Yes, bananas are mildly acidic, but they are often considered to have an alkaline effect in the body.
Banana pH and Acidity
Ripe bananas have a pH level of approximately 5 to 5.3. While this pH value places them on the acidic side of the neutral pH 7, it's important to note that this is a mild acidity. The acidity of bananas also varies depending on ripeness; greener bananas tend to be more acidic than fully ripe, yellow bananas with brown spots. [Ripe Bananas and pH Levels]
Several sources describe bananas as having an alkalizing effect on the body, meaning they help to neutralize stomach acid. This might be attributed to the overall metabolic effect of the fruit rather than the acidity measured directly in the fruit itself. [Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid - Hermina Hospitals, 8 Foods That Can Help Relieve Acid Reflux and Heartburn, GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn) | Johns ...]
This makes them a relatively safe fruit for individuals with acid reflux or heartburn, as long as they're ripe. [Do Bananas Cause Heartburn?, Things to Avoid with Acid Reflux | News | OneWelbeck] Unripe bananas, however, could potentially worsen symptoms due to their higher acidity. [Things to Avoid with Acid Reflux | News | OneWelbeck]
Furthermore, bananas are significantly less acidic than many other fruits. [Are Bananas Bad For My Children's Teeth? | Marshfield Pediatric ...]. This lower acidity compared to other fruits makes them a less-likely contributor to tooth decay. [Are Bananas Bad For My Children's Teeth? | Marshfield Pediatric ...]
Conclusion
In summary, while bananas possess a mildly acidic pH, their overall effect on the body is often described as alkaline due to their ability to neutralize stomach acid. The ripeness of the banana is a key factor affecting its acidity and potential effect on digestive comfort.
