Eggplant provides several health benefits like preventing osteoporosis, controlling anemia, reducing stress, controlling diabetes and so on along with flawless glowing skin.
Eggplant is a vegetable whose scientific name is solanum melongena, it is a species of solanaceae or nightshade family of genus solanum. Eggplant is also known as aubergine, melongene, garden egg, brinjal, guinea squash and nasubi. Eggplant is an edible fruit, it is known for its deeply purple, glassy skin, unique taste and texture. It is widely used in different cuisines and is available throughout the year. Eggplant is related to tomato and potato as these vegetables belong to nightshade family. Different varieties of eggplants are available like graffiti eggplant, Japanese and Chinese eggplant, fairytale eggplant, Italian eggplant, Indian eggplant, white eggplant, little green eggplant etc. All varieties differ slightly in taste and texture.
Eggplants are native to India and are cultivated in India and China since prehistory. In the beginning eggplants were used in remedies rather than in culinary. There is some written evidence that describes health benefits of eggplant written back 100 BC. In India eggplant is called as king of vegetables as it is versatile, delicious and healthy vegetable.
Nutritional Facts of Brinjal :
Brinjal is good for health as it is low in calories, fat, high in fibre, loaded with vitamins, minerals and other health promoting compounds. Brinjal contains vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It is also rich in folates, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamin. It also contain low amount of vitamin A. All these vitamins are important for our body to improve immunity, digestion and metabolism.
Brinjal contains important minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc that are essential to do different body functions and important for building bones, muscles, nerve function and metabolic process. Brinjal also contains compounds like chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins and nasunin.
Health Benefits of Brinjal :
Brinjal with important nutrients provide numerous health benefits.
Brain food– phytonutrients present in brinjal protects cell membranes from damage, promotes blood flow throughout the brain, boosts cognitive activity and general mental health.
Fights cancers– eggplant contains vitamin C, antioxidants and polyphenols that strengthens immune system, have anticancer properties, protects cells from free radicals and treat tumor growth.
Digestion and weight lose– brinjals are low in calories and rich in fibre which helps in weight lose. It gives feeling of satiety and treat overeating. Fibre improves digestion and regular movement of bowels.
Good for liver health– eggplants helps to increase the production of bile in liver and treat the chance of liver failure.
Improves bone health– nutrients like iron, calcium, copper, vitamin K and potassium present in brinjal helps in providing strong and healthy bones. Eggplant helps in treating osteoporosis and improves overall bone health.
Good for diabetes– eggplants are low in carbohydrates and has high fibre which controls the absorption of glucose and regulates sugar levels.
Good for skin and hair– nutrients present in brinjal are good for both skin and hair. It gives soft, glowing skin, and promotes anti aging properties. Brinjal keeps our scalp healthy and promotes hair growth.
Some other eggplant health benefits are treated allergies, improves vision, treats migraines, headaches, good for pregnant women and treats anemia.
