It is easy to assume that this large glossy purple plant may not taste well when added to your diet and you have wondered how others who eat it enjoy it. This ‘large, purple’ plant is known as eggplant and it is known to be mostly eaten by vegetarians all around the world.
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What is eggplant?
Eggplant is a vegetable, with the scientific name Solanum melongena. It is from the nightshade family, the same with okra, tomatoes, and zucchini. The nightshade family vegetable grows in different shapes, color sizes and does very well in hot climates and summer periods.
The eggplant has almost the same texture as tomatoes hence, you can use them for cooking soup, stews, and other meals. Although the different types of eggplant have slightly different tastes and textures, we can place them on the bittersweet taste.
Eggplant is native to a lot of places like; Africa, the Mediterranean, Latin, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. This means that the variety of eggplants comes from these places. Generally, eggplant’s variety ranges from white to lavender to dark purplish-black and stripped color, then yellow, green reddish, etc. The Italian eggplant is the most common eggplant found in the united states.
An example is an Asian eggplant, the Asian eggplant is in a lavender color and it comes with the lesser seed. It also does not require peeling.
What are the benefits of eating eggplant?
Like many other vegetables, eggplant is a powerhouse for many nutrients. The eggplant is not just packed with great taste but also many health benefits. You may be surprised to know that an eggplant diet is all you need.
1. May help prevents cancer
One of the many benefits of eggplant is that it is full of antioxidants. An antioxidant is the body’s defense system that fights off and protects the body from the harms caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the major cause of illnesses like heart diseases, cancer, etc. consuming food/vegetables that have antioxidants will keep the body organ protected and in good health. One of the antioxidants in eggplant is known as manganese.
2. Increases brain function
Phytonutrients or Phytochemicals are natural nutrients and chemicals that are inherent in plants. These chemicals help protect plants from germs, bugs, fungi, etc. when phytonutrients are consumed by man, they help prevent diseases and get the body to function well, they also help in improving ones’ mental health. Vegetables like eggplants contain phytonutrients.
The phytonutrients in eggplants supply all of these benefits to the body. it increases blood flow throughout the body and then to the brain. More blood in the brain means the memory of such a person is being boosted.
3. Bone health
Iron and calcium are crucial for improving bone health. These are some of the nutrients that are in eggplants. The natural compound of eggplants has also been linked to reducing osteoporosis, stronger bones, and an increase in bone density. A diet rich in eggplant can help deal with bone-related illnesses.
4. Eating eggplants may help prevent Anemia
Iron is a very essential nutrient that must be present in the human body to function well. Iron deficiency can result in anemia. Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells.
These cells travel with hemoglobin and iron, these helps carry oxygen through the bloodstreams to the organs in the body. symptoms of anemia can include weakness and tiredness. Consuming diets like eggplants which are rich in iron can help fight against anemia and other related illnesses.
5. Improves digestion
Fiber aids the digestion process and consuming high fiber diets like eggplant is a good way to improve gastrointestinal health.
6. Source of vitamin and minerals
If there is any vegetable that is very rich in vitamins and minerals, it is eggplant. Eggplant is a great source of Vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, fiber, folic acid, potassium, etc.
7. Aid weight loss
If you consume eggplant in its natural form, then it has a high tendency of aiding weight loss. This is because eggplant has high water content and is very low in calories, this makes it the best option for people who may want to lose weight. Eggplant is also high in fiber and fiber helps keep the consumer satiated.
Please note that the benefits of eggplant are not limited to this, some of the benefits are still undergoing researches, hence they are not verified. The following is the nutritional information of eggplant.
| Water | 75.7g |
| Protein | 0.8g |
| Energy | 20.5kcal |
| Carb | 4.82g |
| Fiber | 2.46g |
| Iron | o.189g |
| Folate | 18 |
| Potassium | 118mg |
| Vitamin |
What does eggplant taste like?
Eggplant has a tender, mild, and bittersweet taste, just like summer squash. It also takes a spongy texture when it is raw. It also tends to absorb the taste of whatever it is added to. the flesh of an older eggplant will taste more bitter than smaller and younger ones. Smaller eggplants have fewer seeds, thin skin, and are sweeter and tender.
When it comes to purchasing or cooking eggplant, people have other questions they need answers to. we thought it right to answer some of these questions.
What are the possible side effects of eating eggplants?
There is indeed nothing that doesn’t have side effects, either when it is in abundance or less. Although the side effects or allergy of eggplants aren’t common, they still occur and they are as follow;
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Itchy lips, tongues, or throat.
- Hives etc.
Is eggplant bad for kidneys?
Eggplant is generally not bad for kidneys and is good for the body. However, it may not be suitable for certain people. Eggplants contain oxalates and although they are not as many as they are in other fruits and vegetables, nevertheless, oxalates can improve the formation of kidney stones in some people,e, and kidney stones, if not treated, can lead to kidney death or other kidney injuries. Hence, people who are prone to kidney stones should stay away from eggplant or any oxalates producing fruits and vegetables.
Should eggplants be refrigerated?
Yes, you can refrigerate your eggplants. If you do not eat your eggplant in two days, it is advisable to refrigerate it. you can wrap it in reusable containers or perforated plastic bags. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Is fried eggplant healthy?
Eggplants can be prepared in any way, however, if eggplant is fried, it can absorb a lot of oi land this will not be good especially for those who are trying to lose weight. It is better cooked in any other form.
Final thoughts
Eggplant is an amazing plant that should be included in everyone’s diet. If you are looking to reduce weight or combat an illness, you may consider including eggplant in your meal. However, Eggplant may not be advisable for some people to consume.
This is because, like every other plant, it may contain certain chemicals that may not be suitable for some people to consume. You must consult your dietician before including eggplant into your diet. Happy eating!
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