By Testy
According to some nutritionists, beans and fried plantain have been termed a 'delicious poison'. An average Nigerian may find this surprising as this combo is seen as a go-to meal. Having the creamy taste of beans accompanied by the sweet vanilla-like taste of fried plantain, comes out as the best combination for many Nigerians. However, this meal combo is one to be particularly avoided. Want to know why?
Well, plantain on its own is a very nutritional food because it contains fibre, potassium and vitamin A. However, when it comes to the case of eating plantain with beans, you may want to avoid frying your ripened plantain. Once plantain ripens, it becomes a fruit; and frying causes an increase in the fat, calorie and sugar content of the food. This is not to say beans and plantain are not healthy food but that the combination of both is a combination of a meal that lacks fibre.
Beans are low in fibre and fried plantain is lower in fibre. Fibre is very important in avoiding constipation, regulating blood sugar and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Aside from that, the combination may also be low in nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron and calcium.
As much as you love this food combination, here are better ways to enjoy your beans:
1. Beans and Baked Plantain: Since many people are lovers of plantain and beans, one can still have it all. In this combination, the plantain has no contact with oil, meaning that it has lower calories and fat. Baking the plantain also retains more of its original nutrients.
2. Beans and Potato: Whether it be fried, baked or boiled, beans and potato are a healthier alternative to have. Potatoes are lower in calories and fat, they also contain more fibre and nutrients than plantain does.
3. Beans and Raw Bananas: This is just like you having plantain, but in a different form. Plantain is delicious and nutritional and so is banana, but this time, it's better taken raw; no frying no baking, just raw.
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