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Aubergines, another name for eggplants, are a member of the nightshade family of plants and are used in a wide variety of cuisines worldwide. Though they are frequently mistaken for vegetables, they are actually fruits because they come from flowering plants and have seeds.
There are numerous kinds with a wide range of sizes and colours. Additionally, eggplants can be red, green, or even black in colour, albeit the most common kind has a deep purple skin tone.
Chinese, White, Thai, Indian, Chinese Round Mauve, Sicilian, Japanese, Pingtung Long, Pea, Italian, African Garden Eggplants, Black Beauty, Arka Kusmukar, Pusa Purple Long, Pusa Ankur, Manjri Gota, Pusa Purple Cluster eggplant, Pusa Barsati, Vaishali, Arka Navneet, Arka Sheel, and Pusa Kranti are some popular eggplant kinds.
Eggplant has a distinct texture and mellow flavour that enhances dishes, but it also has several possible health advantages. Continue reading to learn more about eggplants' health benefits from NIH and USDA research.
10 Eggplant Health Benefits
1. Aids In Preventing Osteoporosis
Regular consumption of eggplant can lower the incidence of bone shortage and osteoporosis. The phenolic chemicals found in eggplant reduce the incidence of osteoporosis, which benefits overall health and bone strength. Iron and calcium, two essential minerals for strong and healthy bones, are abundant in eggplants. Eggplant contains potassium, which aids in the absorption of calcium and builds strong, healthy bones.
2. Aids In Controlling Diabetes
Because of their high fibre content, eggplants are easily digested and absorbed. Consuming fibre lowers blood sugar levels by slowing down the blood's rate of sugar absorption. Blood sugar levels are maintained and unexpected surges are managed by slower absorption. According to research, eggplants' ability to lower blood sugar may be attributed to the polyphenols included in them, which increase insulin secretion and decrease sugar absorption.
3. Stops Birth Defects
Folates are a necessary component; of them, folic acid is particularly important for expectant mothers because of its many health advantages. It shields neonates from neural tube abnormalities, which pose a serious risk to their health. Pregnant women should eat a diet high in folic acid, which is found in large amounts in aubergine.
4. Regulates Elevated Blood Pressure
Eggplants are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. It aids in the body's process of neutralising salt. Increased intake of eggplant's abundant anthocyanin pigments helps to keep blood pressure levels between high and normal.
5. Reduces Fat And Cholesterol
The skin of eggplants contains compounds called anthocyanins, which raise blood antioxidant levels and guard against hyperlipidemia and heart disease. By increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decreasing blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, aubergine appears to be a significant factor in the prevention of obesity.
6. Enhances Digestion
Eggplants' high fibre content is necessary for a diet that is well-balanced. One of the best ways to improve gastrointestinal health is with aubergine. It makes your stools bigger and more substantial, which reduces the likelihood of constipation. The fibre in aubergine aids in digestion by clearing the stomach of toxins and other foreign objects. It lowers the risk of colon and stomach cancer.
7. Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
According to research, aubergine may help those with heart conditions, arthritis, and other inflammatory illnesses because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. Although the body naturally responds to injury or infection with inflammation, many chronic diseases can emerge as a result of persistent inflammation. Nasunin, an anthocyanin found in aubergine, has antioxidant properties that help lower inflammation in the body.
8. Improve Mental Performance
Blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body is increased by aubergine. By boosting blood flow to the brain, phytonutrients aid in the growth of nerves. Eggplants enhance brain memory by shielding cell membranes. By shielding the brain from free radicals, it maintains brain health. Eggplant's active ingredients may also aid in the prevention of brain tumours.
9. Anti-Cancer Properties
Antineoplastics are medications used to treat cancer, such as solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides. Extracts made from eggplant peels naturally contain SRG. They aid in the treatment of skin cancer and have anti-cancer properties. Researchers found that SRGs induce cancer cells to die.
10. Enhances Eye Health
Zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants for the eyes, are found in aubergine. Poor vision is caused by oxidative damage, which is avoided by these antioxidants. Additionally, eggplants are rich in vitamins A and C. Researchers have thought that they can help prevent and improve visual impairment. The primary cause of blindness and visual impairment, age-related macular degeneration, may be avoided with the help of this antioxidant.
Apart from its numerous health advantages, aubergine is a highly adaptable vegetable that can be cooked in an array of ways. It can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or baked. It can also be used to replace meat in vegetarian recipes. It is also a flexible complement to any meal since it may be used as an ingredient in stews, soups, and curries.
