[tr-shareit]Fun fact: Eggplants aren’t really vegetables, they’re berries. Which isn’t that strange, considering other fruits are commonly mistaken for vegetables – like tomatoes.[/tr-shareit]
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Introduction
Eggplant, otherwise known as Brinjal or aubergine, is a healthy vegetable known for its low calorie content and other nutritional benefits. Scientifically called as Solanum melongena, eggplant grows in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. From its origin in the Indian subcontinent, eggplant is now used in salads and curry. It can be roasted, baked or stew fried.
Among the top health benefits of eggplant is its low calorie content. A 100g serving of eggplant, as suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture, holds only 24 calories with zero cholesterol and almost no fat.
It is also a good source of macronutrients like carbohydrates and protein contributing 4% and 2% of their daily recommended allowance (DRA), respectively. Carbohydrates and protein are used by the body as energy to allow the organs to function properly.
Eggplants are excellent source of potassium, with 230 mg per 100g serving. Potassium is an electrolyte that conducts electricity in the body to allow the organs, cells and tissues accordingly. It is also important to offset the negative effects of excess sodium in the body.
This nightshade vegetable is found to be a good source of minerals that include manganese (11% DRA), copper (9% DRA), magnesium (3.5% DRA), and iron (3% DRA). Aside from its use in metabolism of macronutrients, manganese is vital in bone formation and wound healing. Copper, meanwhile, assists in the formation of red blood cells and in the absorption of iron.
Magnesium strengthens the bones and aids in the function of both the nerves and muscles. Iron is responsible for the transportation of oxygen through the red blood cells to the different parts of the body.
Moreover, aubergine contains essential vitamins like A, C, E, and K. Vitamins also function as antioxidants that protect the skin cells and thereby delays aging. It also restricts the risk of acquiring cancer by fighting off harmful oxygen-free radicals. They protect the immune system and at the same time build strong body resistance.
It is also loaded with a good amount of vitamin B complex particularly vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), folates, and vitamin B3 (niacin).
As a group, vitamin B complex is primarily used for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Pyridoxine is important to improve and maintain the nervous system. Folates, on the other hand, assist in cell division especially in the formation of red blood cells.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Eggplants
Prevents Colon Cancer
Eggplants are rich in fiber especially its skin part. Fiber is a known special agent for proper digestion. This benefits the colon because consumption of eggplant assures that toxins are flushed out of the body through regular and proper bowel movement. Eggplant consumption does not tolerate development and housing of toxins in the body. Toxins are what cause damage to the cells and their DNA. To avoid developing colon cancer, make sure to eat plenty of eggplant. If you are suffering from colon cancer, adding eggplant to your diet can help your condition.
Supports Weight Loss
As mentioned above, eggplants are good sources of fiber that helps in regulating proper digestion. The digestive process affects our weight and amount of body fats because improper digestion and irregular bowel movement increase our body fat storage that makes us gain weight. Intake of fibrous foods will also make you feel full for hours. This will enable you to control further food intake thus avoiding overeating. You can have eggplant during your meal and you will less likely feel hungry for the hours to come. In addition, this vegetable is also low in fats and calories. This is would make a perfect addition to your weight loss diet program.
Stabilizes Heart Condition
Eggplant consumption is good for the heart. First of all, it keeps cholesterol levels low. Excessive cholesterol levels negatively affect heart functions. It triggers cholesterol oxidation that causes the linings of the arteries to weaken as well as the blood to thicken. This will affect proper blood flow and highly encourages blood clots. Eggplant also keeps the blood vessels relaxed so that blood is properly circulated from and to the heart. You cannot underestimate blood clots because they are the primary causes of stroke as well as heart attack. For the greatest benefit of your heart, consuming eggplant regularly is highly recommended.
Helps in Stress Management
Eating eggplant positively affects mental health. Because of its phytonutrient contents, it boosts functioning and stability of mental health. This means that it has mental calming and stabilizing effects that avoid depression, anxiety, and stress mismanagement. Adding eggplant in your meal after a stressful day at work or at school can relax your mind so that you can focus and be more productive in the days to come. Remember that stress is inevitable and the only way to be mentally stable despite all the hustle and bustle is to learn how to manage your stress as well as observe a diet that has positive effects when it comes to mental stability and soundness.
Aids Digestion
Aside from fiber, eggplant also has high amounts of water content. These two components make this vegetable an effective digestive booster. Regular consumption of egg plant will ascertain that the digestive process is carried on in the body healthily. This means that breakdown of food is proper, nutrient absorption is efficient, and bowel movement is thorough. This will benefit the overall health in a very impressive manner.
Keeps Iron Levels Normal
Too much iron and very low iron levels in the body are both not good. Eggplant consumption has iron balancing effects. It keeps iron levels on a normal level. This is so because of its unique and very advantageous content called nasunin. Nasunin cannot be found in any other types of fruits and vegetables. Eggplant is one of those vegetables that have impressive nasunin content. If you have abnormal iron levels in your body, make sure to eat plenty of eggplants.
Cuts off Free Radical Formation
Free radicals have very horrible effects on our health. They cause irregularities in our body that leads to multiple types of disease and illnesses. Eggplant contains phenolic compounds that cut off free radical formation in the body. It is essential to associate fruits and vegetables that have powerful antioxidants to discourage accumulation of free radicals. Free radicals cause damage in our body on a cellular level. It destroys cells’ DNA that triggers serious illnesses like cancer and heart ailments.
Nutrient and Vitamin Powerhouse
Eggplant is a very rich source of various types of vitamins and minerals that all work together for the stability of our health. This vegetable has significantly high amounts of Folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber and Vitamins A, B, and C. These vitamins and nutrients protect the body from various illnesses whether common or serious. Its consumption also boosts the immune system to enable the body fight off bacteria and infections that can lead to sickness. If you want to be completely healthy through the years, adding eggplant in your diet is of much contribution.
Books on Eggplant and Healthy Cooking
The Eggplant Cancer Cure – A Treatment for Skin Cancer and New Hope for Other Cancers from Nature’s Pharmacy
The Eggplant Cookbook – Classic and Contemporary Recipes for Today’s Healthy Diet
Clean Eats – Over 200 Delicious Recipes to Reset Your Body’s Natural Balance and Discover What It Means to Be Truly Healthy
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