Plantain

Biological Name:

Plantago spp. (Plantain)

Natural Habitat:

Plantain: This plant is found throughout much of the world and can grow in a variety of habitats including fields, gardens, and waste areas.

Description:

Plantain is a term used to refer to a group of flowering plants that are commonly found in fields and other grassy areas. These plants are members of the Plantaginaceae family which includes a variety of species including common plantain English plantain and hoary plantain. Plantains are known for their ability to grow quickly and produce a large number of seeds which can make them difficult to control. In some areas plantains are considered weeds because of their ability to invade cultivated areas and cause allergies and other health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is plantain same as banana?
A: Plantains are usually larger and tougher than bananas, with much thicker skin. They may be green, yellow, or very dark brown. Plantains are starchier than bananas and not very sweet when green. When ripe, they are sweeter and become more so when cooked.
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Q: What are the disadvantages of eating plantain?
A: Risks. Plantains are healthy. But they’re less so when you cook them with a lot of oil, fat, or sugar. High-fat, high-salt, or high-sugar foods can raise your risk of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
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Q: Are plantains healthy?
A: Cooked plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. This hidden superfood warrants a trip your local grocery.
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Q: Is raw banana called plantain?
A: Plantain a member of the genus Musa scientifically called as Musa paradisiacal is an herbaceous plant. The fruit that this plant produces is generally used for cooking when raw and when ripen is the soft sweet banana (sometimes referred as dessert banana).
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Q: Which is healthier banana or plantain?
A: They are used in more savoury dishes, while bananas are cooked in recipes that call for even more sugar, making plantains overall a bit healthier. Plantains are high in complex carbs, but most carbs come from starch, unlike bananas, which have more carbs from sugar.
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Q: Do plantains cause constipation?
A: Adverse Effects. The resistant starch in plantains may make them difficult to digest. Green, raw plantains are especially high in resistant starch. 5 If you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, plantains can cause discomfort like gas, bloating, and constipation.
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Q: Is plantain good for diabetics?
A: Green plantains count as starchy vegetables in a diabetes diet and are relatively high in carbohydrates. Prepare them without added fat, sugar or salt, and they are one of the best starchy vegetable options, according to the American Diabetes Association.
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Q: What does plantain do to the human body?
A: Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.
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Q: What does eating plantains do for your body?
A: The high amount of potassium found in plantains is essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control your heart rate and blood pressure. The fiber in plantains also helps lower your cholesterol, which in turn keeps your heart functioning at its best.
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Q: Which is better boiled or fried plantain?
A: Nutritionists advise boiled plantains over fried plantains as they nutritionally contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium.
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Q: Can you eat a plantain raw?
A: Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.
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Q: Is plantain a banana or potato?
A: Plantains are a seedless berry in the banana family (part of the genus Musa) used in cuisines worldwide. The fruit can either be sweet when ripe or savory when unripe. While similar to bananas, treat plantains more like potatoes and cook them before consumption.
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Q: What are the benefits of eating plantain?
A: Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.
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Q: Is plantain healthier than potato?
A: Cooked plantains are nutritionally very similar to a potato, calorie-wise, but contain more of certain vitamins and minerals. They’re a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. This hidden superfood warrants a trip your local grocery.
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Q: Can you eat plantain raw?
A: Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.
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Q: Is plantain healthier than rice?
A: Although those numbers are very close, plantains have a few advantages over white rice. “They have more vitamins and minerals, and more fiber as well,” says Isabella Ferrari, MCN, R.D., L.D., clinical dietitian at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.
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Q: Is fried plantain healthy?
A: They contain roughly the same amount of carbohydrates as potatoes but are higher in certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Plantains are also a good source of fiber which aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness and satisfaction after a meal. What is this?
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Q: Is there plantain in South Africa?
A: “We try our best to ensure uninterrupted supply of fresh plantain in South Africa, especially during festive seasons when order quantities increase,” says Joëlle.”
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Q: Which African countries eat plantains?
A: Ghana’s most popular street food Kelewele is made from plantains, diced, spiced and fried. In the Congo region, plantains are either peeled, sliced, and boiled, or cut into rondelles and fried in oil, a dish called Makemba.
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Q: Is plantain Jamaican or African?
A: Fried plantain is a dish cooked wherever plantains grow, from West Africa to East Africa as well as Central America, the tropical region of northern South America and the Caribbean countries like Haiti to Cuba and in many parts of Southeast Asia, where fried snacks are widely popular.
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Q: What countries eat plantain?
A: CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN In countries in Central America and the Caribbean, such as Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Puerto Rico, Haiti and Jamaica, the plantain is either simply fried, boiled or made into plantain soup.
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Q: What is the generic name of plantain?
A: Common Name:Common plantainScientific Name:Plantago majorFamily:Plantaginaceae (Plantain)Duration:PerennialHabit:Herbs
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Q: What is plantain called in Nigeria?
A: Dodo (no, not the bird) is a simple preparation of sweet, ripe plantains that’s well-loved across Nigeria. You’ll find it sliced and deep-fried as a snack, enjoyed as the main event alongside stews, sauces, fried yams, and sweet potatoes (another popular street food), or served as an accompaniment to rice and beans.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.