What are aubergines?
The aubergine (Solanum melongena) is a member of the nightshade plant family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers, among others (Solanaceae). To be more specific, they develop similarly to tomatoes, dangling on the vines of a plant that may grow to be several feet in height and weigh several hundred pounds. In addition to having a deep purple, glossy exterior, they feature a cream-colored, sponge-like flesh that is flecked with tiny, edible seeds.
Beyond the traditional purple version, aubergines are also available in a number of various colours and forms as well as a variety of sizes. These include lavender, jade green, orange, and yellow, in addition to the classic purple variety. The most widely grown kind of aubergine has the appearance of a giant, pear-shaped egg, thus the moniker 'eggplant' in the United States.
Advantages in terms of nutrition
An 80g serving of aubergine includes the following nutrients:
- 12kcal/51 KJ
- 0.7g protein
- 0.3g fat
- 1.8g carbohydrate
- 2.1g fibre
- 168 mg Potassium
The top five health benefits of aubergines
Jump to:
- Advantages in terms of nutrition
- 1. An excellent source of antioxidants
- 2. May aid in the management of blood sugar levels
- 3. It may be possible to lower cholesterol levels
- 4. It may be beneficial in weight management
- 5. It has the potential to improve heart health
- Is it safe to eat aubergines for everyone?
1. An excellent source of antioxidants
Nasunin, the chemical responsible for the rich purple colour of the fruit's skin, is one of the defensive components in aubergines that have antioxidant capabilities. This plant chemical has been discovered to preserve the lipids that are located in the membranes of brain cells. The membranes of these cells are responsible for allowing nutrients to enter and waste to exit the cell, as well as receiving instructions from messenger molecules, which teach the cell what it should do.
2. May aid in the management of blood sugar levels
Aubergines are a good source of fibre and are low in fat and sugar, making them a good option for those with type-2 diabetes to include in their diet. In fact, test-tube studies show that eggplant extracts may assist to regulate glucose absorption, making them potentially beneficial for treating type-2 diabetes and lowering the accompanying high blood pressure.
3. It may be possible to lower cholesterol levels
Based on findings from animal research, incorporating aubergine in your diet may help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is the form of cholesterol often referred to as "bad." These benefits are most likely attributable to the fibre and antioxidant content of aubergine, which includes nasunin, which are both beneficial. Human experiments, on the other hand, are required to clarify what is known in this field and to prove its usefulness in a human diet, according to the experts.
4. It may be beneficial in weight management
Because it is a rich source of fibre and a low-calorie option, aubergine is an excellent component to include in a weight-loss regimen. Using it to substitute higher-calorie choices in a variety of dishes has shown to be a beneficial strategy.
In addition, plant chemicals found in aubergine seem to impede the function of pancreatic lipase, and as a result, they may prevent fat from being digested properly.
5. It has the potential to improve heart health
The beneficial ingredient nasunin helps widen blood vessels by activating a chemical known as nitric oxide, and another compound found in the skin of the aubergine, chlorogenic acid, increases this action to further assist in the reduction of high blood pressure levels. Additionally, chemicals found in the pulp of a range of other aubergines, including white eggplant, have been shown to block the activity of the enzyme ACE. This implies that they interfere with the function of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is a critical enzyme in the control of blood pressure.
Is it safe to eat aubergines for everyone?
Aubergines are a part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also contains bell peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes, among other vegetables. Some individuals prefer to stay away from this group of vegetables because anecdotal evidence suggests that they may be associated with exacerbated arthritic symptoms when consumed in large quantities. However, there have been no case-controlled studies to date that have been able to validate these allegations.
Aubergines contain oxalates, albeit their contribution to the total amount of oxalates in the body is minimal when compared to other fruits and vegetables. Some people with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones, on the other hand, may opt to avoid overindulging in them or, at the very least, to prepare them using procedures that limit the amount of oxalate present, such as boiling.
In rare instances, an allergy may manifest itself, although the majority of responses are moderate. Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, has only occurred in a tiny number of instances.
