Plantain: See What You Need To Know

Plantains are common cooking ingredient or side dish in Nigeria and is well known as dodo. Nutritionally, plantains and bananas might seem very similar as well.
They are both potassium-rich foods and help in improving digestion and boosting the immune system. In reality, though, the health benefits of plantains are numerous and some could seem quite surprising.
The fact that plantains need to be cooked or fried before being eaten, slightly change their nutrition values, but does not eliminates the many health benefits of plantains.

Health Benefits of Plantains

1. Plantains as Promoters of Healthy Brain Function

Plantains are rich in Vitamin B6 (one serving contains approximately 25% of the daily recommended amount), which generates neurotransmitters that carry information from one cell to the other. The vitamin also helps with keeping the mood stable and regulating the body’s biological clock. High levels of Vitamin B6 in the body are also linked to decreasing and prevention of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

2. A Good Source of Magnesium

One serving of plantains can offer 16% of the daily income of magnesium, which is a very important substance regulating more than 300 reactions in the human body. Its functions span from preventing osteoporosis (being related to calcium absorption) to regulating blood pressure.

3. Plantains Have Healing Effects on Gastric Ulcers

The dried form of this fruit has been linked to stimulating the growth of the inner lining in the stomach which contrasts the formation of ulcers in the membrane layer.

4. Plantains and Their Fight Against Harmful Free Radicals

Plantains are rich in Vitamin C, which helps getting rid of free radicals in the body caused by tobacco, aging and radiation, among other factors which also promote the developing of life-threatening diseases like cancer. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C also help to boost the immune system.

5. Diuretic Properties

Plantains have been found to maintain proper functioning of the urinary system, because of its high concentration in potassium. As a result, plantains promote the removal of toxins and waste from the human system.

6. Better Eyesight and Skin Health Thanks to Plantains

Plantains are also rich in Vitamin A, which improves vision, controls degeneration of the cells in the eye and keeps under control the ageing process.

7. Plantains Help to Keep Good Heart Health

Plantains contain nutrients essential to maintain body fluids stable. Among all, it can help to keep under control homocysteine levels, which have been found to be associated with coronary artery disease and cause of strokes. The fibres in the fruit, also aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

8. Better Digestive Health and Weight Loss

Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates and rich in fibres. They make you feel full for longer, slow digestion and give enough energies which will lessen the chances of snacking on unhealthy foods.