The Nutritional Benefits of Unripe Plantains
Unripe plantain has a lot to offer in nutrients and versatility. It serves a great variety of benefits besides being a meal favorite for any diet. You can easily prepare and consume plantains in various ways, including boiling, frying, roasting, mashing, or even grilling them!
Debunking the Iron Myth
The thought that plantains are rich in iron probably emanates from the green color of the peel when raw. This, however, is not eaten and hence does not add to the nutritional value of the unripe plantain. Although in some foods, like leafy vegetables, the green color can indicate high iron content, this is not the case with plantains.
The Real Nutritional Value of Unripe Plantains
So what do the so-called raw, green, and immature plantains actually provide for us? The popular wisdom, once again wrong. They have good strength because they are abundant with:
- Fiber: The benefits are the right digestion and intestinal health.
- Vitamin A: Good vision, immunity, and skin conditions.
- Vitamin B6: Participates in the synthesis of serotonin and norepinephrine-the two neurotransmitters which are key factors regulating the moods.
The Importance of Iron in Your Diet
Potassium helps control blood pressure and assists the functioning of the musculature and nervous tissues. Magnesium is crucial for bone health, energy production, and the maintenance of a healthy heart. However, plantains are not a source of iron when consumed unripe. To ensure that your intake of iron increases, red meat, spinach and other leafy vegetables, beans, fortified cereals, and seafood should be a key part of your diet.
Making Informed Choices About Your Diet
Knowing the nutritional value of foods, such as unripe plantains, allows you to make wiser choices concerning your diet. Another thing to note is that unripe plantains contain very low sugar levels compared to ripe ones and are thus good for blood sugar level patients or people intending to consume low-glycemic index foods.
Let me help you, being a dietitian, in planning the meals to suit your needs. Read more on managing anemia, its symptoms, and ways of increasing your iron intake with the help of food by the resources available on my blog.
About the Author, Dietitian Michelle
Hello, this is Dietitian Michelle, and I am proud to help you into a healthy, happy lifestyle with the right foods. I will guide you through this process, armed with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed choices about your life.
Ready to make informed food choices and unlock the nutritional benefits of plantains?
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