11/01/2019
WHY PLANTAIN 🌱 FLOUR ?
1. Nutritious
Plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and are easily digestible. As a staple food, plantains have been the main fare of millions of people for centuries.
Here are the basic nutrition facts for 148grams of plantain, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
2. Digestive health
Fiber is especially important because it promotes bowel regularity. Fiber softens your stool and increases stool’s overall size and weight. Bulky stools are much easier to pass and therefore prevent constipation. Eating a high-fiber diet may also reduce your risk of hemorrhoids and small pouches in your large intestine known as diverticular disease, according to the health experts. Fiber also increases fullness, slows digestion, and may help manage cholesterol.
3. Weight control
Carbohydrates aren’t necessarily a bad thing for weight management like most people believe. The fiber and starch found in plantains are complex carbs.
Fiber and complex carbs are less processed and more slowly digested than the simple carbs found in processed foods. They keep you full and more satisfied for longer after a meal, which can mean less snacking on unhealthy foods.
4. High in antioxidants
Plantains contain roughly 32 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin C in a single cup. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and helps build up your immune system.
As an antioxidant, it may protect your body against free radical damage that has been associated with aging, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. Studies have found an inverse relationship between vitamin C intake and lung, breast, colon, stomach, esophagus, and other types of cancers.
People with cancer were also found to have lower blood plasma concentrations of vitamin C.
5. Good for your heart
The high amount of potassium found in plantains are essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control your heart rate and blood pressure.
Plantains are also a good source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). A cup of sliced plantains gives you roughly 34 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This vitamin helps decrease homocysteine levels which are often associated with coronary artery disease and stroke.
The fiber in plantains also helps lower your cholesterol, which in turn keeps your heart functioning at its best.
6. Versatile (like a potato!)