Can We Eat Bananas During Cough And Cold?

By Yashika Goel
30 May 2025, 18:30 IST

There’s a persistent traditional belief to avoid eating bananas during cold and cough. Tap to find out if it is a myth or the truth.

Ayurveda’s take

As per Ayurveda, banana comes in the cold category. Bananas are heavy and sticky, which can worsen the wet cough.

Increased mucus production

Eating bananas with a cough can cause an increase in mucus production. It can cause congestion and harder to breathe.

Worsened cough

There is a belief that bananas are soft in texture, which can worsen your cough and cause heaviness in the throat.

Asthma and allergies

People suffering from asthma or respiratory infections may experience some reaction after eating bananas.

BRAT Diet

Bananas come in the BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), which is recommended for people suffering from cold and cough. It aids phlegm.

Can you eat banana at night?

Avoid eating banana late at night. Banana is a heavy fruit which takes a longer time to digest and can aggravate cough.

So can you eat banana in cold?

Yes, bananas are safe to eat during cough and cold. Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, which help cure headaches during the cold. It is also rich in fibre, which aids digestive health.

Information Credits

This information is taken from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for personalised suggestions.