Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts

Friday, March 27, 2026

Are Plantains Healthy? Dietitian Discusses Carbs, Sugar and Other Nutrients


Story by Aryelle Siclait



anamejia18 / Getty Images

Unripe, plantains are savory and starchy, then, as they transition from green to yellow, speckled with dots, they soften into their sweetest and silkiest form. This healthy fruit is as dynamic as it is delicious.

While you might be inclined to shy away given their sugar content, you’d be missing out on a tasty nutrient boost that can enhance any dish, experts say.

“Plantains are a nutritious choice and a good way to boost intake of fiber, potassium and overall carbohydrates,” Erin Palinski-Wade, registered dietitian and author, tells TODAY.com. The natural sugars in them, which the body is designed to eat, are accompanied by loads of antioxidants and vitamins that’ll fortify you in more ways than one.

Often baked, boiled or fried, in any stage of ripeness, plantains are the starchy powerhouse capable of packing a savory, sweet, crunchy or supple punch. Discover their many benefits and why they’re always worth stocking in your pantry.