Amazing Health Facts And Benefits Of Plantain

Although they look similar to bananas, Plantains are actually quite different. Plantains are vegetables instead of fruits and should be cooked to eat them. Plantains are best described as green counterparts of rich, ripe yellow bananas and are actually a natural super food that many people are unaware of! .
In many tropical regions, they are considered a staple and a reliable source of starch in many households Plantains also provide a wide variety of health and nutritional benefits which make them my super food of the week!

Nutrient Contained in Plantains 

The Plantain tree

Plantains are great sources of a variety of vitamins and minerals including:

• Fiber

• Vitamin C 

• Vitamin A:

• B6 (Pyridoxine)

• Potassium

Health benefits of plantains

• Plantains are very reliable sources of starch and energy.

• Plantains contain a high amount of dietary fibre which helps ensure healthy bowels and reduces constipation.

• Plantains have more vitamin C than bananas. This antioxidant helps build up your immune system and scavenge free radicalsConsumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.

• Plantains have more vitamin A than bananas. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A plays a vital role in the visual cycle, maintaining healthy mucus membranes, and enhancing skin complexion.

• As in bananas, they too are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, particularly high in vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and to decrease homocystine (one of the causative factors for coronary artery disease (CHD) and stroke episodes) levels in the body.

• Plantains also contain folates, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Folates (folic acid) are essential for healthy pregnancy.

• Plantains also provide adequate levels of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role as well.

• Plantains have more potassium than bananas. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure, countering negative effects of sodium.

• Plantains are famed to be diuretic and can help prevent kidney and bladder problems.

• Plantains ease the discomfort associated with the menstrual period.

Plantains of all kinds are available in your local super markets year round so you may have seen them and not even realized it. When selecting a plantain to take home and cook, look for firm, deep green plantains that feel heavy in your hand. Do not buy overripe or damaged fruits, as they won’t turn out as well.