Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a vegetable belonging to the nightshade family. I say vegetable as a mouth habit, but eggplant is actually a fruit. Those who hear this for the first time are a little surprised. Let me also say this; Pepper, okra, cucumber and tomato are also fruits. If those who wonder and read the rest of the article, they will understand why eggplant is a fruit. Let's return to the topic of the benefits of eggplant. If you think that eggplant is useless, I can say that you are making a big mistake. As you read, you will wonder if there is another food that has so many benefits.
Did you know that eggplant, which we use in many different recipes, has many varieties in terms of size and color? Although we know the most dark purple ones, there are even red, green and even black eggplants.
Eggplant is a food that helps to lose weight. The appetite suppressant feature has an important role in losing weight. weight loss dietsAnother reason why it is used in food is the calories of eggplant. So how many calories in eggplant?
How Many Calories in Eggplant?
The calorie of eggplant differs according to its amount;
Calories in 100 grams of eggplant: 17
Calories in 250 grams of eggplant: 43
It's pretty low in calories. An ideal food to use in the slimming process. What about the nutritional value of eggplant?
Nutritional Value of Eggplant
Eggplant is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and other important nutrients that help the body function properly. Now let's look at the vitamin value of eggplant. The nutritional value of one cup of raw eggplant is as follows:
Carbs: 5 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams
Sodium: 1.6 grams
Protein: 1 grams
Manganese: 10% of the RDI
Folate: 5% of the RDI
Potassium: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
Carbohydrate value of eggplant
One cup of raw eggplant contains 5 grams of carbohydrates. There is also almost 3 grams of naturally occurring sugar in eggplant. Eggplant has a low glycemic index. Therefore, diabetics can eat without thinking about the rise in blood sugar.
Fat content of eggplant
The vegetable is almost completely fat-free.
Protein value of eggplant
One serving of eggplant contains less than 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals in eggplant
It contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, copper and magnesium.
The benefits of eggplant are also due to this rich nutrient content. Then it's time to talk about the benefits of eggplant.
Benefits of Eggplant
Eggplant improves the functioning of the body.
It strengthens immunity. It strengthens the defense mechanisms.
It has a high water content and very few calories. Therefore, it is useful for weight loss. It keeps you full due to its high fiber content.
It improves the body's defense against cancer-causing processes.
Like nasunin, which acts as an antioxidantanthocyanins is rich in terms.
One of the benefits of eggplant is that it protects the body from oxidative stress and cell damage.
Chlorogenic acid in eggplant has antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Potassium,magnesium and is rich in calcium minerals. Therefore, it protects the vascular health and positively affects the heart health.
Thanks to its fiber content, it lowers high cholesterol.
It ensures that fluids are not retained, which prevents coronary heart diseases.
Boosts memory.
It helps to remove excess iron from the body.
It aids digestion. It controls the secretion of gastric juices, which increases the absorption of nutrients in the body.
Eggplant, It is rich in bioflavonoids that keep blood pressure and stress levels under control.
Improves bone and liver health.
It reduces constipation.
It is beneficial for eye health.
It helps regulate blood sugar levels and control glucose absorption.
In addition to phenolic compounds, eggplant benefits include essential nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium.strong bones providing is included.
It helps increase bile production in the liver. It melts excess fat and prevents the possibility of liver failure.
Eating eggplant helps reduce liver pain.
The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) found in this beneficial vegetable calms the mind and improves sleep.
The benefits of eggplant do not stop there. There are also some special benefits. Eggplant has important contributions to sexual life in both men and women. How Does?
Benefits of Eggplant for Sexuality
Eggplant stimulates blood circulation and therefore the arrival and flow of blood to the penis. It strengthens the sexual ability of the penis.
One of the sexual benefits of eggplant is the vegetable's ability to activate hormones in men and women. This makes sexual health stronger for men and women.
This beneficial vegetable increases sexual desire in men and women. It is a catalyst for excitement regions in the brain. For this purpose, eat the eggplant as roasted or grilled. When deep-fried, it loses many sexually beneficial plant compounds and minerals.
Many studies show that black eggplant is one of the best foods to cure erectile dysfunction in men.
Eggplant increases the secretion of testosterone and estrogen, hormones that control male and female desire.
Although it may seem a little difficult to establish a connection between eggplant and skin, the benefits of eggplant for the skin are substantial. Because it is rich in nutrients that are good for the skin. Not only that. Here are the benefits of eggplant for the skin;
Eggplant is rich in minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. Thus, it cleanses the body from the inside. Hence, it makes the skin flawless.
This beneficial vegetable contains a good amount of water. In this way, it moisturizes the body and skin.
The minerals and vitamins in its content give the skin a clear and smooth tone. Eating this wonderful vegetable softens and brightens the skin.
The skin gets dry, especially in winter. Cold weather cuts off the skin's natural moisture. It dries and causes itching. Don't worry, eggplant is great at this. Its water content moisturizes the skin, making it soft and supple.
Eggplant skin contains natural plant compounds called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have an anti-aging effect. One of the benefits of eggplant for the skin is that it delays the signs of aging.
Harmful sun rays can cause skin damage over time. It causes flaking and red patches. This condition is called actinic keratosis. Eggplant mask helps to improve this condition.
Speaking of eggplant mask, it is impossible to pass without giving a mask recipe made with eggplant. I have two mask recipes that reduce skin irritation and moisturize the skin. Let's move on to the recipes, hope it works for you.
Mask that reduces skin irritation
Finely chop a glass of eggplant.
Put it in a jar and pour one and a half cups of apple cider vinegar over it.
Put the jar in the refrigerator. Let the vinegar sit for at least three days until it darkens.
In this way, you will get a cream.
When your cream is ready to use, dip a cotton ball into it. Apply several times a day to areas of skin irritation.
Eggplant mask that moisturizes the skin
Mix 50 grams of grated eggplant, 2 tablespoons of aloe juice, 1 teaspoon of organic honey until a smooth paste is formed.
This mask needs to be applied in two stages.
First, apply some of the paste to your cleansed face. Let it absorb well.
Then apply the rest and wait 15 to 20 minutes.
Wipe using a clean cotton ball.
Wash your face with warm water.
Finish by applying a good quality moisturizer.
You can use this mask twice a week.
Benefits of Eggplant to Hair
Benefits of eggplant for skinmentioning the benefits to the hair cannot be overlooked. Eggplant is not a very preferred material in hair masks. However, this does not mean that it is ineffective. Eating this beneficial vegetable supports the hair from the inside as it is beneficial to the body. We can list the benefits of eggplant for hair as follows:
Because it has a high water content, it nourishes the scalp from within, providing stronger hair follicles.
One of the benefits of eggplant for hair is that it contains minerals and vitamins that nourish the scalp. Therefore, it is effective for dandruff, itching and scalp related problems.
This beneficial vegetable contains enzymes that promote hair growth and stimulate hair follicles.
People with rough and dry hair should eat more eggplant. It gives hair a healthy shine and improves its overall texture.
Let's give a recipe for eggplant hair mask; Do not let the benefits of the eggplant we have mentioned go to waste.
Eggplant mask nourishing the hair
Chop a small eggplant.
Rub the scalp with it for 10-15 minutes.
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
You can repeat this process once a week to get the results you want.
Mask that moisturizes the scalp
Mix one eggplant, half cucumber, half avocado and 1/3 cup sour cream until a smooth paste forms.
Apply this paste evenly on your hair and scalp and wait for half an hour.
Wash off using a mild shampoo and warm water.
You can use this mask once a week for smoother and more beautiful hair.
Harms of Eggplant
Eggplant is a useful vegetable, namely fruit. So, is there any harm in eggplant? The negative effects of this vegetable are not seen in healthy people. It is mostly caused by excessive consumption or an allergic reaction.
One thing to know about eggplant is eggplant allergy. Although allergies usually start in childhood, eggplant allergy can also occur in adults. All at once. Even if you have eaten eggplant before without any problems, allergies can still occur. But this is rare. Eggplant allergy symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, itching, and skin rashes. In rare cases, eggplant can also cause anaphylaxis. If you want to get more detailed information about eggplant allergy, read this article. How Is Eggplant Allergy Treated?
May impair iron absorption
Nasunin is an anthocyanin that binds to the iron in the eggplant skin and removes it from the cells. In other words, it chelates iron.Iron absorptioncan reduce it. Therefore, people with low iron levels should consume eggplant with caution.
May cause solanine poisoning
Solanine is a natural toxin found in eggplant. Eating too much eggplant can cause vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness. Consuming eggplant at low-medium levels won't do any harm. However, in an emergency, it is useful to consult a healthcare professional.
May increase the risk of kidney stones
Eggplantoxalate includes. This can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. If you are at risk of kidney stones, be careful about eggplant consumption.
Does eggplant raise blood pressure?
There are rumors that eggplant raises blood pressure. I say rumor because this information has no scientific basis. As you know, blood pressure patients should pay attention to their diet. Oily and salty foods should not be eaten. If you fry the eggplant in oil and add more salt to it, it means that you are risking the blood pressure to skyrocket.
Does eggplant hurt the stomach?
The solanine poisoning mentioned above can cause eggplant to trigger symptoms such as nausea and stomach pain. Solanine poisoning happens when too much eggplant is eaten. Cooking eggplant neutralizes its solanine content.
Why does eggplant cause sores in the mouth?
Eggplant causes sores in the mouth of people with allergies. Vegetables contain a substance called alkaloids. This substance causes allergies in some people.
Does eggplant cause cancer?
Eggplant is a powerful fighter against cancer. The nausin in its shell is effective in removing toxins from the body and defending the body against cancer. Therefore, eat them as much as you can without peeling them.
Don't be intimidated by the damage of eggplant. If you don't eat too much and don't have allergies, eggplant is not a vegetable to be ignored.
Eggplant Fruit or Vegetable?
Here we come to the most curious subject. If you can't figure out why eggplant is a fruit, I'll explain why it is. Because we always know eggplant as a vegetable.
But eggplant is technically a fruit. Because it grows from the flower of the plant. Like tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and beans, which grow from the flowers of plants and have seeds, eggplant is a fruit.
Technically classified as fruit, these foods are considered vegetables in the culinary classification. Because it is mostly inedible raw like fruits. It is cooked. That's why we use eggplant as a vegetable in the kitchen. Let's continue to say vegetables as a habit of mouth.
Is Eggplant Slimming?
One of the benefits of eggplant is that it helps to lose weight. So, do you have any idea how eggplant weakens? Otherwise, check out the features of eggplant that are beneficial for weight loss;
Eggplant aids digestion.
Thanks to the saponin it contains, it prevents fat absorption and reduces body fat.
It controls the appetite by keeping it full.
It fights cellulite.
It is anti-inflammatory.
It reduces free radicals that attack and damage cells.
Thanks to the fiber in its seeds, it is an excellent laxative.
Regulates cholesterol.
It provides the body with calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron and many other nutrients.
Nutritionists state that the best way to lose weight with eggplant is to drink eggplant juice. Eggplant juice acts as a diuretic and improves kidney function, while cleansing the body of toxins.
Can you lose weight just by drinking eggplant juice? I don't think this is possible either. Eggplant juice alone is not enough to lose weight. However, it is a factor that helps diet and accelerates the weight loss process. Keep losing weight with a healthy diet and exercise program. Just by adding the eggplant juice recipe that I will give below to your diet list.
Eggplant Juice Recipe for Weight Loss
Materials
a large eggplant
2 liters of water
The juice of a lemon
How is it done?
Peel the eggplant and chop finely.
Then put it in a container with cold water and let it sit for a few hours. If you wish, you can do this the day before so that it is ready in the morning.
Let the eggplants simmer for at least 15 minutes with their juices.
When the water boils, add the lemon juice.
Then turn down the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Then blend it in a blender so that the dough and water are well mixed and homogeneous.
Drink this eggplant juice 15 minutes before your first meal on diet days.
What Should You Consider While Preparing Eggplant?
To maximize the benefits of eggplant, you can prepare healthy recipes using this vegetable. First of all, know this; When preparing eggplant dishes, be careful not to fry. It will be too oily. If you want to fry, fry them in the oven on a tray lined with greaseproof paper. It will be healthier as it will absorb less oil. “Diet Eggplant Recipes" Using the recipes in our article, you can prepare healthy and low-calorie eggplant dishes.
Here are a few tricks to consider when cooking eggplant;
Soaking the eggplant in salted water will take its bitter taste. Half an hour in salt water is enough. Do not forget to wash the eggplants to get rid of salt.
Use a stainless steel knife to cut the eggplant. Other blades will cause it to darken.
To increase the benefits and nutritional content of eggplant, cook it with the skin on.
If you are cooking the eggplant whole, poke small holes with a fork. It will help the steam penetrate and cook more easily.
What Can Be Done With Eggplant?
We can use eggplant for many things, from pickles to jam. We already know these. Now I want to give you different ideas about what can be done with eggplant.
Eggplant pizza : Use sliced eggplant instead of pizza dough. You get a gluten-free pizza. Add tomato sauce, cheese and other toppings.
Eggplant garnish : Slice the eggplant and sauté or fry in olive oil. Add it as a side dish to the food on the plate.
Burger side dish : Cut an eggplant lengthwise into thick slices. Fry on the grill. You can eat it alone or put it in a burger.
Eggplant Pasta Sauce : Cut an eggplant into thick slices. Bake or sauté in the oven. Add the slices to the pasta dish. You can also melt the cheddar cheese on top of the eggplants.
Ratatouille : To make ratatuy, which is of French origin, make ratatuy, a boiled vegetable dish by sautéing eggplant, onion, garlic, zucchini, pepper and tomato in a little olive oil.
Vegetable lasagna : Use the same vegetables you used to make the ratatu in place of the meat in the lasagna.
baba ganoush : This is a sauce from the Middle East. It consists of grilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and spices. Some also add yogurt.
Maklube : Maklube, which is made in different ways, is also made with eggplant.
If you have different eggplant recipes that you want to add to this list and share them with us, you can be sure that we will read them with pleasure.
Is there nicotine in eggplant?
Eggplant contains trace amounts of nicotine. Nicotine is found in the seed of the vegetable. It provides 100 nanograms of nicotine drug concentration per gram of eggplant. Even in small amounts, other vegetables from the nightshade family also contain nicotine.
Of course, it can't even be compared to the nicotine content in cigarettes. One study revealed that more than twenty kilograms of eggplant must be consumed to experience the nicotine effect of smoking.
Studies have also determined that eating eggplant reduces nicotine addiction and helps quit smoking.
“Is the nicotine in eggplant harmful?” you might think. Compared to passive smoking, nicotine from eggplant has no value.
Do you eat eggplant every day?
You can eat eggplant every day. The nutritional content of eggplant is rich enough to meet the nutrients you need. But one of the harms of eggplant is that it affects people with sensitive stomachs. Therefore, those with sensitive stomachs should not eat it every day.
Let's summarize what we wrote;
Along with the benefits of eggplant, we mentioned all the features of this useful vegetable - sorry fruit. I don't know if you like to eat eggplant, but even if you don't, it is worth eating just to get the beneficial nutrients it contains. It is a vegetable that cannot be eaten, especially loved by children. Since we learned the benefits of eggplant, I think you will eat it from now on even if you don't like it.
