Amazing Health Benefits Of Eating Unripe Plantains

Amazing Health Benefits Of Eating Unripe Plantains

Plantain as one of the staple foods we have, it's said to be originated from Southeast Asia where they were first domesticated by selection from wild species more than 5000 years ago. Today, plantain is widely used and eaten in many parts of the world like Nigeria, Malaysia, Brazil, Spain, Florida, Ghana, Mexico, etc. This amazing food can be consumed boiled, baked, smashed, or fried with little oil, etc.

There are two main species of plantains, they are;

Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Musa acuminata originated in tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, while Musa balbisiana originated in monsoon areas in Northern Southeast Asia, and Southern Asia.

Today, people consume both ripe and unripe plantains, but a lot of people prefer the ripe ones due to its sweetness without knowing that the unripe ones are loaded with numerous nutrients which our bodies need to function properly. 

Nutritional Components Of Unripe Plantains

Eating unripe plantains can have numerous positive effects on the body due to their unique nutritional compositions. These highly nutritional green plantains are low in sugar but high in complex carbohydrates, primarily in the form of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and functions similarly to soluble fiber. The major nutritional components include the following:

Vitamins: The vitamins include; vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6(pyridoxine), vitamin B(thiamine), and vitamin B2(riboflavin).

Minerals: Such as; Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

Phytochemicals: Here we have; leucocyanidin, which has ulcer- healing properties.

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Here Are Some Of The Amazing Health Benefits of Unripe Plantains

The amazing health benefits of unripe plantains are;

1. Unripe plantains are a good source of important vitamins and minerals: 

The vitamins content in unripe plantains are; vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid (B5), folate (B9), and biotin (B7). While the minerals content are; potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium. These aforementioned vitamins and minerals support the overall health and well-being.

2. They are good source of fiber:

Do you feel bloated and experience constipation regularly?, consuming unripe plantains regularly will be a great idea. This is because, unripe plantains are parked with adequate fibre which ​promotes ​​​healthy bowel function and aids proper digestion. It also controls cholesterol level, blood sugar level, and helps in weight management by making you to feel full for a longer period.

3. Unripe plantains are rich in antioxidant:

The antioxidant compounds like polyphenol(flavonoids), quercetin, peroxidase, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids present in unripe plantain can help remove free radicals in the body and restrain lipid peroxidation. 

4. They can help reduce high blood pressure and prevent the risk of stroke:

Unripe plantain being a good source of potassium can help reduce sodium in the body. Sodium is good for the body but excess or low sodium in the body can put your health at risk. Excess sodium in the blood can cause high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that reduce the ability for blood to flow through blood vessels due to blocked blood vessels. So, when the blood vessels are blocked and the blood are unable to flow properly, this can cause diseases like; hypertension, heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Also, low sodium or hyponatremia can cause kidney failure, heart failure, or liver disease.

5. Boosts immunity and fights free radicals:

Unripe Plantains are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, which support immune function, skin health, and vision while providing antioxidant protection against free radicals. 

6 Unripe plantain is good for pregnant women:

Unripe plantains are rich in important nutrients which are very good for both the maternal health and baby's development. The folate(folic acid), calcium, iron, and B vitamins present in unripe plantains are essential for both mother and the unborn baby. That's to say, they are very paramount during pregnancy for fetal development.

7. They may aid in weight management:

Unripe plantain, due to it's high fibre content can make one feel full for a longtime, which may reduce overeating and unnecessary snacking. This is because they are parked with resistant starch and dietary fiber. This fibre absorbs water and swells in your stomach, stretching it and triggering fullness hormones. This also slows gastric emptying, that's it makes food stays in your stomach longer, so you naturally eat less calories. And to achieve this, avoid frying them because frying turns them into high calorie, and high fat chips. Instead, boil, bake, or roast them to keep the calories count low.

8. Unripe plantains support blood control and diabetes management:

Due to their low sugar content and high resistant starch, unripe plantains have a low glycemic index, which implies that they cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood glucose levels. This makes them an excellent carbohydrate source for people with diabetes. The fibre also slows glucose absorption, aiding to stabilize blood sugar after meals.

9. Eating unripe plantains may help build stronger bones and teeth

Unripe plantains are packed with essential nutrients that support healthy bones and teeth. They contribute to bone mineralization and help prevent osteoporosisva, a condition especially relevant as people age. 

Healthy Preparations Of Unripe Plantains:

You can enjoy unripe plantains in various healthy ways and the healthiest ways are by;

• Boiling
• Roasting/baking
• Porridge instead of deep-frying

Conclusion:

From the above write-ups, one need not to be told that unripe plantains are loaded and packed with essential nutrients which are very important to health. These great staple foods are far more than just a filling carbohydrate, they are a functional food with scientifically backed benefits for metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. Unripe plantains are highly nutritious, filling, and versatile food that can support blood sugar balance, digestion, and heart health when eaten moderately. Therefore, always include them in your diet in a moderate way like I said earlier.