6 Surprising Health Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplants are used in many different dishes around the world. There are many varieties of eggplants that come in different sizes and colors. And while the most common are eggplants with deep purple skin, they can be red, green, or even black.

Here are 6 health benefits of eggplant.

Contains many nutrients

Eggplant is a nutritious food, containing a large amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber in few calories.

82 grams of raw eggplant contains 20 calories, 5 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. It also provides manganese, folate, potassium, vitamins K and C, and small amounts of other nutrients (such as niacin, magnesium, and copper).

Rich in antioxidants

According toHealthlineIn addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, eggplants also boast a large amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals.

Studies have shown that antioxidants can help prevent many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Eggplants are particularly rich in anthocyanins, a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that gives them their vibrant color.

One type of anthocyanin in eggplant called nasunin is particularly beneficial. Multiple test-tube studies have confirmed that it is effective in protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.

Reduce the risk of heart disease

Thanks to their antioxidant content, some studies suggest that eggplants may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

In one study, rabbits with high cholesterol were given 10ml of eggplant juice every day for two weeks. At the end of the study, they had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, two markers in the blood that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease when elevated.

Other studies have shown that eggplant may have a protective effect on the heart. In one study, animals were fed either raw or roasted eggplant for 30 days. Both improved heart function and reduced the severity of heart attacks.

Promotes blood sugar control

Adding eggplant to your diet can help control blood sugar levels. This is largely due to the high fiber content of eggplant.

Fiber can lower blood sugar levels by slowing the rate at which sugar is digested and absorbed by the body. This slower absorption helps keep blood sugar levels stable and prevents spikes and drops.

Other studies show that polyphenols, natural plant compounds found in foods like eggplant, may slow sugar absorption and increase insulin secretion, both of which may help lower blood sugar.

Eggplant fits into current dietary recommendations for diabetes management, which include a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains and vegetables.

Helps lose weight

Eggplants are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a great addition to any weight loss diet. Fiber moves slowly through the digestive tract and can promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction, thereby reducing calorie intake.

Has anti-cancer benefits

Eggplants contain several substances that have the ability to fight cancer cells.

For example, solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRG) is a compound found in several nightshade plants, including eggplant. Some animal studies have shown that SRG can cause cancer cell death and may also help reduce the recurrence of certain types of cancer.

Although research on this topic is limited, SRG has been shown to be particularly effective against skin cancer when applied directly to the skin.

Furthermore, some studies have found that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as eggplant, may protect against certain types of cancer. A review that looked at about 200 studies found that eating fruits and vegetables was associated with protection against pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, bladder, cervical, and breast cancers.