Latest news with #ValerieAgyeman
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Plantains and bananas look similar, but are 'actually pretty different.' Here's how.
If you're new to the world of plantains, we've got everything you need to know here. And if you're a tried and true plantain fan, stick around for some new recipe ideas. Experts believe plantains originated in Southeast Asia, thought many of the top producers of the fruit today are countries in Africa and South America, according to the Plantain Council, an organization that represents plantain producers, processors and suppliers. Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Rwanda, Colombia and more countries are responsible for millions of metric tons of plantains annually. Though plantains are a common staple food around the world, some may still be unfamiliar with them. They might look like bananas, but there are several key traits that set them apart. "Plantains and bananas look alike but are actually pretty different," says women's health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman, RDN. Here's how to tell the difference, and how best to prepare plantains, according to Agyeman. What is a plantain? A plantain is a fruit that appears similar to a green banana. The first major difference between plantains and bananas? Plantains have more starch than bananas and are therefore usually not eaten raw, Agyeman says. On the other hand, bananas are sweeter and usually are eaten raw. "Nutritionally, they're similar in calories and potassium, but plantains have a bit more complex carbs and fiber," Agyeman adds. For comparison, a 100-gram banana contains about 98 calories, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 1.7 grams of fiber and 326 milligrams of potassium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Database. A 100-gram plantain, on the other hand, has 136 calories, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2.1 grams of fiber and 396 milligrams of potassium. Can you eat raw plantains? Technically you can eat raw plantains, but they'll be bitter and starchy, so you likely won't enjoy the taste or the digestive discomfort that comes after. Experts say you're better off cooking plantains before consuming them. While plantains are technically fruits, they're often consumed more similarly to vegetables — when they're unripe, they have a neutral flavor and a texture akin to a potato, and are often steamed, boiled or fried, according to the Plantain Council. Looking for some inspiration to add variety to your plate? Here's how Agyeman likes to cook her plantains. "I actually like them roasted and paired with nuts," she says. "Sometimes I pair it with peanuts, cashews or pistachios. It's the perfect salty-sweet combo that always hits the spot."
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
What is evaporated milk? Here's when to use it in your recipes.
When you're walking down the grocery store aisles, there are endless options for dairy. You're probably familiar with most of them: blocks of cheese, sticks of butter, cartons of milk. What about that can of evaporated milk, though? Women's health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman, RDN, breaks down your FAQs about evaporated milk – what it is, what it's best used for and how it compares nutritionally to other types of milk. More: Yes, milk does your body good. But should you drink it every day? What is evaporated milk? Despite what your elementary school science class may have taught you about the various states of matter, evaporated milk isn't milk that has evaporated into a gas. It's just regular milk, Agyeman notes. The main difference between evaporated milk and the milk you pour into your cereal or coffee is that this one has "most of the water removed, so it's thicker and has a slightly caramelized flavor," she adds. So if you are planning on swapping out milk for evaporated milk, you're going to want to dilute it with some water first. What is raw milk? Health experts weigh in on its safety, nutrition content Is evaporated milk healthier than regular milk? Nutrition-wise, evaporated milk is similar to whole milk – just more concentrated, Agyeman says. Though a cup of evaporated milk has about 338 calories compared to whole milk's 152 calories, whole milk also has more than double the water content of the much thicker evaporated milk, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Database. But pound for pound, the protein, fat and carbohydrate content between evaporated and whole milk are roughly the same. (Lower-fat milks, such as 1% and skim, contain fewer calories and fat than both.) "(Evaporated milk is) not necessarily healthier, but it's a great option when you want a creamy texture in soups or sauces without using heavy cream," Agyeman says. Evaporated milk is also commonly used in custards, puddings and pies to help achieve their rich texture.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Stone fruit season begins in the US: What are the health benefits?
Summertime is here and so is the hoard of fresh and juicy fruits that are not only delicious in taste but bring in a lot of health for the body. Stone fruits are the season's seasonal produce that will now be available in the markets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These naturally sweet treats are worth being included in your diet for more reasons than just their taste and season. What are stone fruits and do they have any health benefits, let's find out below. What are stone fruits? Image credits: Getty Images According to the University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department, stone fruits are fruits with edible flesh on the outside and a stone often called a pit, that protects a seed on the inside. These fruits which are also called drupes include peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and apricots. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the demand for these fruits has been on the rise globally and in the U.S. Do stone fruits have any health benefits? Image credits: Getty Images Various types of stone fruits offer numerous health benefits. According to health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman, peaches and nectarines are a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Regular consumption of peaches has also been linked to improved heart health, digestion, weight loss, immunity and protection against diseases including heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's and some types of cancer. Additionally, a related the consumption of these fruits with lower prevalence of diabetes, overweight or general obesity, lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative tumours and cardiovascular protection. If you are looking to improve your gut health then plums and apricots should have a more regular part in your diet. "Their fiber content can help keep things moving along in the digestive tract," said Agyeman to USA TODAY. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While a cup of plums has 2.1gm of fiber, a cup of apricots has 2.5gm of the nutrient. Another common stone fruit is the cherry which has already seen its days of fame among people with the tart cherry juice trend advocated for good sleep. The fruit itself is also enough with its content of natural melatonin. Along with eating them alone, you could make them a part of some interesting breakfast recipes by pouring in some Greek yogurt, garnishing some cottage cheese over them, or adding them to oats, salads and baked treats.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
It's stone fruit season! A dietitian's favorite ways to eat them this summer
It's stone fruit season! A dietitian's favorite ways to eat them this summer Show Caption Hide Caption How to pit peaches properly This is how to easily pit and cut peaches. Problem Solved, USA TODAY Summertime means the re-emergence of plenty of fun things: trips to the beach or pool, outdoor brunches and cookouts with family and friends. It also brings us new in-season fruit to enjoy during those aforementioned gatherings. Stone fruits are among the summertime seasonal produce that's now available. And demand for many types of them are on the rise both globally and in the U.S., according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Stone fruit season is my favorite," says women's health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman. Here's what to know about stone fruits, including their nutritional value and some tasty ways to enjoy them this summer. Heads up: People with sensitive stomachs avoid eating cherries. Here's why. What is stone fruit? Stone fruits, which are also called drupes, are fruits with edible flesh on the outside and a stone, often referred to as the pit, that protects a seed inside, according to University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department. Common types of stone fruit include peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and apricots. Are peaches good for you? Nutrition experts break down healthy fruit options. Is stone fruit good for you? Research has shown various types of stone fruits offer a number of different health benefits. Looking to boost your digestion, skin health and immunity? The vitamin C and fiber in peaches and nectarines are a great way to do that, Agyeman says. Regular peach consumption has also been linked to heart health, digestion, weight loss, immunity and protection against issues including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and some kinds of cancer. Those looking to improve their gut health could try to incorporate more plums and apricots, she adds, noting that "their fiber content can help keep things moving along in the digestive tract." A 1-cup serving of plums contains about 2.1 grams of fiber, while a cup of apricots contains about 2.5. That fiber also helps the fruit feel more filling. And if you're on TikTok, you may be familiar with the concept that tart cherry juice may be good for sleep; Eating straight-up cherries has a similar effect, thanks to their natural melatonin. Aside from eating these fruits as-is, Agyeman offers a few ideas to incorporate stone fruits into snacks or meals that'll leave you feeling satiated. "I love slicing fresh peaches and nectarines over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese," she says. "Grilled plums with cinnamon make such a simple but sweet treat. And I'll toss cherries into salads with goat cheese and arugula. Apricots are also amazing on oatmeal or as a grab-and-go snack."
