Eggplant, Solanum melongena L. (2n = 24)—also known as aubergine or brinjal—is an important solanaceous vegetable crop in many countries. It is a native of India. Eggplant is a good source of minerals and vitamins, and in total nutritional value, it can be compared with tomato.
Is eggplant healthy or unhealthy?
Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to any healthy diet.
What are the benefits of eating eggplant?
Here are 7 surprising benefits you’ll experience if you include eggplant in your regular diet.
- A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMINS & MINERALS.
- HELPS WITH DIGESTION.
- IMPROVES HEART HEALTH.
- PREVENTS CANCER.
- IMPROVES BONE HEALTH.
- PREVENTS ANEMIA.
- INCREASES BRAIN FUNCTION.
Is eggplant A Superfood?
Superfood: Eggplant
Eggplant is low in calories and sodium, and is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. The next time you’re admiring a bright eggplant, just think of all the antioxidants and minerals it provides.
What food does eggplant taste like?
zucchini
Eggplant has a flavor similar to summer squash or zucchini: tender, mild, and sweet with a slight vegetal bitterness. Eggplant will absorb the flavor of whatever it’s cooked with. Its texture is firm and spongy when raw, and meltingly tender when cooked (especially fried, smoked, or braised).
Who should avoid eating eggplant?
The bottom line, if the level of inflammation in the body is low, one can enjoy eggplant and nightshades in moderation. But if you suffer from any chronic inflammatory conditions you might consider limiting your consumption of eggplant until the causes of inflammation resolved.
When should you not eat eggplant?
If there are any brown or dark spots in the flesh, it’s best to toss the vegetable—however, there’s one exception to this rule. Eggplant is susceptible to enzymatic browning, when fruits and veggies begin to brown after being exposed to oxygen (think: an apple or avocado that turns brown).
Is eggplant good for anxiety?
Eggplant contains a compound called scopoletin that regulates serotonin levels in the brain. This can help reduce anxiety and depression.
Is eggplant healthier cooked or raw?
Although eggplant benefits are plentiful — it’s low in fat, high in fiber and full of potassium, magnesium, folic acid and vitamins B6 and A — it also contains chemicals that, when eaten raw, can upset your digestive system. Therefore, raw eggplant is unadvised.
Should you eat eggplant skin?
While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, “Do you peel eggplant before cooking?” is yes, peel it.
Is eggplant good for hair growth?
Boost Hair Growth
Eggplants contain healthy enzymes that stimulate the hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth. Eggplant is also high in water content, which helps to restore and soften those pesky brittle strands. Wash your hair with eggplant juice to maintain the natural shine and luster of your hair.
Which is healthier eggplant or potato?
Eggplant has 68% less calories than russet potato – eggplant has 25 calories per 100 grams and russet potato has 79 calories. For macronutrient ratios, eggplant is lighter in carbs and similar to russet potato for protein and fat.
Who eats the most eggplant?
Consumption by Country in Asia
China (34M tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of eggplant consumption, accounting for 67% of total volume.
What’s the best way to eat eggplant?
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Eggplants
- Yes, You Can Curry It! Cut eggplant into cubes and add to your favorite curry sauce and simmer until tender.
- Stir-Fry.
- Baba Ganoush.
- Roast, Peel and Serve over Pasta.
- Eggplant Pizza!
- Bread, Bake and Serve.
- A New Kind of Kebob.
- Eggplant Lasagna.
Is it OK to eat raw eggplant?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Is eggplant a protein or carb?
Summary. Eggplant is a low-calorie, naturally fat-free source of complex carbohydrates with plenty of fiber. It also offers manganese and small amounts of potassium and vitamin K.
Why do you soak eggplant in water before cooking?
Many recipes call for salting and rinsing eggplant before cooking it to draw out its bitterness. Brining can be used instead and has the added advantage of helping the eggplant keep its shape when it’s cooked, whether your recipe calls for baking, frying, or grilling.
Does eggplant raise blood sugar?
Eggplant can be easily consumed by diabetic people as it has a low glycemic index and it does not raise blood sugar quickly compared to other carb-rich foods.
Why can’t some people eat eggplant?
Eggplant also contains a chemical called salicylate, which is an ingredient in aspirin. This means people with an aspirin allergy or salicylate sensitivity may also be more likely to develop an eggplant allergy or intolerance to too much salicylate. Typically, an eggplant allergy will develop in early childhood.
Is eggplant hard on the stomach?
Eggplant- This purple guy has a ton of fiber so eating too much will cause gas and bloating. Also, some say nightshade vegetables are bad for gut health, but do your own research before cutting out any nutritious vegetables.
What are the two veggies that destroy belly fat?
These veggies: certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage contain special phytonutrients (fight-o-nutrients), such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which help to fight against environmental estrogens that can add belly fat.