Are Plantain Chips Healthy? A Nutritional Exploration

Are plantain chips healthy? Are they good for weight management? These questions often arise whenever we think of plantain chips. Often misunderstood as a starchy cousin of bananas, they have been a staple food in many tropical regions for centuries. However, their nutritional value and health benefits are often overlooked or misconstrued. Plantain chips can reduce the risk of heart diseases, which cause 32% of deaths across the world due to low intake of fiber and potassium.

In today’s blog on ‘Are plantain chips healthy?’, we will explore more nutritional benefits of plantain chips:

What is Plantain?

Have you ever looked at a banana? That’s how plantains look, but they are much starchier than bananas. Found in Southeast Asia, they come in two different varieties: green and yellow. Yellow plantains are sweeter and softer than greener ones. Plantains are widely used for culinary purposes and can be transformed into flour for baking, making chips, etc.

Are Plantain Chips Healthy?

Plantain chips have emerged as a staple food across various regions of North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Also, in Africa and some parts of Southeast Asia, they are widely consumed as a staple food.

Plantain Health Benefits:

Plantains are packed with potassium, aiding heart health, and fiber, promoting digestion. Enjoy them as a tasty, nutritious snack or in savory dishes for a boost of health benefits. Below we have brought you some of its health benefits:

Nutritious

Are plantain chips healthy? Their nutritional value speaks for themselves. They are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. For centuries, they have remained a major staple food for millions.

270 g of Plantain chips contain around

Calories	215
Fat	0.22 g
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	58 g
Fiber	3 g
Potassium	663 mg
Vitamin C	23 mg
Vitamin A	63 ug
Vitamin B6	0.29 mg
Magnesium	57 mg

Digestive Health

As per the National Library Of Health, approximately 443.53 million people suffer from digestive disorders globally. And if you don’t wanna be a part of this list then you can add plantain chips as your snack. They are a rich source of fiber, which promotes bowel regularity and softens the stools. Consuming a fiber-rich diet has been proven to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.

Weight Management

If you want to begin your weight loss journey, are plantain chips healthy? Of course, they are. Plantains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slower than the simple carbs found in processed foods. They keep you feeling fuller for a longer time after a meal, resulting in less snacking on unhealthy foods.

High In Antioxidants

An excellent source of antioxidants, such as plantain chips or dragon fruit can provide the requisite amount of vitamins, boosting your immune system. Antioxidants have also been proven to protect against various dangerous diseases such as heart attack, cancer, etc. Studies have also proven an inverse relation between vitamin C and lung or breast cancers.

For the health-conscious folks if they still think, are plantain chips healthy? Here are two more benefits that can help in getting a clear answer.

Good For Your Heart Health

Plantain chips are rich potassium sources,  essential for maintaining the cell and body fluids that control heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the fiber in plantains aids in lowering cholesterol, thus optimizing heart function.

Versatile

Frying plantains in unhealthy oil produces a commonly served side dish in restaurants, sometimes topped with sour cream, but this preparation is not a healthy choice due to the animal fat. However, when considering plantains as a starchy vegetable or a potato substitute, their texture and mild flavor truly excel when baked or grilled. Incorporating plantains into meat- or vegetarian-friendly stews or grilling them alongside fish provides delicious options.

How Are Plantain Chips Made?

Follow the below steps to prepare delicious plantain chips at home:

• Peel the green and firm plantains: Start by removing the peel from the green and firm plantains.
• Slice them thinly using a mandoline slicer. Once peeled, use a slicer to cut the plantains into thin slices.
• Deep fry until crispy while seasoning with a salt-water solution. Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer. Carefully place the finely sliced plantains into the hot oil and fry them until they turn crispy and golden brown.
• Drain and enjoy: Once the plantain chips are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Place just-fried plantain chips on paper towels: After draining the excess oil, transfer the freshly fried plantain chips onto paper towels. it helps absorb any remaining oil and ensures the chips maintain their crispiness.
• Absorb excess oil and let them cool: Allow the just-fried plantain chips to cool on the paper towels. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, resulting in delicious homemade plantain chips ready to be enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

Now, you might have got your answer to “Are plantain chips healthy?”. They are a highly nutritious and versatile food that can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Their rich nutrient profile, coupled with numerous health benefits ranging from digestive to heart health and beyond, make them a valuable addition to any culinary repertoire. So, the next time you encounter plantains in the produce aisle, embrace them as a wholesome and flavorful ingredient that can enhance your overall well-being.

FAQs

Are Plantain chips gluten-free?

Yes, plantain chips are an excellent source of gluten-free or paleo-friendly recipes. They are a staple food in many regions of the world. For centuries, people of Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean have been consuming them as a staple food.

Is plantain chips healthier than potato chips?

Well, there is no straightforward answer to it. However, plantain chips may be the better choice for those seeking a lower-calorie and sodium option with a unique taste. Alternatively, potato chips could be a suitable alternative for those looking for a snack with lower carbohydrates or a surprising protein content. Ultimately, practicing moderation and mindful consumption are key to enjoying any snack while maintaining a balanced diet.

Is plantain chips good for weight loss?

As previously mentioned in the blog, these are a good source of complex carbohydrates and fibers. Plantain chips help slow down digestion and keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer after a meal, which can mean less snacking on unhealthy foods.