Approximately 50% of the iron that was consumed in the raw bananas was absorbed. Thus, even though raw bananas have a low iron content, absorption is high. Raw banana starch is resistant to degradation in the small bowel during digestion, and may limit iron absorption.

What foods block iron absorption?

• tea and coffee.
• milk and some dairy products.
• foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum.
• foods that contain phytates or phytic acid, such as brown rice and whole-grain wheat products.

What foods do not block iron absorption?

You can improve your body’s absorption by eating foods containing vitamin C, vitamin A, meat, fish and poultry during your meals. On the other hand, foods containing phytates (cereals and grains), calcium (milk and dairy) and polyphenols (tea and coffee) can hinder iron absorption.