Health Benefits of Eggplant

The health benefits of eggplant are numerous. If there is one vegetable that we can safely say offers a whole host of health benefits, it is the Eggplant. The reason is quite simple: if there is one among vegetables that is rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, etc, it is the Eggplant. And since Vitamin A, C, Iron, etc are considered ‘essential’ for our bodies, it is very much recommended that these vitamins should be taken in plenty. The more you take, the better you will feel overall. This is why it is so popular among dieters – for it not only keeps your appetite healthy but also helps curb cravings for those sweet, sugary, unhealthy snacks that plague us so often.

1. Easy to Digest

Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of Eggplants. First, it is really easy to digest. The enzymes found in eggplants (that actually make the fruit edible) aid digestion – so, when taken as a food, they act as ‘antipsychotics, helping you stick to your diet. In fact, recent studies have revealed that taking eggplants regularly can reduce your chances of developing many stomach and digestion problems – including irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn.

2. Powerful Anti-oxidant

The heart health benefits of Eggplant contain a surprising amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to be very powerful antioxidant that helps rid the body of harmful free radicals. Some studies even suggest that the intake of Vitamin C can reduce the risk of a person having a stroke or heart attack. One of the best sources of Vitamin C is oranges, but unfortunately for most of us, oranges contain high amounts of potassium. Potassium is needed for several different functions in the body including regulating the heartbeat and maintaining fluid levels in the body. So, if you decide to cook your Eggplant because it is rich in potassium, make sure you replace all the potassium with water or you’ll lose a lot of vitamin C when cooking.

3. Effect on Weight Loss

The last of the nutritional benefits of this Italian vegetable is related to its effects on weight loss. This is because of the way it affects the appetite. The consumption of aubergine increases the metabolic rate which stimulates the burning of fat. This means that by increasing your metabolism, your body will naturally burn more fat during your meals thereby reducing your weight.

4. Regulate Body Functions

Let’s look at some of the other health benefits of eggplants. They contain a surprising amount of magnesium – up to six grams a day, according to some reports. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, muscle contraction and release, nerve activity, and fluid movement. It also plays an important role in muscle growth and repair, hormone regulation, and excretion. A diet rich in magnesium is recommended for people suffering from hypertension, joint pain, insomnia, and muscle cramps.

5. High Nutrition Value

Another of the many health benefits of eggplants is their high nutritional value. They are excellent sources of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins A and E, dietary fiber, phosphorus and potassium. They are rich in vitamin B-12 and other vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A helps prevent cancer while vitamin C improves the immune system. Vitamin E increases the length and thickness of the skin. While there are many other vitamin and mineral benefits, these are the biggest.

6. Regulate Muscle Contraction

The list of health benefits of eggplants is not complete without mentioning their rich source of potassium. Potassium helps keep your blood thin and regulates muscle contraction. Also, when consumed in proper quantities, it helps increase your energy level. So, add a healthy eggplant dish to your dinner and top it off with some mashed potatoes and some brinjal, if you like.

7. Lower LDL Cholesterol

One of the most important of health benefits of these vegetables is their contribution to cardiovascular health. They have been proven to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and raise HDL cholesterol (the good kind). Because of this, they are recommended as supplements for people with high blood pressure and diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are two major problems that need to be addressed by vegetarian athletes. When taken in combination, they can also significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. They are also known to help improve kidney function, decrease body fat, increase muscle mass and strength, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and lower the risk of colon cancer.

8. Good Cardiovascular Health

Another important of the health benefits of Eggplant is their contribution to good cardiovascular health. They contain a large number of anthocyanins, which help reduce high blood cholesterol and thus lower the risk of heart disease. Also, the polyphenol compounds in the seeds of this vegetable have been found to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and could help in preventing and curing bacterial infections. Antioxidants are present in a wide variety of foods and are responsible for the prevention of free radical damage. The best way to get the maximum benefit from anthocyanins is to eat raw eggplants or eat fruit.

9. Prevent Cancer

If you are looking for a good source of vitamin C, then look no further than this vegetable. Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants and thus helps in preventing damage to the DNA and cell membranes that can lead to cancers. It is especially effective against cancers of the digestive system and liver. The best of the health benefits of Eggplant and brinjal is that they are both readily available in the form of dry powder in any grocery stores. If you cook, then the brinjal can be added to stir-fry or even eaten as a salad.

10. Conclusion

As you can see from the information in this article, there are some great nutritional benefits of Eggplant. It is also well known for its medicinal properties and is used in many traditional medicines around the world. If you want to increase the nutrient and caloric value of your daily diet, it would be wise to include some cooked eggplants in your daily meal plans. You will not be disappointed by the results and will also enjoy better health and a more energized lifestyle.