Nutrition , Uses , Health Summary – Egg plant
About Eggplant
Scientifically also known as Solanum melongena eggplant belong to the family of solanaceae. Eggplant is the name popular in American states and Canadian states; the English like to call it Aubergine. This purple bulb plant has a vital role to play in many cuisines around the world. This vegetable is also known as the mad apple by the Europeans when they first encountered it; sometimes also known as bad egg this vegetable gets this reputation due to its relatives of the nightshade family that are poisonous and invite illness. This plant holds its roots of origin in Southern and Eastern Asian countries where it was first found during prehistoric times. This food forms such a vital part of Middle Eastern cuisine that it is believed to be said that ‘’ to dream of 3 aubergines together is a sign of happiness’’. Eggplants grow up to the size of 2-3 feet; bearing 4 to 8 eggplants in them. They are cultivated in different climatic regions and yield different varieties in them ranging from a change of colour to a change of shape and taste. Aubergines are ideally purple in colour with a spiny cap on top of it, sometimes they come in green or white colour which is distinctive from its original colour.
Eggplant Nutrition Facts
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- Eggplant contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and phytonutrient.
- The leaves and roots are juiced or boiled to make a tonic for throat and stomach troubles, asthma, skin diseases, rheumatism, inflammation, intestinal hemorrhages, foot pain, coughs, anorexia, toothache, or as a general stimulant.
Eggplant Benefits
- Protect cell membranes from damage.
- Eggplant decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes,heart disease.
- Promotes a Healthy Complexion and Hair
- Increased energy and overall lower weight.
- Prevent tumor growth and invasion and spread of cancer cells.
- Prevent age-related mental disorders and also improves memory.
- Eggplants are high in bioflavonoids, which are known to control high blood pressure and relieve stress.
- Prevent blood clots and strengthen capillaries.
- Improve blood circulation and nourish the brain.
- Regular intake of eggplants can protect you from colon cancer.
Eggplant Interesting Facts
Eggplant Were First grown in China around the 5th Century B.C.Today Italy,Turkey,Egypt,China and Japan are the leading Eggplant Growers.
Eggplant Choosing Tip
Choosing Eggplant with Firm,smooth,Satin Like skin.Eggplant Should Feel Heavy for their Size.Avoid any with Brown or Soft Spots and Dull skin. Handle Eggplants Carefully Because they bruise Easily.
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 24 Kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.7 g | 4% |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.19 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.40 g | 9% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 22 µg | 5.5% |
| Niacin | 0.649 mg | 4% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.281 mg | 6% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.084 mg | 6.5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.037 mg | 3% |
| Thiamin | 0.039 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 27 IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2.2 mg | 3.5% |
| Vitamin E | 0.30 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 3.5 µg | 3% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 230 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 9 mg | 1% |
| Copper | 0.082 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 0.24 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 14 mg | 3.5% |
| Manganese | 0.250 mg | 11% |
| Zinc | 0.16 mg | 1% |
Eggplant
Eggplant is a dieter’s delight; this is due to its low calorie content. One cup of aubergine that is 100g consists of 25 calories. This low cal count is a highly beneficial for weight conscious people. Owing to its fibre content it helps in relieving digestive disorders. Eggplants is known to contain compounds that will lower down blood pressure levels and also helps in controlling cholesterol level thus preventing the body from being prone to cardio vascular diseases. Apart from vital nutrients eggplant is also loaded with minerals.
How to enjoy Eggplant
Eggplants can be enjoyed in many ways by using various cooking hacks. Roasting or grilling the egg plant over a grill or a barbeque is a traditional method of cooking it in Middle Eastern countries. Baba Ghanoush is a dish prepared using aubergine in a way that it gives smoky chard flavour. Caponata an Italian starter is used making eggplant that is cut into bite sized cubes and is sautéed in olive oil with cubed tomatoes parsley and onions. Baked eggplants in cheese and flavoured with herbs is a dish that one can never go wrong with. Eggplants hold a lot of importance in Greek cuisine and it often seen in many traditional dishes. A popular curry in India called as Bhaigan ka bharta which means char grilled.The iron, calcium and other minerals in eggplant supply the essential nutrients required by the body.
Eggplant
All this, while relishing a highly flavorful veggie, is a good deal, indeed! Stuff, grill, bake, roast, stew your eggplants—they’re delicious in most avatars!Eggplants have a role in heart care, too. Research studies show they can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. But you must cook them the right way to get these benefits. Fried eggplant soaks up a lot of fat, making it harmful and heavy. Instead, bake it at 400 degrees, which brings out glorious flavor and gives you all the goodness an eggplant holds!stuffed eggplant eaten with Indian breads is popular in every household. Keeping it simple it can also be enjoyed stir fried with other vegetables or sometimes even tossed in a veggie salad.
Eggplants if not matured fully can contain toxins in them thus making them not applicable for human consumption; care needs to be taken while choosing the right eggplant.
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