Eggplant – More than Just a Pretty Parmesan

Eggplant grows all over the world and is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet. From temperate to tropical climates eggplant is very easy to grow and will provide you with great health benefits.

Eggplant goes all the way back to the 5th century BC in China where it was considered an important food source. Later it spread to Greece, Rome, Europe, Africa, the Middle East… and the Western Hemisphere.

 

14 Benefits of Eating Eggplant

[dropcap]1. [/dropcap]Powerful Antioxidant

Eggplant contains a phytonutrient called Nasunin that’s found in the dark purple skin of eggplant, it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants around (And it is only found in Eggplant). Nasunin has the ability to repair DNA damage, slow the ageing process, and help keep diseases like cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer away. Nasunin is a phenolic compound like that found in green tea.

[dropcap]2. [/dropcap]Cancer

Nasunim is a powerful antiangiogenic compound that keeps cancer cells from creating blood supply… thus preventing tumour formation.

[dropcap]3. [/dropcap]Brain Protection

Animal studies show that Eggplant contains compounds that protect the fatty acids in the brain… and thus help to protect the brain from free radical damage.

[dropcap]4. [/dropcap]Chlorogenic Acid

Eggplant contains chlorogenic acid which is one of the best antioxidants on the planet. Protect your body from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections by boosting your immune system and preventing cancer.

[dropcap]5. [/dropcap]Low Glycemic Index

Eggplant has a low glycemic index of 15… making it great for diabetics.

[dropcap]6. [/dropcap]Nervous System

Eggplant contains soroparone & scopoletin which are both compounds that relax and sooth the nervous system.

[dropcap]7. [/dropcap]Weight Loss

Eggplant is very low in calories making it great for weight loss. And because it contains lots of fiber, it makes you feel full… thus you eat less. Also Eggplant contains lots of water to make your skin and hair look great.

[dropcap]8. [/dropcap]Low in Carbs and No Fat

Eggplant has little to no fats and it’s very low in carbs. But remember if you add lots of egg, oil, cheese and other fatting things to eggplant it’s no longer a low calorie food.

[dropcap]9. [/dropcap]Inflammation

Because Eggplant contains lots of great antioxidants it also helps with inflammation such as arthritis, joint problems, and other inflammatory diseases.

[dropcap]10. [/dropcap]Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Because Eggplant contains chlorogenic acid and 13 other powerful antioxidants that lower bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. In studies with rats given Eggplant juice their cholesterol went down drastically… and their arteries relaxed which lowered blood pressure.

[dropcap]11. [/dropcap]Vitamin K

Eggplant is a good source of Vitamin K to prevent clotting… and thus prevent heart attacks.

[dropcap]12. [/dropcap]Contains

Eggplant contains B Vitamins for vitality and good mood, potassium for water regulation and heart health, copper for anemia, manganese for bone health and fertility, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.

[dropcap]13. [/dropcap]Fiber

Plus Eggplant contains lots of great fiber to keep you regular, and promote growth of probiotic bacteria in your colon and boost your immune system.

[dropcap]14. [/dropcap]Excess Iron

Iron is important for bodily function but too much iron can lead to higher cholesterol, cancer, and joint damage. The compound Nasunin found in Eggplant regulates iron allowing you to have the iron you need… without allowing excess iron to damage your body.

 

Other Facts about Eggplant

The bitter taste is important.  When you cut open a Eggplant it has a bitter taste: that bitter taste is important because it contains all the antioxidant compounds.

Growing – Eggplant grows in full sun and loves rich loamy soil… it’s easy to grow and will provide you with lots of Eggplant.

Cooking – Eggplant can be steamed, baked, roasted, stuffed, boiled, grilled, fried, stir fried, added to soups and stews, made into dips like babaganoush and many other ways of cooking this wonderful veggie. You can slice it add salt to get rid of some of the bitterness… then rinse and use the Eggplant in your cooking.

Nightshade – Eggplant is a nightshade veggie and if you are sensitive to these veggies then you should stay away. But there has never been any controlled studies showing nightshade veggies causing problems. But if they bother you… don’t eat them.

Enjoy Eggplant – It will do your body good!

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 About the Article

This article is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.. this article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form.

About the Author

Dr. Paul Haider has been a Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time.