Eggplants are a long, purple, fleshy vegetable often found on gourmet menus. There is sometimes a misconception that it isn’t very nutritious, or that it’s tasteless, but people who say that are wrong. This amazing vegetable is oozing in benefits. If you want to learn more, read on!
What is Eggplant?
Scientifically called Solanum Melongena, eggplant originates from Eastern and Southern Asia. It is also called aubergine or brinjal, and it is a member of the nightshade family of vegetables. Other nightshade vegetables include peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.
Nutritional Facts of Eggplant
Eggplant is very rich in iron, calcium, magnesium and other important nutrients that help the body function properly. In fact, 82 grams (approx. 1 cup) of eggplant contains 10% manganese, 11% fiber, 5.3% potassium, 5.4% molybdenum, 3.5% vitamin K, 4.5% folate, 3.5% copper, 3.1% tryptophan, 63.5% vitamin B, 2.8% magnesium and 3% vitamin C.
Seven Types of Eggplants
There are seven types of eggplants in total, including:
Thai eggplant. This type of eggplant is the size of a golf ball. it has a bitter taste and it requires you to remove its seed before eating it. Even though it is available in many colors, this one is particularly known for its light green color with white or yellow stripes.
Santana eggplant. This is the Italian variety of eggplant, popular for its incorporation in some Turkish delicacies. Furthermore, the color of this type of eggplant is dark purple, and its shape is like a tear drop.
Tango eggplant. This eggplant is special because of its white color. Its shape is like a pear or an egg, while its skin is thick and tender and its flesh is creamy. After harvesting, the eggplant turns yellow and becomes firmer and stronger.
Bianca eggplant. This is another Italian variety of the vegetable, round in shape and huge with a white and light purple skin. Its taste is sweet and creamy, which makes it perfect for making stuffing and gravy.
Graffiti eggplant. The name of this eggplant comes from the way its skin looks. Its peel is very thin and has small seeds. This variety of eggplant is good in baking, roasting and stewing.
Chinese eggplant. This variety, which comes from China, is usually long, light and less sweet. Its flesh is juicy and meaty, with just a few seeds. This makes it perfect for sautéing and stir-frying.
Japanese eggplant. This eggplant is long, dark, glossy and thin. After it’s been cooked, its texture is melty, soft and creamy.
Benefits of Eggplant
The benefits of eggplant can be divided into three categories: skin, hair and overall health. Keep reading to learn more.
Skin Benefits of Eggplants
Here are some of the benefits the vegetable offers the skin:
Inhibits aging. Eggplant skin has anthocyanin, which acts as an anti-aging agent.
Keeps the skin supple and soft. The water content is beneficial in hydrating the skin, making it much more supple and soft.
Gives skin an instant glow. The water content of eggplant also helps keep the body and skin well hydrated.
Makes the skin flawless. Since eggplant is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, it cleans your systems and your skin.
Hair Benefits of Eggplant
Here are the benefits eggplants offer hair:
Promotes hair growth. The enzymes in eggplant help stimulate hair follicles, which enhances the growth of hair.
Makes the scalp healthy. There is a good amount of minerals and vitamins in eggplant, which helps nourish the scalp and make it healthy.
Makes the hair stronger. Because of the high water content of the eggplant, it is beneficial in nourishing the scalp from within.
Health Benefits of Eggplant
The following are some of the most amazing health benefits eggplants can give:
Good for cardiovascular health. Eggplants help stabilize blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
Facilitates weight loss. You may be wondering how this is possible, but eggplants have a relatively high water content and are low in calories.
Helps boost memory. The phytonutrients in eggplants help protect cell membranes from damage.
Aids in digestion. The fiber in it makes it great for your digestive health.
Helps control diabetes. Since the vegetable is rich in fiber and has quite low soluble carbohydrates, it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
