I was at a store today to do a little shopping when I saw a woman come in to get packaged unripe plantain flour. I casually asked her what for and she told me her mother suffered from diabetes and had this recommendation from a friend. I did not bother to ask what qualifications this friend had but made a resolve to get a clearer understanding of what properties unripe plantain flour could contain that makes it a more workable substitute to the conventional wheat flour for diabetics. Y'all know i'm not one to hoard, so here you go:
1.) Firstly and foremost, unripe plantain is essentially made of unrefined carbohydrates (complex sugars) which release energy slower into the blood stream, therefore providing longer sustenance while raising the blood sugar only slightly per time.
2.) Unripe plantains are filled with dietary fiber which adds bulk to stool, reduces the risk of constipation and binds to sugars and carcinogens in the G.I.T and disposing of them through faeces.
3.) They contain no GLUTEN which is aan allergen and in summary the criminal content of wheat.
4.) Plantains in general are famed to be diuretics which can prevent kidney and bladder problems and also rescue people from fluid retention (Oedema).
5.) They are good sources of vitamin c, B-complex vitamins (particularly B6) and other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and an ADEQUATE amount of iron. Now, heart diseases are a well known complication of diabetes and these minerals are heart healthy.
6.) Obessity could spell disaster for a diabetic. The dietary fiber and complex carbohydrate content of unripe plantains are a great remedy for weight loss.
Other Reasons to Indulge are:
1.) Plantains have more vitamin C than bananas. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
2.) Plantains have more vitamin A than bananas. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A plays a vital role in the visual cycle, maintaining healthy mucus membranes, and enhancing skin complexion.
3.) As in bananas, they too are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, particularly high in vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin that has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuritis, anemia, and to decrease homocystine (one of the causative factors for coronary artery disease (CHD) and stroke episodes) levels in the body.
4.) Plantains also contain folates, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Folates (folic acid) are essential for healthy pregnancy.
5.) Plantains ease the discomfort associated with the menstrual period.
-To make Plantain flour, simply dehydrate (or sun dry) raw unripe plantains, mill and sieve into a powder. Prepare the same way as semolina(use less water).
I'm not giving wheat flour a bad rap; it definitely does have its attractions as well. I'm just providing a substitute, an alternate; probably an even healthier one to wheat flour. Alright, have a wonderful evening.
