What is the health benefits of eggplants?

The health benefits of eggplants are endless. Plus eggplants can be a delicious inclusion to any diet. They have a texture and density that makes them a great addition to soups and stews. They can also be consumed perfectly by themselves or be baked, mashed into a dip, roasted, grilled, or sautéed. Eggplants tend to have a slightly bitter and acidic taste that most people may not like, but they offer impressive health benefits beyond the taste.

They are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs for proper health and function.

1. Eggplants are good for digestion

Whether you’re dealing with indigestion, constipation, flatulence, or want to maintain healthy digestive health, including eggplant in your diet may be the way to go. Eggplants not only soothe many kinds of digestive issues but can also increase the absorption of nutrients from other foods you eat alongside them. It’s also rich in prebiotics, a type of fiber that helps feed your good gut bacteria (probiotics) and boost their population.

Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut, healthy brain, and a strong immune system. The fiber in eggplants also plays an essential role in promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and stimulating the secretion of gastric juices that facilitate food processing and nutrient absorption.

2. May improve bone health

Eggplants are delicious, versatile and colorful additions to any meal. While they might not be the first vegetables that come to mind when you think of foods that promote bone health, they actually make an excellent addition to any healthy diet. Plus, they’re delicious! Eggplants are rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, making them a great addition to the diet to promote bone health.

3. Contains powerful antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cell damage when oxygen reacts with harmful substances in the body known as free radicals.

This cell damage may disrupt normal cell function and cause inflammation which can initiate different chronic conditions.

Consuming foods rich in antioxidants will help neutralize the free radicals, thus preventing oxidation and its effects.

4 Prevents  Cancer

Eggplants are rich in various cancer-fighting compounds, including anthocyanin, solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs), and chlorogenic acid that have been shown to offer cancer-protective benefits.

Chlorogenic acid, in particular, prevents free radicals from forming cancerous cells and inhibits tumor growth and cancer cell proliferation.

Chlorogenic acid also acts as an anti-microbial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and helps lower bad cholesterol.

5. Helps lower cholesterol

Eggplants have long been recognized as a powerful heart-healthy food, but many don’t realize that they can even lower cholesterol levels. In fact, one study found that eggplants possess the same ability to lower LDL cholesterol as statin drugs. The secret lies in one of the eggplants’ most powerful phytochemicals, nasunin (also known as nasin). Nasunin is a powerful anthocyanin that has proven to lower cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease, increased blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

6. Promotes weight loss

There are several ways that eggplant can help you lose weight. First, it is high in fiber, and fiber has been shown to aid in healthy digestion and weight loss. Additionally, being low in calories means that eggplant can aid in appetite control while satisfying your hunger cravings between meals. Plus, it also helps fill you up more quickly, so you don’t overeat when it’s time for a meal. 

The fiber in eggplants also inhibits the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which prompts one to eat.