Eggplant is called different names across the world such as “aubergine” and “brinjal” or in some countries like Philippines it is locally called “talong”.
Eggplant is considered to have originated in India and has been cultivated there. But, later on it was discovered by the rest of the world when it was traded into different countries.
This vegetable does well in warm climates but it’s best when grown in rich, well-drained and slightly alkaline soil. But, did you know that eggplant is actually a berry? Surprise? It is indeed a berry, though, many still considered it as a vegetable.
Eggplant is a small, round, purple member of the nightshade family. It has wide different varieties, ranging in shape and sizes from small and round to long and skinny and in colors from indigo to white.
Eggplant is mainly known for its high antioxidant content which provides a wide variety of health benefits as it also contains fiber, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E and Vitamin B6 and many more. The benefits of eggplant are numerous and diverse as the shapes and colors they come in.
Want to know more about its health benefits? See below!
1 . Improves Heart Health
Eggplant contains lot of nutrients such as fiber, potassium, vitamins that can help to lower risk of mortality from heart diseases thus improving your heart health as eggplant contains a reasonable amount of Vitamin K that is essential for blood clotting and helps in preventing calcification in the arteries.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
Eggplant has a content of Vitamin E that is essential for treating and preventing various diseases related to heart and blood vessels such as chest pain, high blood pressure and blocked arteries thus increased intake of anthocyanin can help to lower blood pressure lowering also the risk of stroke, heart attack and many more.
3. Balances Cholesterol Levels
Eggplant extracts can help in balancing and lowering your cholesterol levels with the help of the high antioxidant content in eggplant preventing cholesterol oxidation that may lead to a more serious and dangerous situation. Eggplant shown also to decrease LDL levels and has antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties.
4. Prevent Cancer
Eggplant has an anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid that acts as an antioxidant fighting inflammation and oxidative stress related damaged in your body. It also contains polyphenols that has anti-cancer properties. It stimulates the detoxification of enzymes within cells and promote death of cancerous cells in your body even preventing a very early-stage cancer.
5. Improves Cognitive Function
The anthocyanin in eggplant skin such as nasunin is a strong antioxidant that protects brain cells from free radical’s damage. It also inhibits neuro-inflammation and helps in increasing the blood flow of the brain thus helping in preventing mental disorders and helps improve memory.
6. Improves Blood Circulation
The nasunin found in eggplant helps in eliminating the build-up plaque and other substances in the blood vessels, keeping the heart and entire cardiovascular system healthy. The Vitamin E in eggplant also helps in promoting a great blood circulation thus strengthening the capillary walls and nourishing your cells in the body.
7. Source of Dietary Fiber
Eggplant is a great source of dietary fiber that is an essential component of a healthy, balance and nutritional diet. Fiber is also essential for gastrointestinal health as well as regular bowel movements in your body.
8. Helps Weight Loss
Eggplant contains no fat, no cholesterol and low in calories. If you are trying to lose weight or combat obesity adding eggplant in your diet is great decision.
9. Improves Bone Health
A phenolic present in eggplant can helps in reducing signs of osteoporosis, stronger and healthy bones and increased in bone mineral density. The eggplant contains significant amounts of manganese, iron, calcium and Vitamin K that is essential in maintaining strong bones and overall improving bone density thus helps in preventing and reducing the risk of bone fractures.
10. Prevents Anemia
Eggplant has a decent amount of iron that can help in preventing anemia that is cause from lacking of iron in your diet which leads to some illness such as headaches, fatigue, weakness and even cognitive degeneration.
11. Helps Diabetes Management
Eggplant has a magnesium content that can help and effectively reduce the symptoms of diabetes.
12. Relieve Stress
Eggplant has bioflavonoids that helps in controlling high blood pressure and relieving stress, it has an effect of calming you down thus relieving those tension in your body and mind.
13. Ultraviolet Radiation Protection
Eggplant has lots of antioxidants contents such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids and phenolic acids that helps fight free radicals and protects you from harmful UV rays thus helping you maintain a healthy skin and diseases free.
14. Improves Eye Function
Eggplant contains anthocyanin and an anthocyanin extracts can help in improving eye function and vision. The Vitamin A found in eggplant is a great source of protecting and giving you a healthier eye.
15. Helps Reduce Allergies
An eggplant has a presence of chlorogenic acid that can be effective in reducing allergic symptoms and helps in minimizing the effects that allergies might cause. Vitamin A in eggplant also helps in lowering the risk of certain type of food allergies by boosting the immune system.
16. Contain Anti-Mutagenic Properties
The extract of Japanese eggplant is shown to have anti-mutagenic properties that is helpful in preventing cell mutations, it also helps in tumor prevention, suppression, and lowering the proliferation and unwanted growth rates,
17. Improves Skin Health
The niacin present in eggplant can be effective in reducing, treating and preventing acne and other skin conditions. It also displays an anti-inflammation and irritation properties that helps in treating inflammatory skin diseases, The Vitamin A also helps in overall skin health.
Eggplant have an endless health benefits and often overlooked, but who wouldn’t want this food that has so much nutritional value in the body?
Although, eggplant may have a lot of benefits in the body but eggplant is shown to have traces of solanine which in large doses can be poisonous, but then any substance in extreme doses can have possible detrimental side effects on the human body.
Just learn to balance your food intake and as much as possible consult your health care provider.
You may like this Eggplant recipes
- How to Cook Crispy Eggplant Fingers
- Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet) Recipe
- Filipino Eggplant Salad Recipe
References:
- Link, Rachel. MS, RD. 2017. “7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eggplants”. 30 June
www.healthline.com/nutrition/eggplants-benefits
- Ware, Megan. RDN LD. 2017. “Eggplant Health Benefits and Tasty Tips”. 20 October
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279359.php
- Dr. Nandi. “5 Health Benefits of Eggplant”.
https://askdrnandi.com/health-benefits-eggplant/
- Jessimy, Michael. 2019. “11 Impressive Health Benefits of Eggplant”. 1 May
www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-eggplant/
- Health Fitness Revolution. 2016. “Top 10 Health Benefits of Eggplant”. 24 February
www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-ten-health-benefits-of-eggplant/
- Double Diamond. 2018. “7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Eggplant”. 15 February
https://doublediamondacres.com/2018/02/15/7-surprising-health-benefits-of-eating-eggplant/
