat Bananas With Milk

Smoothies, shakes, sundaes — bananas and milk are popular ingredients in these delicious treats. Bananas and milk generally are thought to be a healthy combination; however, that may not always be the case.

There's no arguing that bananas and milk have tons of health benefits. Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C (via Healthline). These nutrients can help your blood pressure levels, as well as reducing risk of kidney stones and diabetes (via Livestrong). Bananas can also act as an antioxidant, and their carbohydrates can help with workout recovery.

In recent years, milk has received some negative feedback. But the high levels of calcium can keep your bones healthy, as well as reduce your risk for certain cancers and heart disease. Contrary to popular belief, grass-fed, full-fat milk provides more health benefits than its low-fat versions, according to Livestrong. Milk is also known for its fitness perks with its high protein levels.

So what could possibly be bad about combining bananas and milk?

Both bananas and milk can be calorically dense. A medium banana has 105 calories and one cup of whole milk contains 149 calories. So if you're not consuming this tasty combo in moderation, you could experience some weight gain.

You may also have negative effects from combining bananas and milk if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (via Medical News Today). While green bananas can act as a trigger, ripe bananas can actually help with IBS. Dairy products that are not lactose-free can also cause IBS discomfort.

Holistic medicine also deems bananas and milk an incompatible food. The Ayurvedic food principle states that combining the two can affect your "agni" — the agent that processes your digestion and metabolism, according to Healthline. However, there is currently no scientific research to support this belief.

To sum it up: When enjoyed in moderation, bananas and milk are a delicious combination that has numerous health benefits for your diet and can boost your post-workout recovery. There are some potential downsides, however, it can vary based on your specific dietary needs and personal beliefs.