Benefits of unripe plantain in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very important moment of life for every woman. Who doesn’t dream about delivering a healthy and strong child? That is why women pay so much attention to the meals taken during the 9 months of expectation. Can you eat unripe plantain in pregnancy? What are the best fruits for pregnancy anyway? Find out about the health benefits of the popular African plant and learn whether it is good for the upcoming baby or not.
Plantains are fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked. They remind of bananas and even look similar. Still, their taste is less sweet when they are not ripe. When they are not ripe yet (and are green looking), they taste more like potatoes.
There are so many recipes with plantains that cooking or eating them becomes an important question for many pregnant women.
Nutritional value of unripe plantain
100 grams of plantain contain approximately 120 calories, 2.3 grams of dietary fiber, nearly 500 milligrams of potassium, and about 18 milligrams of vitamin C. This fruit has many useful elements to boast:
- Amazing source of starch
- A source of mineral (iron, magnesium, phosphorous)
- A source of useful elements such as folic acid, proteins
- Good source of daily energy
- Big amount of natural vitamins (C, A, B6)
All the nutrition included in unripe plantain add advantages to this product, especially for pregnant women. Let us learn what to eat during early pregnancy and why to enjoy plantains.
Health benefits of unripe plantain in pregnancy
1. Great source of energy
The starch included in plantain fruit offers a natural source of energy. It is important to stay energetic during pregnancy.
2. Digestion system improvement
Better digestion thanks to the dietary fiber component contained in plantain.
3. Natural constipation treatment
This is possible thanks to the dietary fiber. Cooking and eating plantains during pregnancy can improve the bowel movement and provide incredible relief while you are expecting a child.
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4. Immune system booster
The vitamins A and C contained in the fruit are act like antioxidants, protecting cells from being damaged and neutralizing the free radicals. This all improves and even boosts your immunity.
5. Skin health improvement
Since plantain is rich in the vitamin A, you can improve your skin and make it healthier. The same vitamin is great for your eyes too.
6. Protection to kidneys
The fruit can be used as a natural diuretic. In other words, it can improve the urinary function. This, in its turn, can protect your kidneys from various issues while you are pregnant.
7. Anemia treatment
Many pregnant women suffer from anemia. Making unripe plantain a part of your meals is a good idea since this plant is rich in vitamin B6. This is a great way to avoid anemia problems and treat neuritis.
8. Bones strengthening
Being a minerals’ source, plantains can be eaten to ensure the baby gets good healthy bones. Such minerals as magnesium and iron are important during pregnancy. Phosphorous is also must-take to help the child develop and stay healthier.
9. Healthier heart
The plant is rich in different folates (niacin, thiamin etc.) and this is good for the baby. Besides, it contains potassium and this element is responsible for better blood pressure as well as a healthier heartbeat.
10. A way to fight nausea
Many pregnant women suffer from nausea and easily get sick from different smells. Plantains have no smell and they can be taken without fear of vomiting.
Fruits for pregnancy
It is important to get natural vitamins during pregnancy. You can eat apples, bananas, pineapples, peaches, and more. Plantains are also on the list of amazing fruits allowed for expecting women.
READ ALSO: What class of food is plantain?
Source: Legit.ng
