7 Super Facts About Eggplants That Will Impress You!

Eggplants are known for their fleshy, meaty textures.

Vegetarian? This fruit (yeah, fruits!) are a fantastic way to add some “meaty” texture to your meals. There are just so many ways to cook it and enjoy its taste! Although they are cooked in various dishes as vegetables, they are technically considered berries.

There are many varieties of eggplant. Some of them are small and others long and skinny as a bean. Eggplants first appeared in the 14^th century, in Europe. In the 18^thcentury, they were first introduced in America by Thomas Jefferson. California, Georgia, and Florida are leaders in eggplant production in U.S.

“Eggplant” is the common term in Australian English and North American, but British English uses the word “aubergine”. The season for a veggie that comes in many varieties begins in August and continues into fall. 

Eggplant is a great source of vitamin B1, copper, and dietary fiber. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin K, niacin (Vitamin B3), folate, potassium, and manganese. Plus, it contains some potent phytonutrients, such as chlorogenic and nasunin acid. Here are the best eggplant health benefits:

1. Improve Blood Circulation

As we mentioned before, eggplant contains certain powerful phytonutrients that nourish the brain and improve blood circulation. These nutrients can be found in the skin of the eggplant, therefore, ensure not to remove and throw it away.  

2. Protect Digestive Tract and Prevent Colon Cancer

Eggplant is an amazing source of fiber that protects the digestive tract and improves digestion. Actually, regular consumption of eggplant can prevent many digestive issues and even colon cancer.

3. Support Weight Loss

Eggplants are very low in calories – just 13 calories per cup. Plus, they contain no fat and their high fiber content will help you feel full for longer period of time.

4. Control Diabetes

Traditionally, eggplant has been used for managing and controlling diabetes. Many modern studies validate this remarkable role, thanks to the low soluble carbohydrate and fiber content of the eggplant. 

5. Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease

A regular intake of eggplants can improve your cardiovascular health and protect you against heart disease. According to findings from the USDA United States Department of Agriculture), published in the September 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science and the June 2003 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, eggplants have potent antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiviral, and anti-LDL activities.

However, you should cook them the right way in order to get their incredible benefits. So, forget about fried eggplants! Fried ones soak up a lot of fat that makes them heavy and harmful. Try to prepare more recipes where eggplant requires baking – so you can enjoy its taste and get its fantastic health benefits.

6. Reduce High Blood Pressure

Eggplant is high in bioflavonoids that are proven to relieve stress and reduce high blood pressure. 

7. Prevent Blood Clots

If you consume eggplants regularly they will help strengthen your capillaries, thanks to their high content of the above-mentioned bioflavonoids and Vitamin K.