Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating one banana daily for 21 days can improve eyesight. We fact checked the claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
The Instagram post states: “अगर आप 21 दिनों तक रोज़ाना एक केला खाते हैं तो आपकी आंखों की रोशनी धीरे-धीरे साफ हो जाएगी।” Translation: “If you eat one banana daily for 21 days, your eyesight will slowly clear.”
Fact Check
Are bananas good for eye health in general?
Yes, bananas contain several nutrients that contribute to overall eye health. They are a source of Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and some B vitamins, including B6. Vitamin A is crucial for good vision, particularly in low light conditions, and helps protect the cornea. Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in bananas can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress, which contributes to age-related eye conditions. Some research also indicates that bananas contain small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important carotenoids that accumulate in the macula of the eye and help filter harmful blue light. These compounds may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Deepalakshmi Sriram, Registered Dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre and Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, explains, “Yes, bananas can support eye health as part of a balanced diet. They contain vitamin A, which is important for clear vision, especially in low light. Bananas also provide vitamin C and antioxidants that help protect the eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress. What’s more, they have small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two plant compounds that support the health of the retina and may lower the risk of age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. While bananas alone won’t improve your eyesight, including them with a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables can definitely help keep your eyes healthy over time.”
Can eating a banana daily restore or “clear” eyesight?
No, eating a banana daily cannot restore or “clear” eyesight in the way the claim suggests. Bananas provide essential nutrients that support eye health. But they are not a magical cure for vision problems caused by refractive errors (like myopia or hyperopia), cataracts, glaucoma, or other underlying medical conditions. Vision impairment often results from complex factors, including genetics, ageing, and various diseases, none of which can be “cleared” by simply eating a specific food for a short period. A healthy diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, contributes to overall well-being and can help maintain eye health. But, it cannot reverse established vision loss.
Dr Isha Agarwalla, Ophthalmologist, from Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh, Assam, says, “Eating a banana every day will not restore or ‘clear’ your eyesight. While bananas do offer some nutrients that support eye health, such as vitamin A and antioxidants, they cannot reverse vision problems or cure conditions like short-sightedness, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. Good nutrition is important for maintaining healthy eyes, but it works best when combined with regular eye check-ups and medical care if needed. Claims that a single fruit can fix eyesight are misleading. It’s better to focus on a well-rounded diet and proper eye care for long-term vision health.”
Is there any scientific proof for the 21-day claim?
No, there is absolutely no scientific proof or credible research to support the claim that eating one banana daily for 21 days will “clear” your eyesight. This specific timeframe is arbitrary and lacks any basis in medical or nutritional science. Claims of rapid and dramatic improvements in vision from a single food item are usually baseless and people should view them with scepticism. Maintaining healthy vision requires a holistic approach, including a nutritious diet, regular eye examinations, and addressing any underlying medical conditions with professional medical advice.
Misinformation around eye health is not limited to food-based remedies. For example, some viral posts falsely claim that the inventor of LASIK declined the procedure due to health risks from lasers. This is a conspiracy theory with no factual basis, and it misleads people about a well-established and widely used vision correction technique.
On a related note, there are claims that eating two bananas a day can fuel 90 minutes of exercise and make you happier. Some also claim that a banana a day can keep the cardiologist away. However, these too, are misleading.
In summary, the claim that eating one banana daily for 21 days can improve eyesight is false. Even though bananas offer nutrients beneficial for overall eye health, they cannot cure or significantly improve vision in the manner suggested by the viral post.
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