11 Incredible Health Benefits Of Fried Plantain Chips

Let’s look at the “11 Incredible Health Benefits Of Fried Plantain Chips” – Fried plantain chips, also known as “kpekere” in some West African countries like Nigeria, are a popular snack made from ripe plantains. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which makes them a nutritious snack option.

Plantain chips are made by slicing the fruit thinly and then deep-frying until they are crispy. They are a delicious and tasty popular snack food in many countries and can be found in most supermarkets. As a lover or consumer of plantain chips, it’s important to know the health relevance of what you eat. Here are 11 incredible health benefits of fried plantain chips:

1. Rich in Nutrients

Fried plantain chips are a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients are important for maintaining good health, and consuming plantain chips can help meet your daily nutritional requirements. Vitamin A is essential for eye health, while vitamin C helps boost the immune system. Potassium is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and nerve function, while fiber is important for digestive health.

2. Promotes Digestive Health

Plantain chips are high in fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion. A diet rich in fiber has been linked to a lower risk of digestive disorders, including constipation, diverticulitis, and colon cancer. Additionally, the resistant starch found in plantains may help improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

3. May Improve Heart Health

Plantains are rich in potassium, a mineral that is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and consuming foods that are high in potassium, such as plantain chips, can help reduce this risk. Additionally, plantains contain compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels, another important risk factor for heart disease.

4. Can Help Manage Blood Sugar

Plantains are a good source of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and behaves more like a fiber. This means that it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels like other carbohydrates. Consuming foods that are high in resistant starch, such as plantain chips, may help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, making them a good snack option for people with diabetes.

5. Boosts Immune System

Fried plantain chips are a good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin C, such as plantain chips, may help reduce the risk of these diseases.

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6. May Improve Vision Health

Plantains are a good source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that is important for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Vitamin A plays a role in the production of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that helps us see in low light conditions. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin A, such as plantain chips, may help reduce the risk of vision problems, including night blindness and age-related macular degeneration.

7. Enhances Skin Health

Fried plantain chips are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and helps keep it looking youthful. Additionally, plantains contain vitamin E, another antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.

8. Helps With Weight Management

Fried plantain chips are a satisfying snack that can help curb cravings and prevent overeating. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer periods and reduce overall calorie intake. When consumed in moderation, plantain chips can be a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet.

9. Promotes Brain Health

Plantains are a good source of vitamin B6, a nutrient that is important for brain function. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. Consuming foods that are high in vitamin B6, such as plantain chips, may help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

10. Provides Energy Boost

Fried plantain chips are a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. They are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and maintain proper muscle and nerve function. Consuming plantain chips can help provide a quick burst of energy and prevent fatigue.

11. Do fried plantain chips have Anti-Inflammatory?

Plantain chips that are fried may not necessarily have anti-inflammatory properties.

Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but frying them can add extra calories and potentially harmful compounds like acrylamide.

While plantains themselves have anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids, the frying process can reduce or eliminate these beneficial compounds.

How To Make Fried Plantain Chips

Recipe for making fried plantain chips:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Peel the plantains and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).

2. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

3. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the plantain slices to the pan.

4. Fry the plantains for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.

5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

6. Sprinkle salt over the fried plantain chips to taste.

7. Serve the plantain chips immediately while they are still warm and crispy.

Learn more from the video below…