Eggplant contains a lot of nutrition, such as vitamins and minerals. That is why, eggplant is very beneficial to human health. Vegetables that have a binomial name Solanum melongena, also can treat diseases such as measles, chicken pox, alcohol dependence and burns. In Korea, dried eggplant is often used to treat diseases such as rheumatism, lumbago and stiff hips. Even eggplant also has certain substances that can lower cholesterol levels. This means that if we eat eggplant at the same time with cholesterol foods, the levels of cholesterol in the food going down. With the condition, the eggplant should be served with boiled or steamed. Because flavored eggplant and cooked by frying, especially cooked with coconut milk, then all the benefits will be lost.
In addition, a decoction of eggplant leaves can also be launched urination, cure stomach pain, cough, and also be able to lower high blood pressure as well as beneficial to reduce the number of white blood cells in the body. Meanwhile in Nigeria, eggplant fruit is used as a contraceptive, especially for men. Eggplant can also be a cancer preventative, but eating too much eggplant will kill the cells, to cause cancer.
Calories in eggplant and nutrition facts
Eggplant is very low in calories and fat but high in soluble fiber content. In every 100 gr of boiled eggplant, contained 35 calories. Eggplant also contains a good amount of many important B-complex group of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3). This vitamin is important in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
Furthermore, these vegetables are also a good source of minerals like manganese, copper, iron and potassium. Manganese is used as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Potassium is an important intracellular electrolyte helps counter hypertensive effects of sodium.
Fresh (raw) eggplant nutritional value per 100 gr
Based on USDA Nutrient data base
| Energy | 104 kJ (25 kcal) |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 5.88 g |
| - Sugars | 3.53 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 0.18 g |
| Protein | 0.98 g |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.039 mg (3%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.037 mg (3%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.649 mg (4%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.281 mg (6%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.084 mg (6%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 22 μg (6%) |
| Vitamin C | 2.2 mg (3%) |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg (2%) |
| Vitamin K | 3.5 μg (3%) |
| Calcium | 9 mg (1%) |
| Iron | 0.23 mg (2%) |
| Magnesium | 14 mg (4%) |
| Manganese | 0.232 mg (11%) |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg (3%) |
| Potassium | 229 mg (5%) |
| Zinc | 0.16 mg (2%) |
10 eggplant benefits for health
- Good source of nutrition: Eggplant contains certain nutrients such as essential phyto content which improves blood circulation and nourish the brain. To optimize the nutrients contained in eggplant, eggplant should not discard the skin.
- Eggplant helps maintain digestive health: For those of you who have problems with digestion. Eggplant is one vegetable which sat can provide fiber, which protects the digestive tract. In fact, regular intake of eggplant can protect you from colon cancer.
- Eggplant has low calorie, so it does not contain harmful fats your health and also the content of the high fiber content can help you feel full.
- For centuries the eggplant has been used to control and manage diabetes. Modern research validates this role, thanks to the high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content of eggplant.
- In addition, the content of eggplant has a role in cardiac care. Research studies showed that eggplant can lower cholesterol. But you have to cook the eggplant in a proper way to get optimal benefits. Avoid frying eggplant because it will contain a lot of fat that enter your body. Conversely if baked at 400 degrees, will receive optimal health.
- High content of bioflavonoids on eggplant, will help you to maintain a healthy heart. Eggplant is high in bioflavonoids which are known to control high blood pressure and relieve stress.
- Eggplant may help prevent blood clotting, Vitamin K content and bioflavonoids, which can strengthen capillaries in the body.
- The content of phytonutrients in eggplant, can maintain cell membranes so as to keep the damage from the transfer of messages that occur in the brain. This can help to keep the memory function.
- In some studies, the eggplant is considered a vegetable that has good water levels to control calories. This makes the eggplant is ideal as a healthy food for people who want to lose weight.
- Anti-bacterial properties: Eggplant has a good amount of vitamin C makes source anti-virus and anti-bacterial effective. This corresponds to a content of 82 grams of eggplant consists of 11 fiber 4.5% folate%, 5.4%, 63.5% molybdenum vitamin B, 10% manganese, 3.5% copper, 5.3% potassium, 3 , 5% vitamin K, 3.1% tryptophan, vitamin C 3% and 2.8% magnesium.
