Plantains are a member of the banana family but are very different from the familiar sweet fruit. For starters, plantains are starchier than the banana and therefore act more as a vegetable in dishes. While bananas are sweet and soft, plantains are generally firm and most often cooked before consumption.
They also contain more potassium than bananas, which helps promote heart health and lowers blood pressure.
Plantains are high in minerals and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and B6. However, their carbohydrate content may raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important to balance with foods that have a lower glycemic load.
Glycemic Load=13
Serving size: 1 medium
Calories: 218
Omega-6 / Omega-3 ratio: 2 : 1