Plantains are the less-sweet, starchier equivalent to the banana. Plantains are an extremely important staple food for people in tropical countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Unlike bananas, plantains are almost always cooked before eating. In fact, they taste pretty awful raw. Apart from the physical differences, there are other few important nutritional differences between ripe and unripe plantain, there are also many health benefits you’ll be getting from eating unripe plantain.
Differences Between Unripe (Green) Plantain and Ripe Plantain
| Unripe Plantain | Ripe Plantain |
| Unripe plantain contains more Micronutrient | Micronutrient loss happens as plantain ages |
| Unripe plantain Contains probiotics | Ripe plantain contains little to no probiotics |
| Low glycemic index (Good or diabetics) (Makes it take longer to digest) |
High glycemic index (Bad for diabetics) (Makes it easier to digest). |
| May cause bloating and gas due to high resistant starch | Most of the starch has been converted to simple sugar and has lower resistance starch |
| Low sugar content
(So, good for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes) |
High sugar content
(So, Not good for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes) |
| Low antioxidant | Higher levels of antioxidants (antioxidant levels increase with the age of the Plantain) |
See: Health Benefits of Zobo Drink
Health Benefits of Unripe Plantain
It promotes cardiovascular health
Unripe plantain contains some amount of serotonin which dilates the arteries, improves blood flow, and reduces homocystine (a condition that causes coronary artery disease and stroke). You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, low energy, negative thoughts, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex. Other serotonin-related disorders include depression. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, and blood pressure.
The richness of unripe plantain in potassium makes it heart-friendly by preventing heart attack and hypertension through controlling heart rate and blood pressure in our body and cell. Also, its fiber content is great for reducing cholesterols level which reduces the risk of developing any heart disease.
Boost Nervous and immune systems
It presence of vitamin B6 in unripe plantain is a major factor. In your body, B6 is involved in more than 150 enzyme reactions. These help your body process the protein, carbs, and fat you eat. B6 is also closely linked with the functions of your nervous and immune systems. More recently, it’s been found that B6 has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Unripe Plantain is good for weight loss and Diabetes
Unripe plantain is relatively low in carbohydrates, with high fiber content, essential vitamins, and minerals. When consumed with lots of vegetable soup and chicken, it makes a great weight loss and healthy meal. One large unripe plantain contains 4 grams of dietary fiber, which makes it a perfect fruit for weight loss. The low-glycemic (low-GI) diet is based on the concept of the glycemic index (GI). Studies have shown that the low-GI diet may result in weight loss, reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Unripe plantain is very low in sugar compared to ripe or overripe plantain and this makes it a good choice for diabetes especially when added with other fiber and protein-rich food such as green vegetables. The Health Benefits Of Irish Moss
Unripe Plantain Boost Vision and Skin Health
Unripe plantain is a good source of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of your eye. This vitamin is also a component of rhodopsin, a protein in your eyes that allows you to see in low light conditions. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage. Another big benefit of Plantain is that it contains Allantoin, which is a powerful skin-soothing agent that encourages cell growth. Plantain Extract has germicidal and antibacterial properties, which makes it that much more useful in the prevention of acne. SEE: How Ugu Leaf Boost Blood Production
It helps with bowel movements.
Its richness in fiber makes bowel movement easier which also reduces constipation. A high-fiber diet normalizes bowel movements. Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. If you have loose, watery stools, fiber may help to solidify the stool because it absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool.
It helps build and strengthen stronger bones.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that causes bones to become weak and break easily. Osteoporosis affects mostly older women. Unripe Plantain is rich in calcium which is the essential mineral needed for stronger bones, muscles, nails, and teeth. A healthy meal with unripe plantain inclusive will prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
It can help in the management of ulcer
Various studies conducted have shown that unripe plantains contain a flavonoid called leucocyanidin. Leucocyanidin increases the amount of mucus in the stomach. This fruit may also reduce acidity, which can help prevent and relieve symptoms of ulcers. Studies on rats with ulcers caused by daily aspirin use have confirmed that unripe green plantain can both prevent the formation of ulcers and help to heal them. Ulcer is a common condition among many Nigerians.
Unripe plantains boost sexual performance
A healthy interest in sex is perfectly normal for any individual once such has attained the age of puberty. There is nothing abnormal in having sexual feelings and in fact, if anybody has no interest, it may mean that something is actually wrong. Studies have shown that the nutrients contained in plantain can help improve sexual performance through increased libido. In addition, eating plantain on a regular can also improve male fertility, thicker sperm, and volume. Food recipes such as unripe plantain with ginger and garlic, roasted or parboil can work wonders. Health Benefits and Side Effects of Aju Mbaise
Frequently Asked Questions On Unripe Plantain
Is plantain good for kidney patients?
Keeping potassium at the right level all the time is one of the jobs that healthy kidneys do for your body. Many foods have potassium, but some such as avocados, dried fruits (including raisins, apricots, and prunes), potatoes, oranges, plantain, and salt substitutes are very high in potassium.
What are the health benefits of plantain peels?
As mentioned previously, Plantain Peel comes with many internal and external health benefits, and here’s why; It can be used to treat skin disorders and defects, such as wrinkles, skin allergies, acne, and the reduction of scarring as a result. See Amazing Health Benefits of Tiger Nut & Tiger Nuts Milk
