Seven Health Benefits Of Green Plantains

Green plantains are used throughout Latin America and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Boiled, baked or fried… they are an excellent addition to many dishes.

When it comes to nutrients, green plantains are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene, along with other vitamins like B6 and minerals like iron. Besides giving your body a lot of energy, they also provide many health benefits, which we will talk about in this article.

1. Green plantains can improve and regulate heart rate

Thanks to their high potassium content, green plantains can help regulate heart rate. That’s because potassium helps regulate blood pressure, protecting the heart from the damage an irregular heartbeat can cause.

A medium-sized green plantain can contain about 400 mg of potassium, a very high daily dose when you consider that the recommended daily amount for adults is 3500 mg (and for children it ranges from 1100 mg to 2000 mg).

2. Green plantains can help with stomach problems and gastritis

Green plantains are very rich in starch. They are excellent as protectors of the gastric mucosa. Therefore, they are good to eat if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Gastritis
• Gastric acid
• stomach ulcers

In these cases, however, it is important that you prepare them properly and do not fry them. The fat that comes with the frying will almost negate any benefits. It is better to eat them cooked, seasoned with a little salt and olive oil.

3. They Can Help Fight Gut Disease

The starch content in plantains, a type of highly fermentable fiber, is highly beneficial to the good bacteria that help improve colon function as it produces a regulatory and prebiotic effect. Eating green plantains will help regenerate the intestinal flora.

It’s a good idea to include this food in your diet if you’ve just completed a course of antibiotics that can weaken your gut flora.

They are also helpful for intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or colitis.

4. Green plantains can boost the immune system

Like garlic, green plantains are an excellent source of vitamin B6. This is important for the functioning of the immune system, especially in older people.

Many conditions that can occur with aging can cause inflammation, which can result in tryptophan so the body needs more vitamin B6 to stay healthy.

Since vitamin B6 is soluble in water, it’s a good idea to steam the plantains to preserve these nutrients as much as possible.

5. They Can Help Regulate Blood Pressure

Potassium is very important for the health of the body, not only because it is good for the blood vessels. It also aids in muscle contractions, which is very important for the heart.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, it is best to increase your intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Green plantains contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium, so it’s a good idea to eat more of these.

Be careful if you take medication for high blood pressure. Potassium can then cause problems. So consult with your doctor.

6. They Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol

A 200 gram plantain can contain up to 5 grams of protein. More importantly, its fiber content makes it a great option to help lower your cholesterol. This is important if you want to help your body avoid problems such as obesity, diseases related to type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

7. They help fight obesity

The starch in green plantains provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Yet it is a food that is naturally low in fat.

If you want to lose weight, you can add green plantains to the meals. Do this in moderate amounts (remember they are also high in carbohydrates). You can eat them boiled, mashed or even steamed if you prefer.

Considerations When Eating Green Plantains

Keep in mind that while eating green plantains can provide many health benefits, it’s best to avoid them if you have liver disease or kidney failure. This is important because excess potassium cannot be removed properly if kidney function is sub-optimal.

This causes you to have too much of this mineral in your body and increases your risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to:

• hyperventilation
• Nausea
• A weak heartbeat
• Serious damage to the heart

Bananas alone are of course not sufficient as an alternative to medical advice or serious illness! When in doubt, always consult your doctor.