13 Health Benefits of Plantain

The health benefits of plantain will be listed and discussed here like you have never imagined. I decided on this topic because I was also ignorant of the value of Plantain until the time of writing this post.

Plantain is the second item in high demand that people seek for, after other tropical food crops. While some people prefer its sweet taste especially when it’s ripe. Everybody knows that plantain is an energy given food, up till now, many people do not believe that plantain comes with lots of health benefits.

Check Out: Food Nutrients: Most important Values you never learnt.

Plantains can be used for cooking at any stage of ripeness, but ripe ones can be eaten raw. As the plantain ripens, it becomes sweeter and its colour changes from green to yellow to black, just like bananas. Green plantains are firm and starchy, and resemble potatoes in flavour.

In today’s topic, I will be listing out some important health benefits of plantain that will blow your minds away.

I urge you all to pay close attention to this topic, as it is one of the most interesting topics I am writing on so far.  So if you are the kind of person like me that has a phobia for unripe plantain then read this article to the end.

You might be wondering why I hate unripe plantain, and still say this topic is one of the best topics I have ever written so far. Well don’t get me wrong, I am actually addicted to ripe plantain.  

Who doesn’t like sweet things, most especially natural and healthy sweeties. LOL… But in my research on this topic “Health benefits of Plantain”, I was able to find out shocking revelations about plantain (Ripe and Unripe) I took for granted all this while. This made me quickly change my mentality and preference of plantain.

I now value plantain highly, due to the natural health benefits plantain has to offer to every human being, irrespective of background, race or belief.

I hope you enjoy this topic as you continue reading?

Plantain belongs to the same family as bananas. Although, plantain has to be cooked before eaten whereas Banana can be eaten raw. Plantain is delicious and can be found in many places around the world.  Plantain is high in fibre which is great for the digestive system  and helps to keep us in sound health.

Here are the health benefits of plantain and unbelievable values plantain offers:-

1.Plantain Aids in Digestion.

 

Plantain adds bulk to food intake which aids in the digestive process. The effectiveness of plantain is shown in relieving constipation  and helps to provide some relief from hemorrhoids (Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort and bleeding).

The consumption of plantain can help with weight loss in obesed people. This is why health benefits of plantain should be handled to create awareness  to the General public.

Plantain is very rich in fibre which makes it good for consumption as it will help to prevent conditions that irritate the bowel and also prevent constipation, bloating and other related health conditions associated with improper digestion. It also reduces appetite by increasing fullness.

2. Lower Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure.  

 

I know you will be wondering how true this is. Plantain fiber is known to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.  However, it is important to note that plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and are easily digestible. As a staple food, plantain has been the main food for millions of people.

3. It is 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, the carbohydrates it contains are considered as “complex carbohydrates” which includes starch, fibre and sugar.

The breaking down and absorption of such carbohydrates are slow which gives fullness thereby reducing one’s appetite and making one lose weight.  Therefore,  constant eating of plantain  provides your body with enough energy.

4. It aids in the treatment of Anaemia and Neuritis.  

 

Anaemia is a medical condition where someone is having low red blood cells in the blood which causes weakness. Plantain contains the mineral iron (when unripe)  and vitamin B6 which plays a major role in the adequate production of red blood cells in the body as well as preventing anaemia and neuritis, which manifest when they are deficient in the body.

If plantain is inclusive in meal plan and consumption, it can cure anaemia and serves as a preventive measure to other diseases.

5. It helps in treating Diabetes – unripe Plantain.

 

Diabetes can be defined as a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar.

When compared with the ripe one, it has low sugar which makes it a good diet for diabetes patients because it cannot trigger or worsen their blood sugar level. Psyllium contained in plantain can help to control blood sugar.

Therefore, constant eating of unripe plantain can aid in prevention and treatment of diabetes.

6. It aids in prevention of Ulcer.  

 

Ulcers can occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. Common causes include the bacteria H. Pylori and anti-inflammatory pain relievers including aspirin.

Unripe plantain contains manganese, potassium and leucocyanidin which is one of the petrochemical properties found in food.  It’s presence in plantain makes it a source of food for those who suffer or wish to prevent an ulcer.

7. It promotes and boosts Sexual Health.  

 

Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Because of the nutrient contained in plantain, it contributes greatly to sexual health performance. Regular eating of plantain helps in improving male fertility, thicker sperm and volume.  It is beneficial to add plantain to your food at all times.

You can make it a habit.

8. It helps in strengthening stronger Bones.

 

Unripe plantain which is rich in calcium makes plantain to aid in strengthening our bones. Also, it enhances stronger muscles, teeth and nails. A healthy meal with unripe plantain inclusive will prevent diseases such as osteoporosis which includes the weakening of the bones and causes fractures.

9. Plantain promotes Healthy Heart.

 

Aside from the daily routines exercise you do, potassium contained in plantain plays a great role in preventing heart attack and hypertension.  Do note that fiber contained in plantain aids in decreasing cholesterol levels thus, decreasing the risk of heart disorders.

10. It helps in reducing Free Radicals.

 

Free radicals can be defined as any molecular species, capable of independent existence that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital.

Free radicals in the body are as a result of the intake of alcohol, tobacco, excessive smoking, etc. One of the natural ways of treating free radicals that can lead to diseases like premature aging disease and cancer, is simply regular intake of plantain which is a good antioxidant.

Plantain is known as one of the best vitamin c foods around. Therefore it is very essential for one to consume plantains regularly as it helps in fighting free radical damage.

11. It is a great food which helps in developing the Immune System.

 

Immune system can be simply defined as the organs and processes of the body that provide resistance to infection and toxins. Organs include the thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

Plantain which contains a whole lot of vitamin A, is another antioxidant that helps your immune system to function properly. Vitamin A, has a great role in enhancing the growth of the cell and improves the health of the skin.

Read Also: Food Nutrition: The Most important Values You Never Learnt

Therefore regular use or intake of plantain can aid to develop the immune system due to vitamin A contained in it.

12. Plantain also helps in Weight Loss.

 

Plantain contains a lot of fiber which makes one satisfacted even for a long time after the meal. Plantain is low in fat. It is advisable for people trying to lose weight to eat plantain regularly as it will be of great help in weight maintenance.

13. Plantain aids in Menstrual Discomfort.

 

As mentioned above, plantain is rich in potassium and vitamin b6 and it will help greatly in relieving menstrual pain. Eating plantains aids in controlling the symptoms of premenstrual problems such as bloating and depression.

If plantain is consumed regularly most especially by women, it will give freedom from menstrual discomfort.

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