EGGPLANT HEALTH BENEFITS AND TASTY TIPS

 

EGGPLANT HEALTH BENEFITS AND  TASTY TIPS

 

1.    Many of us are most familiar with eggplants that are large and dark purple, but the shape, size, and color can vary from small and oblong to long and thin and from shades of purple to white or green. This article will focus on the nutritional benefits of the traditional purple eggplant.

2.    A serving of eggplant can provide at least 5% of a person’s daily requirement of fiber, copper, manganese, B-6, and thiamine. It also contains other vitamins and minerals.

 3.    In addition, eggplants are a source of phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help the body eliminate free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells if they accumulate in large amounts. Foods that contain antioxidants may help prevent a range of diseases.

 4.    Heart health

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and antioxidants in eggplants all support heart health. A review published in 2019 suggested that eating foods containing certain flavonoids, including anthocyanins, helps reduce inflammatory markers that increase the risk of heart disease. A 2013 study found that middle-aged women who consumed more than 3 servings a week of blueberries and strawberries — good sources of anthocyanins — had a 32% lower associated risk of heart disease than those who consumed fewer of these fruits.

 5.    Blood cholesterol

Eggplant contains fiber, and this may benefit cholesterol levels. A cup of cooked eggplant cubes, weighing 96 grams (g), contains around 2.4 g of fiber. Results of a 2014 study in rodents indicated that chlorogenic acid, a primary antioxidant in eggplants, may decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol and reduce the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Managing high cholesterol? Learn which foods to eat or avoid.

 

6.    Cancer

The polyphenols in eggplant may help protect the body from cancer. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. In the long term, this may help prevent tumor growth and the spread of cancer cells. Anthocyanins may help achieve this by preventing new blood vessels from forming in the tumor, reducing inflammation, and blocking the enzymes that help cancer cells spread.

7.    In conclusion, I realized Nigerians need more health care on these major outbreaks, Blood cholesterol, and Cancer to mitigate the risk of our national health disaster which could affect the national economy and wellbeing of the nation.