Originating from the banana Musaceae family, plantains are excellent staple sources of healthy carbohydrates but low fat. Commonly referred to as potatoes of the Caribbean, plantains unlike bananas are vegetables and not fruits. And though they may look similar, plantains are usually bigger, longer, thicker skinned and have lesser sugar than bananas.
They also have higher starch content and shouldn’t be eaten raw.
Plantains pack more vitamin A than bananas. 100g of plantains will give you about 37.5% of the recommended daily value of this essential vitamin. Quite a lot, right? This makes plantains a great carrier of antioxidant Vitamin A which helps in eliminating free radicals, prevention of inflammation and enhances good vision. Alongside Vitamin C which is also highly present in plantains, both vitamins are largely responsible for good skin health, cell growth, and not forgetting, great immunity.
Great energy boosters that they are due to the high level of carbs in them, Plantains are high fibre foods which make you feel full with just a little intake. This fibre works exceptionally too in aiding digestion and averting constipation. Plantain’s rich fibre content is heart healthy as it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It furthermore prevents risks of diabetes and certain cancers (especially colon).
Plantains are also good sources of Vitamin C. A plantain rich diet will help your body fight off infections, while also promoting healthy gums and teeth. Not lacking in calcium as well, you can be assured of strong bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis as you consume this super-food.
There’s still more! Especially high in vitamin B6 which is known to lower the occurrence of pre-menstrual syndrome and miscarriages in women, a meal of plantain gives you an adequate dose of B-complex vitamins, vitamins E and K, folate, niacin and thiamine. Vital minerals potassium, magnesium, iron are also not left out of the package of nutritional benefits plantains have got to offer.
Healthy muscle functioning, steady heartbeat and healthy blood sugar levels are some of the many other reasons to eat plantains.  
Although their taste may vary in accordance to their stage of ripeness, plantains are delicious nutritional powerhouses that can be enjoyed as meals or snacks. Irrespective of how ripe they are, Plantains can be prepared in diverse forms (steamed, grilled/roasted, fried or boiled) and they make excellent components in several delightful dishes across various cultures.
Some of the popular Nigerian ways to enjoying plantain are as: fried (dodo), side dishes (gizdodo), roasted (boli),  chips (snacks), puff puff/fritters (desserts), main meals – porridges, peppersoup, boiled with sauce/leafy vegetables. Click here to check out our Caribbean styled plantain recipe.
Savoury, versatile and highly nutritious – these best explains what plantains are. Don’t you agree?