Bananas and plantains look similar, but plantains are generally larger and have a slightly different taste. From a nutritional perspective, plantains are milder and contain a higher amount of dietary fiber compared to bananas. Now let's explore the nutritional value and benefits of plantains.
Overall Benefits and Effects of Plantains
1. Plantains have a cooling effect and can clear heat in the intestines. They have a sweet taste and can provide lubrication for the intestines, aiding in bowel movements. They can be used to treat symptoms of fever and thirst caused by heat.
2. Plantains can help alleviate the stimulation of gastric acid and protect the gastric mucosa.
3. Plantains contain substances that inhibit the conversion of angiotensin, which can help lower blood pressure.
4. Methanol extracts from plantain pulp have inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi, making them anti-inflammatory and detoxifying.
5. Plantains are rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help prevent and fight against cancer.
6. Plantains have a sweet taste and a cooling nature. They enter the lung and large intestine meridians and have the effects of clearing heat, generating fluids, relieving thirst, and lubricating the lungs and intestines. They are commonly used to treat symptoms such as fever, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and bleeding hemorrhoids.
Medicinal Uses of Plantain Roots
1. Used for treating various swellings and sores. Apply crushed plantain roots to the affected area.
2. Used for treating erythema caused by infectious diseases.
3. Used for treating toothaches caused by wind-heat or tooth decay. Take the juice from plantain roots and gargle with it after heating it.
Medicinal Uses of Plantain Leaves
1. Used for treating early-stage swellings and sores. Grind plantain leaves and mix with ginger juice to apply.
2. Used for treating burns. Take an appropriate amount of plantain leaves and grind them. Apply sesame oil to burst blisters and egg white to unbroken blisters.
Plantain leaves have been used for thousands of years to prevent epidemics. Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes local resources, and modern pharmacological research has shown that plantain leaves have broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral properties. They can inhibit and kill many viruses and bacteria, and have certain preventive and therapeutic effects on respiratory diseases. Burning plantain flowers, grinding them into powder, and taking two qian (about 6 grams) with brine can treat angina.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, plantains have a lubricating and bowel-moving effect. However, bananas have a cooling nature, while plantains are neutral. Those with a cold stomach should not consume large amounts of plantains, but they are generally suitable for elderly individuals.
