10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Eggplant
Besides being your go-to emoji, eggplants are loaded with some surprising health benefits. Boasting fibre, cancer-fighting antioxidants and more, the purple-skinned veggies are so versatile that you can eat them in salads, soups, sandwiches, sauces, baked fried or grilled — the possibilities are endless.
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Without further ado, let’s look at 10 reasons to eat more aubergine.
1. ‘Brain Food’
Eggplants and their famous, glossy skin contains phytonutrients, that are believed to improve blood circulation and nourishment to the brain. These nutrients are only found in the skin, however, so don’t throw the shiny purple part away.
2. Rich In Essential Vitamins And Minerals
While eggplants don’t have an overwhelming supply of any one nutrient, they do contain an impressive array across the board of many vitamins and minerals, such as excellent amounts of fibere, folate, potassium and manganese, as well as vitamins C, K, and B6, phosphorus, copper, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, and pantothenic acid.
3. Good For Your Heart
Eggplants are excellent for your heart, with research showing that regularly consuming eggplant can help lower “bad” cholesterol. Additionally, consumption of eggplant helps prevent blood clots —thanks to Vitamin K and again, those bioflavonoids, which strengthen capillaries.
4. Can Help With Weight Management
Eggplant is a water-dense, low-calorie vegetable, with just 35 calories per cup. It contains no fat, plus its high fibre content can help you feel full. Just be sure you’re grilling your eggplant and topping it with healthy olive oil and seasonings, rather than breading and cheese.
5. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
One clinical study has associated the anthocyanin’s present in eggplants with decreased blood pressure. Eggplants are, again, also high in bioflavonoids, which are known to control high blood pressure.
6. May Help Prevent Cancer
Eggplants contain the antioxidant delphinidin, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (it’s what gives eggplant its deep purple hue). Other compounds such as anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
7. Keeps You Regular
The high fibre content in eggplant makes aubergines excellent for keeping things running smoothly. Fibre also helps you feel fuller, which can help with weight management.
8. Lowers Your Stress Levels
Eggplants are high in bioflavonoids, which not only control high blood pressure, but are also believed to relieve stress.
9. Curbs High Blood Sugar
Certain studies shown that eating foods high in fibre content can cut your risk at developing diabetes by up to 20%.
10. Can Be Eaten Many Different Ways
There are some incredible meals made with eggplant, including the eggplant and roasted red pepper stack. This particular recipe calls upon in-season veggies to make this dish a timely candidate for your late spring/early summer afternoon feasting. Spicy food lovers will find their palettes pleasantly entertained by the included jalapenos.