Eggplants have long been accused of being a non-nourishing food. This is completely false though because eggplants are actually rich in essential nutrients that the body needs to function better and live healthier. Eggplants have different names, including aubergine, guinea squash, and garden egg. Whatever you want to call it, eggplants are among the most nutritious foods in the world.
Nutrients in an Eggplant
One raw eggplant has about 20 calories. Aside from this, here are the nutrients you can get when you eat this purple food:
- 0.8 grams of protein
- 0.15 grams of fat
- 2.5 grams of fiber
- 4.82 grams of carbohydrates
- One cup of eggplant can already give you:
- 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fiber
- 3% RDA of vitamin C
- 5% RDA of potassium
- 2% RDA of magnesium
- 5% RDA of vitamin B6
- 1% RDA of iron
Consuming eggplants, just like with other fruits and vegetables, can help you avoid several health conditions. Increasing the amount of eggplant you eat can provide you with the following benefits:
A Healthier Heart
You can have a healthier heart because eggplants have fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and phytonutrients. Together, these all support your heart, so that you will not develop cardiovascular diseases. Eggplants have flavonoids as well that can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Research has shown that high cholesterol is dangerous. With eggplants, especially their juice, you can decrease your blood cholesterol levels. Animal studies have confirmed the effects of eggplant juice in blood cholesterol as well as in weight. Chlorogenic acid in the eggplant is a powerful fighter against free radicals, so they help lower your LDL levels, while protecting you against viruses, bacteria, and carcinogenic effects.
Lower Risk of Cancer
Eggplants also have polyphenols, which have been found to have the ability to prevent people from getting cancer. Polyphenols in eggplants include chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins which function as antioxidants that stop the body from suffering from oxidative stress where the cells die. Polyphenols also protect the body against free radicals so that it will be easier to prevent tumor growth and the development of cancer cells.
Improved Cognitive Function
The anthocyanin in the skin of the eggplant, particularly the one called nasunin, is an antioxidant that prevents cell membranes from getting damaged by free radicals. This antioxidant also facilitates the flow of blood to the brain, so you will not experience mental disorders when you age.
These health benefits alone are already enough reasons to eat more eggplants. With the bitter but pleasant taste, eggplants are surely a prized nutritious food.
Source: Steth News
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