Eggplant Benefits

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It is known, since time immemorial, that fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for the body. It not only keeps the body fit but also reduces the risk of any kind of diseases, fatal or otherwise. Amongst so many fruits and vegetables, most of them don’t get their due as a nutritiously rich choice for healthy eating. One among such is eggplant. Eggplant benefits the body in more ways than one!

Contrary to popular belief, eggplant is not a vegetable but a fruit. It is a native fruit of the Indian subcontinent and is now available throughout the globe. It is known by different names in different countries. For example, it is called “aubergine” in England. It is also called by brinjal, melongene, guinea squash, etc. The best benefit of eggplant is that it is not only full of immense nutritional value but also cater to the taste palette reasonably well and hence is used to add its distinctive flavour and aroma to many dishes, soups, salads, etc.

There are various types of eggplants which are found and available at different corners of the world. Let us discuss them in brief for our understanding.

Name	Place	Texture
Japanese Eggplant	Japan	Soft, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Chinese Eggplant	China	Juicy, meaty flesh with fewer seeds
Graffiti Eggplant	Worldwide	Thin peels, small seeds
Bianca Eggplant	Italy	Round, with a light purple and white colour.
Tango Eggplant	Worldwide	Special white species, looks like an egg.
Santana Eggplant	Italy	Dark purple. Shaped like a teardrop
Thai Eggplant	Thailand	Golf-ball sized, available in a variety of colours.

Eggplant benefits are many as it is a rich source of vitamin C, thiamine, phosphorus, vitamin B6, folic acid, niacin, vitamin K, magnesium, copper, dietary fibre, potassium, and manganese. Also, eggplant water benefits the body as the cholesterol and saturated fat content is almost negligible.

Let us discuss eggplant benefits to our bodies.

1. Eggplant Helps In Digestion

The first and arguably a very important eggplant benefits are it aids in the digestive process. Since our digestive system is extremely complex and vulnerable, it becomes all the more important to take care of it. Eggplant is a good source of dietary fibre. Hence it helps in good digestion of the food that we eat. It also assists in bowel movement. This fibre also assists in the secretion of gastric juices which help in the absorption of nutrients. Fibre has also been linked to the reduction of heart problems and diseases.

2. Weight Loss Can Be Achieved Using Eggplant

To be fit and more importantly, to look fit has become extremely important in today’s time. People do not think twice before shelling out a bomb for expensive treatments and surgeries for weight loss. One very effective and pocket-friendly way for weight loss is consumption of eggplant. Since eggplant nutritional benefits are many as it contains minimum saturated fat and cholesterol, it is extremely beneficial for people who want to shed those extra kilos. The presence of fibre makes the fruit extremely filling. Thus it reduces the hunger pangs in the body.

3. Prevention of Anaemia

Anaemia is said to be caused due to deficiency of iron in the body. Anaemia is also said to be accompanied by depression, headaches, migraines and weakness. Since eggplant is a rich source of fibre, it is known to be helpful in reducing the risk of anaemia and also helpful in preventing the disease. One of the other eggplant health benefits is that it is known to have copper. Copper, like iron, also helps in reducing the risk of anaemia as it is an essential element of red blood cells.

4. Eggplant Is Beneficial To The Skin In Many Ways

Since eggplant is a rich source of antioxidants and a variety of other vitamins and minerals. This makes eggplant nutritionally beneficial for the skin. Apart from imparting a natural glow to the skin, it is known to delay ageing, curing keratosis and keeping the skin soft and supple.

5. Eggplant Is Also Beneficial For Healthy Hair

With people struggling with hair problems and early balding, hair treatments have become quite expensive and difficult. One of the eggplant health benefits is that it has iron. Iron has been proven to assist in hair growth. Since eggplant is a rich source of iron, it provides the hair with that extra strength and gives it a good volume.

6. Want To Control Diabetes? Eggplant Can Help

One of the eggplant water benefits is that it is a good source of soluble carbohydrates and fibre. This makes it a good ingredient to control diabetes. It is particularly helpful in controlling type 2 diabetes as it helps in the control of blood sugar levels and absorption of glucose. Hence, people with borderline diabetes should definitely incorporate eggplant in their diet so as to avoid diabetes.

7. Eggplant Can Help In Boosting Memory

If you want to increase your memory power and sharpen your brain, you must make it a point to include eggplant in your meal. One of the very important eggplant health benefits is that it is known to be rich in phytonutrients that help in protecting the membranes of the cells. They also facilitate the transfer of a message from one cell to another. Hence, it is quite effective when it comes to keeping the brain alive and healthy.

8. Helps In Quitting Habits Like Smoking

This is probably one of the blessings in disguise. Quitting smoking is quite difficult for people who have become addicted to it. They have withdrawal symptoms which makes them go back to smoking again. Eggplant is known to have a high content of nicotine. Therefore people who are addicted to smoking will find solace in having eggplant and eggplant is also rich in nicotine. This will reduce their dependence on the cigarette for nicotine and hence will facilitate quitting smoking.

9. Eggplant Is A Rich Source Of Antibacterial

Since eggplant has vitamin C, it makes it a good source of antibacterial. Hence, eggplant is quite effective in healing wounds and cuts.

10. Reduces Stress Level

People, in general, are a lot more stressful than they were earlier. Hence, they suffer from anxiety, depression and related disorders. Eggplant is rich in bioflavonoids are known to keep the blood pressure and stress levels under control. Hence introduce eggplant into your diet, and get rid of those medicines for stress!

11. Yes, Eggplant Can Help In Preventing Cancer

Eggplant is a rich source of Vitamin C, which contributes to a better immunity system. Eggplant is also known to have phenolic compounds which stimulate the working of the white blood cells. The presence of magnesium and nasunin further help in the prevention of cancer.

12. Makes Your Bones Healthy

Deficiency of calcium in the body has become a major concern for the young generation and it is especially common with the women after pregnancy. Eggplant being a rich source of vitamin C has known to make our bones healthy and strong.

13. Eggplant Is Good For Infants

Since eggplant is a rich source of a plethora of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, etc, it is an ideal food for newborns. Doctors suggest that it must be included in the diet of a newly born baby as it helps in keeping the immunity system stronger and the bones stronger.

14. Helps In Relieving Constipation

As discussed earlier, eggplant helps in the smooth movement of bowels. Hence, consumption of eggplant on a daily basis will prove relief to people who suffer from problems like constipation.

15. Eggplant Helps In Treating Insomnia

Eggplant contains a superfood called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) which helps in calming the mind and hence helps you sleep better and longer. Many doctors recommend the consumption of eggplant to patients who suffer from insomnia.

16. Eggplant Enhances The Health Of The Liver

Eggplant helps in the production of bile in the liver which in turn makes the liver healthier.

17. Lowers The Cholesterol Level Of The Body

Because of the presence of so many antioxidants and less content of saturated fat, eggplant helps in lowering the cholesterol level of the body.

18. Acid Reflux? Eggplant Can Help

Acid reflux is quite rampant these days with more and more people complaining about bloating and chest pain after a heavy meal. Eggplant is a natural remedy to acid reflux. Since it is known to be alkaline in nature, it prevents any unnecessary acidity or bloating.

19. Eggplant Is Useful In Treating Gout

When the uric acid level of the body increases, people suffer from a condition called gout. Eggplant Is considered to be a gout friendly vegetable as it has a high amount of antioxidants and minerals.

20. Helps In Preventing Congenital Disorders

Eggplant has folic acid which helps in preventing congenital disorders.

21. Helps In Causing Haemorrhoids

Eggplant can also be applied topically at home. It has known to have medicinal properties. This makes it a effective home remedy in treating cuts and small scratches.

Few Other Benefits Of Eggplant

Helps in reducing the blood pressure of the body and hence reduces the stress levels.
It is very good for the cardiovascular health of the body as it makes the body less lethargic and more active.
Helps in preventing birth defects

One very important quality of eggplant is that it can be included in several ways in our diet. We may use it as a side dish, as desert, as salads, as juice, etc. The portion may also be changed to suit the purpose. Hence, it is recommended that everyone includes this superfood in their diet on a daily basis.