Eggplant is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It's an important source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, which contribute to heart and digestive health.
It also contains plant compounds that lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation, facilitating digestion, and other benefits.
In this article, we'll learn about the benefits of eggplant for overall health and how to take advantage of its nutritional value through various eating methods.
Nutritional Value of Eggplant
Eggplant is a food with a high nutritional value, rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and fats. This provides a feeling of fullness and also facilitates digestion.
Its high water content and vitamins support heart health, in addition to promoting bone health.
Benefits of Eggplant for the Body
Eggplant contains many essential nutrients for the body. They help:
- Weight loss.
- Lower blood sugar.
- Support heart health.
- Regulate bowel movements.
- Maintain eye health.
- Reducing the risk of anemia.
- Reducing harmful cholesterol.
- Reducing the risk of osteoporosis and maintaining bone density.
What are the benefits of eggplant for heart health
Thanks to its fiber and antioxidant content, eggplant is beneficial in:
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Protecting heart cells from damage.
- Balancing body fat and increasing good cholesterol.
- Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Reducing harmful cholesterol and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Benefits of eggplant in improving digestion
Because eggplant contains a high percentage of water and dietary fiber, it improves digestion by:
- Regulating bowel movements.
- Improving nutrient absorption.
- Promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Facilitating digestion and reducing constipation.
The Role of Eggplant in Promoting the Growth of Beneficial Bacteria in the Intestine
The dietary fiber in eggplant nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the intestines, as this fiber is not digested in the stomach.
It reaches the colon and nourishes the bacteria, increasing their activity and number. This improves digestion and also reduces inflammation in the digestive system.
Healthy Ways to Add Eggplant to Your Daily Diet
Adding eggplant to daily dishes in a moderate and healthy way ensures you benefit from its nutritional value. It can be added in the following ways:
- Add it to a salad.
- Roast eggplant in the oven.
- It is preferable to eat it with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Add grilled eggplant to yogurt or tahini.
- Soak it in water and salt to reduce its absorption of cooking oil.
Does eggplant contribute to weight loss
Yes, it definitely contains low calories and is rich in fiber, which provides a feeling of fullness and slows digestion and sugar absorption.
This helps regulate blood sugar and reduce fat storage, but it is recommended to eat it grilled or steamed instead of fried.
Eating Eggplant to Prevent Cancer
Thanks to its antioxidant content, eggplant helps:
- Fight free radicals.
- Reduces the risk of cell damage.
- Prevents cells from turning into cancerous cells.
Risks of Excessive Eggplant Eating
Although eggplant is a vegetable rich in nutrients beneficial to the body, excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as bloating and stomach upset.
Also, if a person suffers from kidney stones, eggplant may negatively affect them. Eating it fried increases the risk of obesity.
Article Summary
Eggplant has many benefits, including supporting heart health, improving digestion, lowering harmful cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cancer.
This is because it contains a group of fibers, antioxidants, and some important nutrients for the health of the body. However, it must be eaten in moderation and in healthy ways to avoid the side effects resulting from excessive consumption.