Plantain is a common food in Western African countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.
Unripe plantain is regarded as green plantain by some and serves as a source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Apart from the enjoyment you will derive from eating unripe plantain as a meal, it equally comes with a good number of health benefits.
In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 proven health benefits of eating unripe plantains.
IT HELPS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES
The level of sugar available in an unripe plantain is very low when compared to that of a ripe plantain. This makes it an ideal meal for people suffering from diabetes.
Unripe plantains are very rich and when combined with quality vegetables and high-protein foods, they can help prevent diabetes.
GOOD FOR THE HEART
Information abounds that unripe plantains protect the heart from diseases like high blood pressure. It is believed that it contains a small amount of fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels, thereby eliminating the risk of heart disease. Similarly, unripe plantain protects against stroke and other heart diseases due to it high levels of serotonin.
CURE OF NEURITIS AND ANEMIA
Neuritis and anemia can be treated with the help of vitamin B6, which is found in unripe plantains. Inflammation of the nerves is the hallmark of neuritis. While anemia is characterized by a lack of red blood cells in the body, this condition is often accompanied by a feeling of weakness. These diseases can be alleviated and even prevented by regularly eating unripe plantains.
GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Findings have shown that unripe plantains contains some fiber that contributes to weight loss when consumed regularly.
GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMINS A, B AND C
It has been argued that unripe plantain apart from improving eyesight, is rich in vitamins C, B and A, which nourish the skin and protect one from disease.
HELPS WITH CONSTIPATION
Immature plantain is the answer if you have trouble urinating. Your bowel movements will be lighter and more regular if you eat enough of them.
IT’S GREAT FOR YOUR BODY
The unripe plantain has the power to increase blood circulation in your body and boost your digestive system.
IT IS RICH IN CALCIUM
If you want strong, healthy bones, nails, and teeth, you need calcium. Unripe plantains are a powerful source of calcium and can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis, which weaken bones, if eaten in large quantities.
IT HELPS TO BOOST LIBIDO
This is another immense benefit of an unripe plantain. You can improve your sexual life simply by eating unripe plantains regularly. The vitamins and nutrients contained in unripe plantains help to increase your sexual desire and overall performance during intimacy.
If you’re concerned about your libido, eat a lot of unripe plantains. It has been shown in studies to improve sexual performance.
HEALING OF ULCER
Lucocyanidin, a compound found in unripe plantains, has been shown to help treat ulcers.
That’s all there is to it. Even if something is great for you but doesn’t taste good, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad for you. It’s not as sweet as ripe plantains, but it’s definitely better for you.