Why You Should Consume Fried Plantains Regularly

In Latin American cuisines, fried plantains, also known as platano frito, are a very popular side dish. They are frequently consumed as a refreshment, breakfast food, or side dish. Plantains are an excellent source of carbohydrates and also contain a variety of other nutrients. Despite their high carbohydrate content, they are frequently recommended as part of a healthful diet. Unfortunately, sautéed plantains are not as nutritious as many believe. Here are some reasons why you should cease regularly eating fried plantains.

According to healthline, fried plantains are very high in calories and fat. Already abundant in carbohydrates, plantains are a rich source of carbohydrates. When you fry them, you add additional fat from the cooking oil, multiplying the amount of calories and fat. A single serving of fried plantain contains approximately 234 calories, nearly double that of baked plantain. In addition, it contains more than 10g of fat, which is approximately 15% of the daily fat consumption recommendation. Consuming excessive amounts of fat can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Additionally, fried plantains are rich in saturated fat. It is known that saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Additionally, the frying procedure can reduce the nutritional value of the plantain. The majority of the plantains' nutrients, such as fiber and vitamins A and C, are lost during the frying procedure. This decreases the nutritional value of fried plantains compared to their uncooked counterparts.

Moreover, fried plantains are deep-fried in oil that may not be healthful. Oils such as palm oil, maize oil, and vegetable oil are frequently used for frying plantains. Each of these can be harmful to one's health if consumed in excessive quantities. It is well known that palm oil contains high levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Trans-fats, which are abundant in corn oil, are known to increase the level of poor cholesterol (LDL) in the body and the risk of heart disease. The high smoke point of vegetable oil makes it optimal for frying, but it can cause inflammation and other health problems.

It is also essential to observe that fried plantains can turn black. This is because the frying procedure destroys carotenoids, the pigments responsible for their yellow hue. This indicates that the plantains have been overcooked and may indicate that they contain a greater concentration of carcinogens. The most significant source of these carcinogens is fryer oil.

Instead of consuming fried plantains, it is preferable to consume roasted plantains. Compared to fried plantains, baked plantains are much lower in fat and calories and offer the same number of nutrients. Additionally, baked plantains are much simpler to prepare and significantly less likely to contain contaminants from the oil. Baking can also help preserve the plantain's natural flavor, resulting in a much sweeter dish. Instead of frying the plantain segments, you can grill them for a healthier option. This will aid in reducing the fat and calorie content and preserving the nutrients.

In conclusion, it is evident that you should cease regularly consuming fried plantains. In addition to being exceptionally high in fat and calories, they may also contain harmful compounds from the frying oils. In addition, the frying procedure can reduce the nutritional value of the plantain. Plantains that are baked or grilled are much healthier alternatives and can provide the same amount of nutrition with fewer health hazards. When you next consider consuming fried plantains, choose the healthier alternatives instead.