Share
Plantains are native to Southeast Asia and are a type of banana in the Musa genus.It has a neutral flavour, is starchy, and has little sugar. Although this green fruit is usually cooked, it can also be eaten raw because the ripening process turns starch into sugar.
In addition, it is used as flour in several regions of the world for bread and cake baking. Plantains were originally used to produce soups, ketchup, and beer. It is cultivated year-round in tropical regions and ranks 10th among the world's staple foods due to its popularity in such areas. Learn about the several health advantages listed below.
9 Health Benefits of Plantains
1. High Fibre Content In Plantains
There are soluble and insoluble fibres in plantains. High-fibre foods should be a part of your diet because a low-fibre diet can cause several problems. Dietary fibres facilitate easy digestion of food by promoting healthy gut flora, preventing constipation, and controlling bowel movements. Fibres help reduce weight as well. High-fibre foods take longer to digest, keeping you fuller and discouraging you from eating another meal.
2. Plantains' Antioxidants Guard Against Cancer
To defend against dangerous cells, our body needs a high concentration of antioxidants. Plantain's vitamin C functions as an antioxidant. It lessens the growth of harmful oxidative stressors in our systems. Numerous studies have linked a deficiency in vitamin C to the onset of different forms of cancer. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties prevent developing harmful cells that may cause these fatal illnesses.
3. Plantains Strengthen The Immune System
Increasing our immunity is urgently needed. Plantains can fortify our immune system, shielding us from bacteria and viruses. The plantain's abundance of different vitamins makes it all possible. While vitamin C promotes the general function of immunity, vitamin A's anti-inflammatory properties help to improve immunological responses. NIH also confirms these benefits over the immune system too.
4. Helps With High Blood Pressure
According to NIH, Plantains are known to help decrease blood pressure, and 100 grams of them contain 499 mg of potassium. Potassium aids in the body's excretion of sodium through urine and lessens its effects. Hypertension and elevated blood pressure are associated with sodium in the human body. To maintain low blood pressure, potassium also relaxes blood vessels.
5. Plantains Maintain Heart Health
One hundred grams provide 15% of Vitamin B-6, necessary for numerous bodily processes. The breakdown of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates is facilitated by vitamin B-6. It preserves homocysteine levels, controls blood flow, improves mental processes, produces red blood cells, and produces neurotransmitters. A high homocysteine level causes several heart conditions. Additionally, plantains can control blood pressure and cholesterol, which wards off several cardiac ailments.
6. Helps With Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are advised to take diabetes plantain because it has a considerable amount of magnesium, which helps to reduce blood sugar increases. Furthermore, plantains have a glycemic index in the 40s, which is lower than that of high-glycemic meals and allows diabetics to eat them. These are considered significantly healthy aside from any other alternative.
7. Pregnancy-Related Aids
Plantains offer numerous health benefits to help prevent pregnancy issues, pregnant women are frequently encouraged to consume them. Plantains include vitamin B-6, which helps reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Plantains have a reasonable quantity of vitamin A, which helps with child delivery, as this vitamin deficiency can also cause problems during childbirth. Niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and folates also ensure a healthy pregnancy. It also aids in the baby's growth and development.
8. Addresses Anaemia
Plantains are a useful source of iron if you have iron-deficient anaemia. The synthesis of blood and the distribution of oxygen throughout the body are made possible by iron. Various vitamins, besides iron, aid in the treatment of anaemia. Vitamins B and A improve the body's ability to utilise iron and shield it from further harm.
9. Plantains For Mood And Brain
Higher homocysteine levels have been associated with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and impaired cognition. This protein can be effectively lowered by vitamin B-6. It works well for treating depression as well. Plantains help the several brain chemicals that control our mood. It doesn't end there. Plantains include magnesium, which aids in bone and muscle strength. It is believed to act as a diuretic, preventing issues with the bladder and kidneys.
These tropical fruits are utilised less as fruits and more as vegetables. Plantains are a common source of carbohydrates, a rich supply of vitamins B6 and A, and other minerals like potassium. They also have excellent dietary fibre levels, contributing to their health advantages. Thus, incorporate it into your diet without hesitation.
