The Apple vs. Banana Debate

Happy Monday!

Somewhere along the way, fruit became stressful. Between glucose monitors and carb-phobia, even an apple or banana can feel like a decision that requires a spreadsheet. But, honestly, the difference between the two is minimal, and what you pair them with matters far more than which one you choose.

We're also looking at how yawning might be your brain's way of taking out the trash (not just a sign you're tired), new hope for Crohn's patients through meal timing, and the radish greens you've been throwing away that are actually packed with gut-friendly compounds.

As always, we share women’s health and wellness news that’s evidence-based and thoughtfully explained.

Wishing you good health and happiness!
Nicolle
Editor

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Have you ever wondered which common fruit, an apple or a banana, sitting on almost every kitchen counter, is better for you? “Will that banana spike my blood sugar?” “Is the apple filling enough for a mid-day snack?” Fruit has become oddly controversial in the age of glucose tracking and low-carb messaging, but the reality is far less dramatic.

Dietitians say apples and bananas affect blood sugar in very similar ways, with apples having only a slight edge thanks to their soluble fiber (especially pectin), which slows digestion and helps blunt glucose swings. Bananas, meanwhile, bring their own benefits, including fiber, resistant starch (especially when slightly green), and plant compounds linked to lower diabetes risk.

In other words, this is not a good-fruit/bad-fruit situation.

What matters most is how you eat them. Pairing fruit with protein or fat helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you fuller longer. Portion size, ripeness, and even a short walk after eating can influence glucose response more than the choice between these two fruits.

And if you’re in the habit of eating an apple a day, there’s evidence that consistency pays off: regular consumption has been linked to improved digestion, healthier cholesterol levels, better metabolic function, and reduced inflammation over time.

We tend to think of yawning as a sign of boredom or exhaustion, but new research suggests it may actually be doing important maintenance for your brain.

In a small imaging study, scientists observed what happens inside the body during a yawn versus a deep breath. Even though both involve a big inhale, yawning triggered a completely different response: blood briefly surged to the brain while cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that cushions and protects it) shifted downward, almost like a reset in pressure and circulation.

Researchers think this movement may help flush metabolic byproducts, support the brain’s “cleanup” system, or even regulate temperature, which are all processes linked to cognitive clarity and neurological health.

Interestingly, yawns follow a highly consistent motor pattern unique to each person, suggesting they’re controlled by an automatic brain circuit rather than occurring randomly. And that urge to yawn when someone else does? It may simply trigger this built-in reflex.

If you live with Crohn’s, you probably know the exhausting loop: one good week, one flare-y week, and a whole lot of second-guessing what you ate, when you ate, and whether your gut is about to punish you for existing. New research is offering a potentially simpler lever to pull—meal timing.

In a small randomized trial of adults with Crohn’s disease and obesity, researchers tested time-restricted eating (all meals within an 8-hour window, fasting the other 16 hours) for 12 weeks. People didn’t change what they ate or cut calories, but the time-restricted group saw Crohn’s disease activity drop about 40% and abdominal discomfort cut roughly in half, along with improvements in inflammation markers. They also lost about 5 pounds on average, while the comparison group gained weight.

The important nuance: this isn’t for everyone. Many women with Crohn’s already struggle with weight loss, low appetite, or nutrient deficiencies, and fasting could backfire. If this sparks curiosity, consider it a “bring to your GI/registered dietitian” conversation, not a DIY experiment, especially if you’re in an active flare, pregnant/trying, or underweight.

*One of The Women’s Wellness Digest’s founders experienced significant relief from Crohn’s symptoms through this specific style of intermittent fasting.