Health & Life

What are Plantain Bananas? How Many Calories Do They Have? Benefits of Plantain Bananas.

The Cau banana, a familiar fruit with a unique appeal, is an intriguing variety that warrants a closer look. Uncover the fascinating facts about this banana, from its nutritional value and health benefits to the delectable dishes it inspires. Get ready to explore the wonders of the Cau banana and discover why it's so much more than just a tasty treat.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

Banana is a popular fruit in Vietnam and is loved by many. Banana trees can be grown year-round and provide essential nutrients, as well as being used to create delicious dishes. Let’s learn more about this wonderful fruit.

1 What is Banana?

The scientific name of Banana is Musa acuminata. It is a type of banana that is shaped like a betel nut, round, thick, and plump like the Areca nut of Vietnam. Unripe bananas look quite similar to Ngự bananas. Sometimes, people mistake these two types of bananas for each other.

There is information suggesting that bananas originated in Australia, known as Dacca. However, this information has not been clearly verified.

In Vietnam, bananas are grown everywhere and are a familiar and beloved fruit to the people. With their delicious taste, bananas are not only consumed traditionally but also used in the food processing industry.

What is Banana?

2 How Many Calories are in Bananas?

Each banana contains only about 100-110 calories and is rich in nutrients. This fruit is known as a “golden weight loss food.” It is recommended to eat 1-2 bananas a day to provide your body with the necessary energy.

How Many Calories are in Bananas?

3 Health Benefits of Bananas

As mentioned earlier, bananas are packed with nutrients and offer various health benefits.

Rich in Vitamin C

A typical banana provides about 15% of your daily Vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C helps protect against dangerous diseases, maintains blood vessel walls, and stimulates collagen production.

High in Potassium

A banana usually contains 442mg of potassium, which is about 10% of the body’s daily requirement. This mineral helps ensure productive bodily functions, a stable heartbeat, and controlled blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Bananas

Good Source of Fiber

A banana can contain up to 15% fiber, which is an important component of the digestive system, aiding in digestion. Additionally, fiber reduces the risk of digestive tract cancers. It also helps maintain weight and keep you feeling full for longer.

Beneficial for the Stomach

If you often experience bloating, indigestion, belching, or acid reflux, bananas can be an effective remedy. They help reduce acid secretion and improve stomach and esophagus-related issues.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Bananas can inhibit the formation of kidney stones, support calcium maintenance, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Patients with kidney stones are often advised by doctors to include bananas in their diet.

4 Banana Price

Banana prices may vary depending on the season, but they generally don’t fluctuate too much. Usually, bananas are priced at around 15,000-30,000 VND/kg. Sometimes, they can even be cheaper.

When buying bananas, it is recommended to choose reputable places with clear origins, such as supermarkets or clean fruit stores, to ensure quality.

Banana Price

5 Delicious Dishes Made with Bananas

Steamed Banana Cake

This is a specialty of the people of Southern Vietnam and is loved by many. With simple ingredients: bananas, coconut milk, and peanuts, you can create delicious plates of this soft and sweet dessert, with the aroma of coconut milk and the crunch of roasted peanuts.

Steamed Banana Cake

Banana Ice Cream

Instead of buying banana ice cream from shops, why not make it at home to save money and ensure hygiene? Banana ice cream is fragrant, creamy, and has a light sweetness with the addition of peanuts and the aroma of coconut. It is a perfect dessert for hot summer days and can be stored in the freezer without losing its delicious taste.

Banana Ice Cream

Banana Muffins

Banana muffins are a popular Western dessert that is simple to make and can be easily modified with different flavors. If you have leftover ripe bananas, give this dessert a try! Banana muffins can be baked in the oven or steamed on the stove. Enjoy a soft muffin with a distinctive banana sweetness and a cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter day.

Banana Muffins

This article has provided an overview of bananas, their nutritional value, health benefits, price, and delicious dishes that can be made with them. We hope you found it informative and interesting. Stay tuned for more exciting articles every day!

Frequently asked questions

Plantain bananas, or simply ‘plantains’, are a type of banana that are typically larger and more firm than regular bananas. They have a thicker skin and a starchier texture, and are often used in cooking rather than being eaten raw. Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

The number of calories in a plantain banana can vary depending on its size and ripeness. On average, a medium-sized plantain (about 7 inches long) contains around 120 calories when it is green and up to 200 calories when it is fully ripe. Plantains are considered a healthy source of energy and can be a good option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Plantain bananas offer a range of potential health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut. Plantains also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function. Additionally, the resistant starch in plantains may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Plantain bananas can be cooked in a variety of ways and used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be baked, fried, boiled, or mashed, and are commonly used in recipes such as plantain chips, plantain fritters, or as a substitute for potatoes. Plantains can also be blended into smoothies or used as a natural sweetener in baking.

While plantain bananas are generally considered safe to consume, some people may have an allergy to them, particularly those with a latex allergy. It is always advisable to introduce new foods gradually and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or existing health conditions.