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Eggplants, also known as aubergine, are used in many recipes around the world. Part of the nightshade family, this vegetable – although actually a fruit – is delicious and healthy.
Eggplants, which grow best in mild temperatures, according to WebMD, originally grew wild in India but spread through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and to Europe. From there it came to the new world.
While most people are used to seeing the oval shaped purple variety, eggplants can be long and thin and come in assorted colors including white, orange, and green. What they all have in common is that all are good for your health. Here are five benefits of adding eggplant to your diet:
Nutrient Dense
Eggplants are nutrient rich food that contain important minerals including potassium and manganese, protein, and fiber, according to Healthline, plus smaller amounts of other minerals and vitamins. In addition to these nutrients, eggplant is packed with potent antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals which cause oxidative stress and could harm your body on a cellular level and contribute to chronic diseases. Eggplants are rich in anthocyanins, a bioactive compound, which give the vegetable its bright color.
Contributes to Heart Health
Eating eggplant could also reduce your risk of heart disease due to the anthocyanins found in the vegetable. A 2019 review and meta-analysis of studies suggested that foods that contain anthocyanins help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Contains Cancer Fighting Properties
Eggplants also contain substances that could help fight cancer cells, Healthline explained. One of these is solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) that are found in nightshade plants which have been shown to be effective against skin cancer and colorectal cancer. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables could also lower the rate of cancers of the mouth, lung, esophagus, stomach, prostate, and pancreas.
Could Promote Blood Sugar Control
According to Health, non-starchy vegetables like eggplants can promote blood sugar control because they have a low glycemic index. This means that eating eggplant raises your blood sugar slowly and does not cause spikes in blood sugar. So, it is a good vegetable for diabetics to eat.
Good for Brain Health
This healthy purple vegetable could also be good for your brain health. That’s because eggplant may protect against neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s Disease due to the nasunin – an antioxidant found in eggplant – that protects cells from damage. Nasunin helps to reduce inflammation in the brain as well as improves blood flow and signals between synapses.
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