Nutrients in eggplant
Eggplant is an excellent source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, folate, and vitamins B1and B6. Eggplant also contains phenols and flavonoids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which can fight viruses, harmful bacteria, and cancer.
Nutritional value of eggplant per 100g:
- How many calories in eggplant– 25
- How much protein in eggplant – 1g
- How many carbs are in eggplant – 6g
- What is the fat content of eggplant – 0.2g
1 – Is eggplant good for weight loss?
Eggplant is low in calories and a fantastic source of soluble fiber, which absorbs water and swells in the digestive system, helping to maintain a feeling of fullness.
Eggplant is also a good source of chlorogenic acid, phytochemical found in coffee which has been shown to have anti obesity properties.
2 – Is eggplant good for cholesterol?
Eggplant could help to reduce cholesterol. Research suggests that nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant, is a potent free radical scavenger and offers protection against lipid peroxidation, which has been implicated in atherosclerosis as well as other diseases.
Rabbits with high cholesterol that were given eggplant juice had their cholesterol significantly reduced. These positive effects were likely due not only to nasunin but to other phytochemicals in eggplant known as terpenes.
3 – Is eggplant good for diabetes?
Due to the high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content of brinjal, or more commonly known as eggplant, the National Diabetes Education Program of NIH and the American Diabetes Association recommend an eggplant-based diet as a choice for management of type 2 diabetes.
The antioxidant activity and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potential of eggplant could reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis.1✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 17706416
4 – Is eggplant good for cancer?
An extract from eggplant (solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides) induces apoptosis in a wide variety of cancer cells and are more effective than many well-established anticancer agents.2✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 22399274 Anticancer therapies with solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides have been used orally, intravenously and topically.
A topical eggplant extract has been shown to be very effective for the treatment of large nonmelanoma skin cancers.3✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
DOI: 10.4236/ijcm.2011.24080
In one case, treatment with the eggplant extract cream reduced the tumor to about half its original size, and the cancer was completely eliminated with no scar tissue formation after 14 weeks.
5 – Is eggplant good for boosting mood?
As we already know, eggplant is a good source of chlorogenic acid, and a study that has revealed that chlorogenic acid is associated with improved mood.4✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 21773723
6 – Does eggplant detoxify?
A laboratory study discovered that eggplant activated enzymes which detoxify and eliminate drugs as well as other harmful chemical substances in the body. Not only is nasunin a powerful free radical scavenger, it also helps eliminate excess iron out of the body.
Despite the fact that iron is an important nutrient which is essential for normal immune function, oxygen transport, and collagen synthesis, excess iron isn’t healthy. Too much iron results in an increase in free radicals and is linked to a greater risk of cancer and heart disease.
7 – Is eggplant good for blood pressure?
Prescription blood pressure drugs block an enzyme called ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme), and research has shown that eggplant inhibits ACE activity.5✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.06.035
8 – Is eggplant good for the brain?
The anthocyanin phytonutrient called nasunin is found in the skin of eggplant.6✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(00)00202-X Nasunin has been found to protect the lipids in cell membranes of the brain in animal studies.
Anthocyanins can also enhance memory and help to prevent the age-related decline in mental functioning.7✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 20955649
9 – Is eggplant good for the bones?
The belief that nightshade plants like eggplant contribute to osteoporosis is a myth. Eggplants are an excellent source of copper, an essential trace element for healthy bones.8✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 24908111
10 – Is eggplant good for the eyes?
Eggplant is a good source of flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, which can help in maintaining the health of the cornea and the blood vessels in the eye, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Where does eggplant come from?
The wild version of eggplant is believed to have originated in India. It was first cultivated in China and was introduced to the Mediterranean in the early Middle Ages by traders from the Middle East. The eggplant was brought to Spain by the Moors in the 12th century and it eventually found its way to the rest of Europe. Eggplant was introduced to the Americas by Spanish traders 4 hundred years later.
Eggplant wasn’t considered acceptable to eat in the US until 50 years ago since many believed consuming it resulted in leprosy, insanity, and cancer.
China is still the world’s leading producer, followed by Turkey, Japan, and Italy.
Photo by Paul Magdas on Unsplash