Plantains are an inexpensive, healthy, and delicious food. Plantains have been eaten in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for centuries, but the Western world is only just beginning to realize the many nutritional benefits of the plantain. Plantains are a carbohydrate rich source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Plantains are low in fat and sodium.