EGGPLANT OR BRINJAL - HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

EGGPLANT – HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Eggplant or brinjal teardrop shape is a popular vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family. It is an annually growing plant also available in white color and widely used in China, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, and Pakistan.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF EGGPLANT PER 100 gm

       Nutrient                       Values

• Calories                                   25
• Total Fat                                  0.2 gm
• Sodium                                   2 mg
• Potassium                              229 mg
• Total Carbohydrates            6 gm
• Protein                                    1 gm

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin C                               3% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron                                          1% of the DV
• Vitamin B-6                           5% of the DV
• Magnesium                           3% of the DV

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EGGPLANT OR BRINJAL

Beneficial for Heart Health

The presence of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Potassium, and phytonutrients make this vegetable beneficial for heart health. It condensed the LDL levels in our bodies by increasing the intake of good cholesterol (HDL) which substantially reduced the risk of heart attacks or strokes. It is also effective in regulating our blood pressure which ultimately reduces the stress in our cardiovascular system. Hence, this helps to keep our hearts in good shape.

Beneficial for Cancer

Eggplant or brinjal has polyphenols that show anti-cancer effects and also the presence of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid help to fight the effects of cancer. These compounds also protect our cells from harmful free radicals. Further, vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells which are a primary line of defense of our body.

Beneficial for Brain and Memory Improvement

This vegetable is enriched with phytonutrients, as known to increase mental ability and improve overall brain health. These phytonutrients protect our brain from the disease-causing free radicals. It also helps our brain to receive blood rich in oxygen and resultantly improves our memory. 

Helpful for Digestion Problems

The presence of dietary fiber with low content of cholesterol in Eggplants, help adds bulk to our stool and helps in the elimination of waste material from our body. The fiber also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices which ultimately provide helps easily digest food and adds to absorb the nutrient.

May Help with Weight Loss

Consuming this vegetable which has no cholesterol, no fat, and is very low in calories, much helpful to lose weight. Fiber present in eggplant inhibits the release of a hormone called ghrelin, which is responsible to feel hungry. Hence, eggplant is beneficial for weight loss.

Good for Diabetic Patients

Due to being rich in fiber and low in soluble carbohydrates, eggplants are good for managing diabetes and it helps to regulate glucose and insulin activity in the body. This stability of sugar level in insulin provides help to prevent the harmful side effects of diabetes in our body. 

Beneficial for Skin Health

Eggplants are enriched with vitamins, minerals, anthocyanins (natural plant compounds), and many antioxidants, and these may help improve skin glow and slow down aging effects. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF EGGPLANT OR BRINJAL

1. Eggplant or Brinjal may have no allergic effects, however, some sensitive people are generally affected by allergies. The symptoms mostly found are itching throat, skin rashes, or swelling in rare cases but not harmful anyway. If some people experienced these, they should avoid the consumption of eggplants. 
2. There is no such evidence to find the interaction between eggplants and other drugs, but if found one should consult the doctor.