Eating eggplant can help prevent diabetes and its complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. This is because eggplant is loaded with natural phenolic compounds that exhibit anti-oxidant properties. In addition, its soluble fiber content helps reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Moreover, the vegetable is also beneficial for weight loss because it has low calories. In one study, people who consumed a dish made of eggplants experienced a reduction in their body weight and fat percentage in just four weeks.
Another powerful compound found in eggplant is cholorogenic acid, which acts as an anti-mutagen, anti-tumor and antimicrobial agent. This phytochemical has also been proven to protect against heart disease by lowering LDL-C and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholorogenic acid may even reduce oxidative stress in the body by inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity and increasing bile secretion.
The natural phenolic compounds in eggplants, such as coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and hydroxycinnamic acids, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These chemicals can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure and helping regulate your metabolism.
Eggplants are rich in vitamin C and manganese, which contribute to bone health by strengthening bones and connective tissue. They are also a good source of potassium, which is important for blood pressure control and proper heart rhythm. Eggplants are also high in folic acid, which contributes to healthy cell development and reduces the risk of certain birth defects.
Studies have shown that the anthocyanins and phenolic acids in eggplants have neuroprotective properties, according to a 2019 article published in the journal “Antioxidants.” This is because these nutrients fight against oxidative stress, which can damage brain cells and cause memory problems and dementia. The anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic acids in eggplants can also improve mental health by relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While the benefits of eggplant efficacy are numerous, it is important to remember that the vegetable can lead to stomach irritation in some people. It is also possible for some people to develop an allergy to the vegetable. In addition, eating eggplant can worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome if eaten in excess over an extended period of time.
To avoid these side effects, it is best to eat eggplants in moderation. If you do plan on consuming eggplant, be sure to sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for thirty minutes before cooking it. This will draw out some of the water and reduce its bitterness. In addition, it will also prevent the vegetable from absorbing too much oil while cooking. After salting, it is a good idea to rinse off the eggplant before using it in recipes. You can cook eggplant by baking, grilling or frying it in the oven. If you choose to bake it, be sure to pierce it with a fork often so that steam can escape.