Health Benefits of Unripe Plantain and the Effect

Princess A.
15 Min Read
health benefits of unripe plantain

You found yourself here because you have a series of questions about the health benefits of unripe plantain and its effect. Well, you just landed yourself in the right place and I’ll tell you why? You see in this article, I won’t just answer your most pressing question about the health benefit of unripe plantain.

But I would go further by providing you with some powerful health benefits of unripe plantain and its recipes which are good remedies for weight loss, ulcers, and sexual problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unripe Plantain

Below are some of the most popular questions about the unripe plantain and quick answers to each of them.

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What is Unripe Plantain?

It’s easily defined as a plantain that has not yet ripened. Which has a bright green color with a thicker outer skin than the ripe one? Let me enlighten you more about what plantain is. Plantain is close relative to bananas. They are also less sweet, bigger, and starchier forms of bananas.

They are almost always cooked, grilled, or fried before consuming just like bananas. Plantains as the case may be sometimes called cooking bananas“.

Plantain also has 3 main ripening points. Which includes:

Green PlantainYellow PlantainBlack Plantain
UnripeRipeOver-ripe
Fairly hard pulp (outer skin) and insideFairly soft pulp (outer skin)  and insideVery soft pulp (outer skin) and inside
Starchy and less sweet ( Like Irish potatoes)Slightly sweet Very sweet
Best for making ChipsBest fried, cooked, or grilledBest baked and for other overripe plantain recipes.

What Differs Unripe Plantain from Ripe Plantain?

Ok, note this fact. Once plantain changes from unripe to ripe its nutrient profile also changes. Therefore aside from the physical differences, there are also other vital nutritional differences between these two.

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Here they are:

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Unripe (Green) PlantainRipe  Plantain
Contains more MicronutrientContain fewer micronutrients. (Micronutrient loss happens as plantain ages)
Contains probioticsLittle to no probiotics
 Low glycemic index
(Makes it take longer to digest)
The high glycemic index(Makes it easier to digest).
High-resistant starch(Which may cause bloating and gas)Lower in resistance starch
(Most of the starch has been converted to simple sugar)
Low sugar content(So, good for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes) High sugar content(So, Not good for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes)
Contains Probiotic bacteria(Helps with good colon health)Contains little to no probiotics
Low antioxidant Higher levels of antioxidants (antioxidant levels increase with the age of the Plantain).

What Is the Botanical Name of Plantain?

The botanical name for plantain is Musa paradisiaca.

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What are the Calories of Unripe Plantain?

According to fitness pal, it is known that the calories in cooked 100 grams of unripe plantain are 116 calories.

What are the Nutritional Facts about Unripe Plantain?

A Serving Size of 1 medium (179g) raw unripe (green) plantain contains:

Calories220
Carbohydrates57 grams (g)
Fiber4 grams (g)
Fat0.5 grams (g)
Protein2 grams (g)
Vitamin A360 micrograms (ug)
Magnesium66.2 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin C45 micrograms (ug)
Potassium739 milligrams (mg)
Vitamin B60.44 milligram (mg)
Zinc0.3 milligram (mg)
Iron1.1 milligram (mg)

Also, note that the nutritional value changes slightly after cooking.

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Is Plantain Protein Or Carbohydrate?

Plantain has more carbohydrates. Plantain of medium size has 57 grams (g)of carbs and about 2 grams (g) of protein. So to round it up, Plantain is a carbohydrate.

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Can Unripe Plantain be Used for Weight Loss?

I’ll give a big yes to that cause it’s one of the best weight loss-friendly food.

And here is the reason…

Unripe plantain is rich in fiber and complex carbs (resistance starch), which digest more slowly, thereby keeping you full and satisfied for longer after eating. So, basically, eating green plantain can help relieve unnecessary cravings and help you consume fewer calories overall.

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Is Unripe Plantain Keto Compliant?

Unripe plantain is not in any way keto compliant. This is because it contains a high amount of carbs, which are a “no-no” on the keto diet. 

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Can Unripe Plantain Help Infertility?

I’ll boldly say a big YES!!

Unripe plantain can also help boost fertility in both men and women because it’s rich in vitamin B6. And B6 is responsible for regulating hormones (Including sexual hormones).

As a matter of fact, a deficiency in vitamin B6 can cause poor sperm development in men and poor egg development in women.

Does Unripe Plantain Cause Diabetes?

No, it doesn’t cause diabetes cause it is a diabetes-friendly food because it contains a low amount of sugar content. Also, fiber has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar. And the unripe plantain contains lots of fiber.

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Is Unripe Plantain Safe For Pregnancy?

The quick answer to these is yes. For the most part, you can enjoy plantain during pregnancy. As you can see, green plantain contains many impressive nutrients, which is good for you and your child.

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However, make sure that you do not spoil yourself too much, and also check with your doctor if you are taking any kind of medication.

Can Unripe Plantain be used For Ulcer?

Yes, you can…

I recommend it as the best food for you if suffering from ulcers. Also, this is because it contains probiotics and other phytochemicals that can help heal wounds in the wall of the intestine.

Does Unripe Plantain Contain Iron?

It sure does. It contains about 1.1 milligrams (mg).

What Are The Uses Of Unripe Plantain Peels?

Peel from green plantain is used for making dry flour, which can be used in making snacks like cookies.

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What Are the Benefits of Plantain Peel?

According to a study published in 2015 in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, flour made with plantain peel is a very good source of antioxidants and dietary fiber.

13 Health Benefits Of Unripe Plantain?

Here are some of the most vital health benefits of consuming unripe (green) plantain regularly:

1. It helps in enriching the heart

Unripe plantain contains a certain amount of serotonin that widens the arteries, improves blood flow, and reduces homocysteine (a condition that causes coronary heart disease and stroke).

Its potassium richness makes it heart-friendly by preventing heart attacks and high blood pressure by controlling the heart rate, blood pressure in the body, and cells.

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In addition, its fiber content is excellent in lowering blood cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of heart disease. It is also one of the great health benefits of unripe plantain that happens to the body.

2. It can help treat anemia and neuritis

Its presence of vitamin B6 can assist in curing neuritis (inflammation of the nerve), and anemia: a medical condition where someone is having low red blood cells in the blood, which leads to weakness.

With inclusion into meal plans and consumption, it can cure anemia and neuritis and also serves as a preventive measure. These health benefit of unripe plantain plays a vital role in the body system.

3. It’s a great meal for weight management and healthy eating

This particular health benefit of the unripe plantain is relatively low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. When consumed with a lot of vegetables and chicken soup, it is a great weight loss and a healthy meal.

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4. It helps with bowel movement

Its richness in fibers facilitates bowel movement, which reduces constipation.

5. It makes a great meal for diabetics

have a very low sugar content compared to that ripe or overripe plantain, which makes them a good choice for diabetes, especially when added to other foods rich in fiber and protein, such as green vegetables.

Therefore, it is an excellent option for preventing diabetes. These particular health benefits of unripe plantain in the body system have saved souls.

6. It helps builds and strengthen stronger bones

This health benefit of unripe plantain is one of the greatest things it has done to mankind. It is rich in calcium which is the essential mineral needed for stronger bones, muscles, nails, and teeth.

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A healthy meal with unripe plantain inclusive will also prevent diseases such as osteoporosis which involves the weakening of the bones and causes fractures.

7. It Helps in preventing ulcer

Various studies conducted have made it clearer that unripe plantain contains phytochemical properties such as leucocyanidin which can prevent ulcers.

8. It boosts sexual performance

I guess this health benefit of the unripe plantains seems interesting.

Also note that making an unripe plantain part of your healthy meal plan will definitely help you in improving sexual performance through increased libido, improve male fertility, thicker sperm, and volume.

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Food recipes such as unripe plantain with ginger and garlic, roasted or parboil can do wonderful work.

9. It Aids in Better Absorption Of Some Nutrients.

Unripe (green) plantain helps you absorb nutrients, like calcium, better than ripe plantain can.

10. It is Beneficial For Brain Health

Unripe plantain is good for healthy brain function because they are a rich source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is one of the main responsible nutrients that generate important neurotransmitters, which transfer information from one cell to another.


11. It is Beneficial For The Skin

Unripe plantain assists you in having healthy and glowing skin.

12. Can Help Improve Vision

Green plantain provides some of the main nutrients that help improve your vision.

In addition, vitamins A and B6 in green plantain can help delay the onset of eye diseases such as macular degeneration. I can gladly say that this health benefit of unripe plantain is one of the best that happens to our body system.

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13. Consuming enough unripe plantain helps with the circulatory and digestive system

You can see the awesome health benefit of the unripe plantain in our circulatory and digestive systems and more things it does. I also believe that with every advantage of a thing that occurs in life, there are at least a few disadvantages to it. Believe it or not.

So to that effect, let’s take a look at the side effect of unripe plantain in our body system just as we have seen the benefits…

What is the Side Effect Of Unripe Plantain?

Here are some side effects of eating unripe (green) plantain.

  • Green plantain doesn’t taste nearly as good as ripe plantain.
  • Unripe  (green) plantain has lower antioxidant levels compared to ripe plantains. Antioxidants increase with the age of the Plantain.
  • Unripe plantain may cause some gas and bloating because of its higher resistant starch content.
  • Just like any other food, some people may have an allergic reaction when they eat plantain. Some of the popular allergy symptoms include things like trouble breathing, itching, swelling (of the lips, tongue, and throat), and the like.

Where Can I find them?

Plantain is grown in tropical countries around the world, from Central and South America to the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. As a non-seasonal crop, plantain is always available throughout the year.

It is considered a staple food in many regions, as it provides an important source of calories to people in the tropics.

Fortunately, plantains can be easily found in supermarkets and grocery stores. Although your local supermarket chain is more likely to transport plantains, if you’re having trouble finding them, try an Asian or Latin grocery store.

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