Plantain - Very Healthy Food

Believe it or not, plantain is one of the healthiest foods in the world in terms of its nutritional value.

The nutritional value of plantain is even greater than that of its closest relation, banana.

When cooked, the fruit is extremely low in fat, high in fibre and starch. It is very low in cholesterol and salt too.

A typical average size plantain fruit after cooking contains 50 – 80 grams of carbohydrate, 2 – 3 grams of protein, 4 - 6 grams of fibre and about 0.01 to 0.3 grams of fat.

It is very rich in potassium, and it is commonly prescribed by doctors for people who have low level of potassium in their blood.

The potassium in plantain is very good for the heart and helps to prevent hypertension and heart attack.

It is also rich in potassium, magnesium and phosphate. It is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C which helps maintain vision, good skin, and build immunity against diseases.

Cooked unripe plantain is very good for diabetics, as it contains complex carbohydrate that is slowly released over time.

A diet of green plantain is filling, and can be a good inclusion in a weight loss diet plan. No wonder the nutritional value of plantain is unsurpassable.