What Are The Health Benefits of Plantain?

Plantains are part of the family of bananas; however, they are different compared to Cavendish bananas, the kind consumed raw throughout Europe, the United States and Europe. Cavendish bananas are often dessert bananas due to their sweet flavour. Plantains are more starchy and less sweet and are usually cooked before serving.

Plantains can be referred to as green bananas. However, they'll turn yellow and become dark once they mature. Plantains are cultivated across South and Central America, Africa, and Asia and are significant food sources. Plantains are becoming easier to come across throughout Europe, the United States and Europe as people discover new ways of cooking and eating nutrient-rich food.

Health Benefits

Plantains' resistant starch has generated a lot of curiosity about the health advantages it offers. Resistant starch can be described as a carbohydrate which isn't easily digested within the small intestinal. Instead, it is absorbed into the large intestine, where it ferments and is fed to those "good" gut bacteria.

Additionally, plantain may offer other health benefits, such as:

Digestive Health

Two factors make plantains good for digestive health. First, the resistant starch works as an effective prebiotic, promoting healthy bacteria growth within the colon. Additionally, plantains contain plenty of fibre that improves the function of the bowel.

Blood Pressure Control

If you want to boost your potassium intake, go for an apple. However, plantains are richer in potassium than their yellower counterparts. Most people do not consume enough potassium. High blood pressure is connected to the excess sodium in our diet and potassium deficiency. High blood pressure could result in heart attacks, stroke, aneurysms, and other cardiovascular issues.

Healthy Immune System

Small items can make a huge impact on the health of a person. For instance, you only require small amounts of specific minerals and vitamins to maintain the health of your immune system. Vitamin C and vitamin B6, and magnesium constitute three vital micronutrients. Plantains are an excellent supply of each. 

Nutrition

In addition to potassium, fibre, vitamin C as well as vitamin B6 as well as magnesium. Plantain includes:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin A
• Copper
• Iron

Things to Watch Out For

While plantains are a healthy food, certain preparation techniques make them less nutritious. A lot of traditional recipes call for fry-up of the plantains. Since plantains readily take up oil and absorb it, the calories and fat content of a serving can rapidly increase.

Ripe plantains are a common component in many dessert recipes. However, the process of ripening them increases the sugar content of these plants. This is a result of the sugar commonly used to make dessert recipes. Plantain chips can be a great snack, but they're usually salty and fried. If you want to include plantains in your diet, try recipes that contain a small amount of salt without sugar or oil.