25 Amazing Health Benefits of Unripe Plantain in Nigeria Today

Unripe Plantain, also called green plantain is easily defined as a plantain that has not yet ripened. It has a bright green color with a thicker outer skin than the ripe one.

Plantains are one food that people do not know much about. They look just like banana though with some physical difference but are the less-sweet, starchier version of it.

They are an essential staple food for people living in tropical African countries like Benin Republic, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Plantains can be roasted, boiled, or fried before consuming just like bananas. When Plantain is roasted, it is called Boole in Yoruba. When fried it is called dodo.

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It can also be turned into unripe plantain flour for pudding food or eaten as Amala or “swallow”

Unripe Plantain Flour

Unripe plantain flour is the product of dry pulverized unripe plantain slices. Plantain flour is lesser in calories than the usual all-purpose flour.

Its low-fat content makes it best for people suffering from cholesterol connected ailments like obesity and diabetes.

Cooked plantains are nutritionally very comparable to a potato, calorie-wise, but contains more of certain vitamins and minerals.

They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium.

Unlike bananas that are eaten raw, plantains are always cooked before eating. To tell the truth, plantains taste quite awful when eaten raw, so don’t be misled by their banana-like features.

Plantains are sometimes called the cooking banana and they come in 3 main ripening steps. Which includes:

Green Plantain	Yellow Plantain	Black Plantain
Unripe	ripe	Over-ripe
Fairly hard pulp (outer skin) and inside	Fairly soft pulp (outer skin)  and inside	Very soft pulp (outer skin) and inside
Starchy and less sweet ( Like Irish potatoes)	Slightly sweet	Very sweet
Perfect for making Chips	Best fried, cooked, or grilled	Best baked and for other overripe plantain recipes.

Differences between Unripe Plantain and Ripe Plantain

There are quite a lot of important nutritional differences between ripe and unripe plantain.

The minute plantain changes from unripe to ripe its nutrient profile also changes.

So, apart from the physical differences, there are also other vital nutritional differences between these two.

Here they are:

Unripe Plantain (Green)	Ripe  Plantain
Contains more Micronutrient	Contain less micronutrient. (Micronutrient loss happens as plantain ages)
Contains probiotics	Little to no probiotics
Low glycemic index (Makes it take longer to digest)	The high glycemic index (Makes it easier to digest).
High resistant starch(Which may cause bloating and gas)	Lower in resistance starch (Most of the starch has been converted to simple sugar)
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)
Contains Probiotic bacteria(Helps with good colon health)	Contains little to no probiotics
Low antioxidant	Higher levels of antioxidants (antioxidant levels increase with the age of the Plantain).

Frequently Asked Questions on Unripe Plantain and Its Effect.

• Is plantain good for patients with kidney issues?

Keeping your potassium level low or balanced continually is one of the many things that healthy kidneys do for the human body.

Many foods contain potassium, but some for example plantain, avocados, potatoes, dried fruits (including apricots, raisins, and prunes), oranges, and salt alternates contain very high potassium.

People with kidney problems should consult a doctor before eating any of these foods.

• What Is the Botanical Name of Plantain?

The scientific name for plantain is Musa paradisiaca.

• What are the Calories of Unripe Plantain?

As said by fitness pal, the calories in cooked 100 grams of unripe plantain are 116 calories.

• What are the Nutritional Facts of Unripe Plantain?

A Serving Size of 1 medium (179g) raw unripe (green) plantain contains:

Calories	220
Carbohydrates	57 grams (g)
Fiber	4 grams (g)
Fat	0.5 grams (g)
Protein	2 grams (g)
Vitamin A	360 micrograms (ug)
Vitamin B6	0.44 milligram (mg)
Vitamin C	45 micrograms (ug)
Potassium	739 milligrams (mg)
Magnesium	66.2 milligram (mg)
Zinc	0.3 milligram (mg)
Iron	1.1 milligram (mg)

 

• Is Plantain Protein Or Carbohydrate?

Plantain is more on carbohydrates. Plantain of medium size has 57 grams (g) of carbs and about 2 grams (g) of protein.

Hence, plantain is a carbohydrate.

• Can Unripe Plantain be used for Weight Loss?

Yes because it’s one of the best weight loss friendly food.

Being rich in fiber and complex carbs (resistance starch), which digest more slowly, thereby keeping you full and satiated for longer before the next meal.

Therefore, eating green plantain can assist you to relieve unnecessary cravings and to consume fewer calories overall.

• Is Unripe Plantain Keto Compliant?

The answer is NO! Since it contains a high amount of carbs, which are a “no-no” on the keto diet.

• Can Unripe Plantain Help Infertility?

YES! Unripe plantain can help to enhance fertility in both men and women because it’s rich in vitamin B6 and B6 responsible for regulating hormones.

• Does Unripe Plantain Cause Diabetes?

Being a diabetes-friendly food it does not cause diabetes because it contains a low amount of sugar content.

Likewise, fiber has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar. And the unripe plantain contains lots of fiber.

Is Unripe Plantain Safe In Pregnancy?

Yes. As you have seen, green plantain contains a large number of notable nutrients, which is good for you and your child.

On the other hand, ensure to check with your doctor if you are taking any kind of medication.

• Can Unripe Plantain be used For Ulcer?

It is one of the best food for you if suffering from ulcers.

This is because it contains probiotics and other phytochemicals that can help heal wounds in the wall of the intestine.

• Does Green Plantain Contain Iron?

It contains about 1.1 milligrams (mg).

• What Are The Uses Of Green Plantain Peels?

Peel from green plantain is used for making dry flour, which can be used in making snacks like cookies.

What are the Health Benefits of Unripe Plantain?

Health benefits of unripe plantain | unripe plantain, a remedy to different health conditions

The nutritional value of green plantain makes it notable as an essential addition to a healthy diet.

Alternative medicine practitioners have long approved it for the treatment of various ailments.

Below are some of the several benefits of plantain flour. Green plantain is very beneficial in the following areas:

1. It improves the heart function
2. Protects against anemia and neuritis. It iron component is effective in boosting blood level.
3. Promotes weight loss and healthy eating.
4. Improves the circulatory and digestive system.
5. Contains vitamin A, B6, and C.
6. It promotes healthy bowel movement.
7. Beneficial for diabetics.
8. Builds and strengthens stronger bones.
9. Prevents ulcers.
10. Enhancing erotic performances, reducing carnal weakness, and impotence
11. Mixing unripe plantain with spices like ginger, garlic & onions is a solution to high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems & ulcer.
12. The starch in green plantain helps to decrease acidity and reduce irritation in the body.
13. A green plantain can be used to prevent or heal an ulcer.
14. It is used in herbal medicine to pacify urinary tract infections.
15. Green plantain is rich in iron, and potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B, magnesium and phosphorus.
16. It is high in fiber and aids in digestion.
17. Green plantain helps in the treatment of sluggish bowels, reduces phlegm, heals wounds, eases dry coughs, and fight skin infections.
18. For people with gluten intolerance, it is the perfect substitute for flours containing gluten.
19. Plantains are rich in vitamin C.
20. Plantains are high in resistant starch which helps make people slimmer and healthier. Resistant starch does not spike up blood glucose or insulin.
21. Plantains are diuretic and can help to prevent kidney and bladder problems.
22. The folates in plantain are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
23. Plantains ease the discomfort associated with the menstrual period.
24. Based on the functional composition of unripe plantain and its healing properties it can be integrated as a food thickener, eaten cooked as a main meal, and used as a healthier substitute for other baking flours.
25. It boosts fertility

To get the full benefits take it often, can be taken roasted, fried, boiled, or make as fufu or amala.

Now, let’s take a look at the side effect of unripe plantain in our body structure just as we have seen the benefits…

What is the Side Effect of Unripe Plantain?

Here are some of the side effects of eating unripe (green) plantain.

• Unripe (green) plantain has lesser antioxidant levels when likened to ripe plantains. Antioxidant increase with the age of the Plantain.
• Unripe plantain may cause some gas and bloat due to its higher resistant starch content.
• Just like other foods, some individuals may have an allergic reaction when they eat plantain. Always seek medical advice if you notice any allergic reaction

Where Can I find Plantains?

Plantain is grown in tropical countries, from Central and South America to the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

A non-seasonal crop, plantain is always obtainable all through the year.

It is a well-thought-out staple food in many regions, as it offers an essential source of calories to people in the tropics.

 

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