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What Makes Plantains Healthy?
Plantains are a starchy fruit with a variety of health benefits.
While they may look like bananas, they taste different and have different nutritional profiles.
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This can, in turn, help manage associated conditions likehigh blood pressure(hypertension).
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient, meaning you must get it through your food.
It is an antioxidant that prevents illness and serious diseases like cancer and heart disease.
In addition to the vitamin and mineral content, plantains may help promote better digestion.
However, research suggests eating plantains and other plant-based foods may help control blood sugar.
What Color Are Ripe Plantains?
Like bananas, the ripeness of plantains can be seen by the color of the plantain.
Also like bananas, plantains will ripen over a number of days.
Do Plantains Taste the Same as Bananas?
Plantains taste different from bananas in that they are starchier and less sweet.
However, ripe plantains can be sweet when cooked.
Plantain Nutrition Breakdown
The nutrition profile of plantains will depend on how they are prepared.
For example, fried plantains usually contain more fat than baked plantains.
At their core, however, plantains are mostly carbohydrates and water.
Plantains can be baked, fried, boiled, or grilled.
If youre looking for a healthier preparation method, consider baking your plantains instead of frying them.
Once peeled, the plantain can be baked whole or in slices.
Nonetheless, fried plantains need not be labeled a bad food when enjoyed in moderation.
There are also healthier ways to enjoy fried plantains, such as making or buying air-fried plantains.
An air fryer doesnt use oil and, therefore, does not add fat in the frying process.
Or you could use traditional recipes as inspiration to experiment with plantains in your favorite dishes.
Difference Between Plantains and Plantain Weed
Plantain weed is unrelated to plantains, the fruit.
Plantain weed (Plantago major) has large, oval-shaped leaves and produces a green flower.
Plantain the fruit (Musa paradisiaca) resembles a banana and grows like a banana in bunches.
Summary
Plantains are a versatile fruit different from bananas in taste, texture, and nutrition.
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