Eggplant is a vegetable that has a unique range of health benefits. It is one of the most functional and versatile foods in the cultural range. In terms of texture and density, eggplants have the consistency of a tomato and can be a perfect addition to sauces, stews, and soups.
This vegetable is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin K, manganese potassium, copper, dietary fiber, folic acid, niacin, phosphorus, thiamin, and magnesium. Aside from this, eggplant also contains almost no saturated fat and cholesterol.
Health Benefits Of Eggplants
Prevent Cancer
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, which is the body’s best defense against different diseases and conditions. It has vitamin C, which stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells.
High level of antioxidants in your body will make sure that your organs are protected from harmful diseases and infections, including heart disease and cancer.
Aid In Digestion
Eggplants are great sources of dietary fiber, which is an essential element in a balanced diet. Fiber is necessary for gastrointestinal health and regular bowel movements. Moreover, fiber also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices which helps in the absorption of nutrients and processing of foods.
Prevent Birth Defect
Eggplants can be a delicious and useful snack or dietary addition for pregnant women as it is a rich source of folic acid, which directly protects the infants from neural tube defects.
Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight or battling obesity problem, then eggplants can be a good addition to your diet as it contains a minimal amount of fat or cholesterol. Its fiber is also filling which prevents the release of ghrelin – a hormone responsible for feeling your mind that you are hungry again. Thus, reducing your appetite as well as the chances of overeating.
Manage Diabetes
Eggplants are an ideal food for managing diabetes as it has high-fiber content and low amounts of soluble carbohydrates. This makes the vegetable a useful regulator of glucose and insulin activity within the body. With stable insulin, your body will not experience plunges and spikes in blood sugar, thereby avoiding the dangerous side effects of diabetes.
Improve Bone Health
Eggplants have phenolic compounds that have been linked to reduce the signs of osteoporosis, make bones stronger and increase bone mineral density. It also contains calcium and iron, which is vital to bone health and overall strength; and potassium, which helps in the uptake of calcium, thereby making eggplants a useful booster for bone health.
Prevent Anemia
Anemia is a condition caused by a deficiency in iron. Eggplants have a decent amount of iron as well as rich in copper, which is another component of red blood cells. These two minerals will give you healthier red blood cells which will result in an energy boost and strength, thus eliminating stress and fatigue.
Improve Heart Health
Consuming eggplants have been known to reduce the presence of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body and stimulate the uptake of “good” HDL cholesterol.
Reduced LDL cholesterol in your body can prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. The flavonoids present in eggplant can also be great for reducing blood pressure.
Improve Brain Function
Eggplants are rich in phytonutrients, which boost cognitive activity and general mental health. Phytonutrients keep your body and brain safe from toxins and diseases and also, increase the blood flow to the brain resulting in a boosted power of memory and analytic thoughts. Additionally, potassium in eggplant also acts as a brain booster.
