What is plantain?
Plantain is classified as fruit, a major staple food in Africa, plantain (Musa paradisica) belongs to the banana's family, they are also part of Latin American diet. Plantain can be eaten in any form such as Dodo (fried plantain), Boli (Roasted Plantain) boiled, plantain with beans, plantain porridge, flour, Amala (thick dough reconstituted from flour) and plantain chips. Reserchgate.net
Plantain are source of carbohydrate rich in starch, fiber, low fat, vitamins A & C and potassium.
Plantains are eaten at different stages of ripening, green to yellow to black.
1.1 What are the Health Benefits Associated with Eating plantain
Below are some Health Benefit of eating plantain
a. To reduce the risk of heart diseases
b. To reduce diabetes
c. To reduce constipation
2. Antioxidant rich food
Plantain contain polyphenols and flavonoids which are beneficial compounds. This compounds, helps to fight free radicals. Free radicals causes oxidative stress and damages in the body
3. Boost the immune system.
According to 2018 study (Medicalnewstoday), plantain are good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, while vitamin C support the immune system, vitamin A regulate the function because it is anti-inflammatory.
4. It contains Potassium which help lower blood pressure.
For heart, nerves and muscle to function properly, there is need to consume a certain quantities of potassium which is contained in plantain. It metabolize carbohydrate and synthesize protein. Eating a potassium rich diet may regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke
2.0 What are the Health Benefits of Roasted Plantain?
Picture 2.0: Roasted Plantain (Boli). |
Roasted foods has been proven to be healthier than people thought, it has downside while roasting also have numbers of advantanges.
Roasted plantain tends to be healthier, tastier, look attractive and more appealing texture when compared to other cooking methods. Smoke impact flavour and aroma, it also helps to preserve it by drying it out preventing bacteria growth.
2.1 Advantages of Roasted Plantain
1. Less added fat
2. More nutrients are preserved
3. It's tastier
4. Creates an appealing texture
5. Produces succulent and tender feel
Consumption of plantain in our daily or weekly diet will help the body systems and help to curing anemia, reducing blood pressure, curing edema, curing heart diseases, curing gastritis, eliminating heartburn and eliminating constipation. Studies has also established that serotonin, the hormones of joy are contains in plantain which surpresses depression, reduces fatigue and improves mood. Roasted plantain has been proven to be more tastier and rich nutrients for consumption.