Plantain and its Health Benefits

Plantain and its Health Benefits

Plantains are a subgroup of bananas that are starchier like potatoes and less sweet,  unlike the common banana. They are also smaller and denser than regular bananas. Plantains are grown in Africa and Latin America, though they may also be found in Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Plantain bananas are commonly served as an appetizer or snack and can also be used in place of other types of bananas in desserts or savory dishes. Keep reading to learn more about plantain benefits, nutrition, and uses.

Health Benefits

With their many nutrients and fiber, plantains are definitely a superfood as they do wonders for the health of your body

Here are some benefits to expect:

They improve digestive health

Plantains are high in resistant starch, which acts like soluble fiber. This fiber goes through the stomach and the small intestine undigested, eventually reaching the colon, where it feeds the friendly gut bacteria, lowers the risk of colorectal cancer, and many other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, constipation, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis

 It increases insulin sensitivity

Resistant starch in green bananas increases your metabolic rate and improves insulin sensitivity, which is your cell’s responsiveness to insulin. It’s also effective at lowering blood sugar levels after meals and preventing sugar spikes after your next meal. This can help manage type 2 diabetes, obesity, as well as heart disease.

It promotes healthy brain function

Plantain contains vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, which engines several neurotransmitters that carry information from one cell to another. B6 also increases the production of dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate your sleep cycle and improve your mood respectively.

 Promotes heart health

Plantain is loaded with many heart-healthy nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fiber.Potassium regulates blood pressure, which helps regulate your heart rate, while B6 reduces homocysteine levels in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

 It’s rich in magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral needed for different biochemical processes in the body. Unfortunately, most people don’t consume enough magnesium-rich foods. A single serving of boiled plantains may provide up to 16 percent of your daily requirement.

Source: healthiersteps.com