Plantains are the less sweet, starchier equivalent to the banana. Sweet bananas, sometimes called “dessert bananas” are much more popular in the United States and Europe, but plantains are an extremely important staple for people in tropical countries.
Unlike dessert bananas, plantains are almost always cooked before eating. In fact, they taste pretty awful raw, so don’t be tricked by their banana-like features.
Cooked plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium.
It’s an Energy Giving food
Plantain is a good source of carbohydrate especially when ripe; therefore it is an energy giving food. And the good news is that the carbohydrates it contains are considered as “complex carbohydrate” which includes starch, fiber, and sugar.
The breaking down and absorption of such carbohydrates are slow which gives fullness thereby reducing appetite and making one lose weight. Therefore the constant eating of plantain provides your body with enough energy.
Nutritious
Plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and are easily digestible. As a staple food, plantains have been the main fare of millions of people for centuries.
Plantains are a poor source of protein and fat, so they only represent one part of a healthy, balanced diet similar to many grains.
Digestive health
Fiber is important because it promotes bowel regularity. Fiber softens your stool and increases its overall size and weight. Bulky stools are much easier to pass and therefore prevent constipation.
Eating a high-fiber diet may also reduce your risk of hemorrhoids and small pouches in your large intestine known as diverticular disease. Fiber also increases fullness, slows digestion, and may help manage cholesterol.
Weight management
Carbohydrates aren’t necessarily a bad thing for weight management like most people believe. The fiber and starch found in plantains are complex carbs.
Fiber and complex carbs are less processed and more slowly digested than the simple carbs found in processed foods. They keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer after a meal, which can mean less snacking on unhealthy foods.
High in antioxidants
Plantains contain a good amount of your daily recommended source amount of vitamin C in a single cup. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant which may help boost your immune system.
As an antioxidant, it may protect your body against free radical damage that’s associated with aging, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. Research have found an inverse relationship between vitamin C intake and lung, breast, colon, stomach, esophagus, and other types of cancers. People with cancer were also found to have lower blood plasma concentrations of vitamin C.
Good for your heart
The high amount of potassium found in plantains is essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control your heart rate and blood pressure.
The fiber in plantains also helps lower your cholesterol, which in turn keeps your heart functioning at its best.
Versatile (like a potato)
You might commonly come across plantains fried and soaked in grease as a side dish in a restaurant, maybe even topped with sour cream. While they taste absolutely amazing, fried plantains aren’t exactly a healthy choice if fried in an unhealthy oil.
It’s better to think of plantains as a starchy vegetable or a substitute for potatoes. Their texture and mild flavor really shines when baked or grilled. You can incorporate plantains as part of a meat- or vegetarian-friendly stew (like this!) or grill them alongside fish.
Plantains are an excellent option for gluten-free or paleo-friendly recipes, like paleo pancakes. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try ripe plantain arepas or boronía (mashed plantain and eggplant).
Prevention of Ulcer
Unripe plantain also contains manganese, potassium, and leucocyanidin which is one of the phytochemical properties found in food, its presence in the plantain makes it a source of food for those who suffer or wishes to prevent an ulcer. It as antiulcer properties because it helps to promote as well as increase the secretion of mucus in the stomach, and much more. The dry form of plantain provides ulcer healing and reduces the risk of developing gastric ulcers. Plantain goes a long way treatment and prevention of ulcers when taken regularly.
Promotes Sexual Health
Because of the nutrients contained in plantain, it contributes greatly to sexual health performance. Regular eating of plantain helps in improving male fertility.
It boosts sexual health and it helps increase libido, and the vitamins and other minerals it contains helps to improve the general health as well. For good sexual performance, you need more unripe plantain with ginger and garlic.
Helps in strengthening stronger bones
Unripe plantain which is very rich in calcium and that makes plantain to aid in strengthening our bones and also enhances stronger muscles, teeth, and nails.
A meal with an unripe plantain helps in preventing diseases like osteoporosis which means the weakening of bones and also causes fractures. For you to have a strong bone, you need to start eating plantain regularly.
