Plantain, fibre content, micronutrient contents, phytonutrient contents, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity and potential health benefits
Description : Plantain is a nutrient dense food belongs to Musaceae family. It has been extensively used for
Article Details :
Plantain is a nutrient dense food belongs to Musaceae family. It has been extensively used for numerous therapeutic purposes.
Difference between plantain and banana
Though plantain and banana belongs to same botanical family but there are several differences among them, which include –
- Plantain is relatively larger than banana
- The color of the outer skin of banana is yellow whereas the outer skin of plantain is green in color and the skin of the plantain is comparatively thicker than banana
- Banana is sweet in taste whereas plantain is not too much sweet
- Plantain is comparatively more starchy than banana
- Banana can be consumed raw but plantain requires proper cooking as it cannot be consumed raw due to its toughness

Nutritional profile
- It contains desirable amount of carbohydrate. It is mainly composed of dietary fibre, resistant starch and natural sugar. As it ripen, then the amount of fibre gradually decreases and the amount of natural sugar increases
- It contains adequate amount of protein as well
- It is considered as low fat food, as it does not contain enough fat but it has high fat absorption capacity that means it can easily absorb fats or oils when it is cooked within it
- It is packed with numerous micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, potassium, magnesium, iron and copper
- It also contains various phytonutrients, which are responsible for exhibiting several nutraceutical activities
Biological activity
Antioxidant activity
- Its micronutrient and phytonutrient contents are considered as the main components accountable for exerting antioxidant activity
- It helps to protect the body from the detrimental effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species thus decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases
Anti-inflammatory activity
- It contains various anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids that help to decrease inflammation
- It mainly helps to reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators in body, which are responsible for triggering inflammation
Health benefits
Role on immune system
- Plantain contains numerous immune boosting nutrients that play imperative role in strengthening the immune system
- It helps to enhance the activity of immune cells as well
- Vitamin C component of plantain helps to stimulate the synthesis of WBC in body, which ultimately helps the body to fight against infections
- Its antioxidant activity is also related with supporting the immune system to neutralize free radicals hence decreases cellular damages
- It is better to include plantain in diet for reducing the susceptibility of becoming ill
Role on digestive health
- Consumption of plantain is extremely useful for maintaining a healthy digestive system
- It helps to promote the digestion of foods
- It contains significant amount of fibre that helps to ensure healthy bowel. It is associated with increasing bowel movement that promotes regularity. On the other hand it is also related with increasing stool mass and softness. Both of these features are accountable for preventing constipation
- It enhances peristalsis as well, which subsequently improves colonic health and lessen the risk of developing diverticular disease
- It is very effective for preventing hemorrhoid too
- Resistant starch present in plantain acts as probiotic, which helps to enhance the growth of intestinal beneficial microbes hence improve gut health
Role on nervous system
- It helps to promote the overall functionality of nervous system
- Its vitamin B6 content plays imperative role in facilitating brain’s growth and activity
- It is also associated with protecting neurons from free radical induced oxidative damages thus significantly decreases the prevalence of neurological disorders
- It helps to enhance the activity of neurotransmitters as well
- Its consumption is also very effective for improving cognition

Role on mental health
- It is better to include plantain in diet for preventing depression. It has seen that its vitamin B6 and magnesium components are responsible for preventing depressive symptoms by about 40%
- Its consumption is also very effective for enhancing mood as it contains desirable amount of Vitamin B6, which is closely related with synthesizing various brain Read more