Plantains Nutrition Facts

Plantains look like bananas, so many people confuse plantains with bananas. The accompanying picture shows the difference between bananas and plantains. Plantains are starchy and not sweet like bananas. Plantains are used as vegetable while banana is eaten as fruit. Plantains resemble green bananas but ripe plantains turn black. They are quite longer than bananas and they also have thicker skin as compared to bananas. Before taking a look at plantains nutrition facts, let us take a look at the information on the origin of plantains.

Plantains

Plantains belong to the genus Musa and they are quite firmer than bananas. They are lower in sugar content than dessert bananas. Banana is often eaten raw but plantains require cooking or other processing. Nutritional benefits of plantains and banana nutritional benefits are almost the same. When plantains are green or under-ripe, they are starchy and when they are overripe, they are sweet. Plantains contain about 65% moisture while bananas contain about 83% moisture. Plantains are a staple food and they are consumed in almost the same way as potatoes. Plantains are native to India and Southern Asia but they are very popular in Western Africa and the Caribbean countries and other parts of America. Plantain leaves are larger and stronger than banana leaves. They can be as large as two meters long and can be used to wrap any kind of seasoned meat while cooking to keep the flavor in. These leaves are used like plates while serving and they add a subtle but essential aroma to the dish. They also have a religious significance in almost all Hindu rituals. Plantains are simply boiled or fried or added to a soup. Grilled, baked, steamed plantains are also popular. Ripe plantains are used in sweet dishes. Steam-cooked plantains are considered nutritious for both infants and the elderly. Here follows information on nutrition facts of green plantains, fried plantains and sweet plantains.

The nutritional value of plantain makes it stand out as a very important addition to any healthy living diet plan. Believe it or not, plantain is one of the healthiest foods in the world in terms of its nutrient content.

It is reach in low GI carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and vitamins and minerals. The nutritional value of plantain is even greater than that of its closest relation banana. When cooked, the fruit is extremely low in fat, high in fibre and starch. It is very low in cholesterol and salt too.

It is very rich in potassium, and it is commonly prescribed by doctors for people who have low level of potassium in their blood. The potassium in plantain is very good for the heart and helps to prevent hypertension and heart attack.

It is also rich in potassium, magnesium and phosphate.

It is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C which helps maintain vision, good skin, and build immunity against diseases. Cooked unripe plantain is very good for diabetics, as it contains complex carbohydrate that is slowly released over time.

The green plantain is very low in sugar. The carbohydrate in the green unripe plantain is stored as a complex starch, slowly released after cooking and it is a good inclusion in a diabetic diet. The ripe or yellow plantain is rich in sugar and very sweet to taste.

A diet of green plantain is filling, and can also be a good inclusion in a weight loss diet plan. No wonder the nutritional value of plantain is unsurpassed.

When fried and served with tenderly boiled brown beans, as shown above, it is a great meal for lunch or dinner, and it is truly delicious.

Include this banana-like fruit in your menu list today and try out any of its recipe today.Remember, you can buy plantain online here and get it delivered to your door anywhere in the UK.