We are always hearing about the benefits of all sorts of fruits and vegetable, but seldom about the mighty eggplant.  This is one vegetable that definitely needs to be in the spotlight.  It can help us in so many ways ranging from cancer treatments to weight loss aids.

Here are some of the reasons you should be eating more eggplant:

High in Antioxidants

The dark pigmentation of the eggplant indicates it has a high antioxidant value.  The more antioxidants you consume, the healthier (and younger) your body will be.  Antioxidants are nutrients that neutralize unhealthy molecules in our body that cause cellular damage and disease.

One antioxidant, nasunin, can only be found in the eggplant.  It is know to be a very strong anti-inflammatory compound.  Nasunin has also been shown to protect DNA and cell membranes from oxidative stress and damage.  Nasunin is one antioxidant involved in the ability to help cells receive and use nutrients from food, and also to discard waste.  This is very important for disease prevention.

Weight Loss

For some of us, the potential weight loss benefits of eggplant might be reason enough to stock up the kitchen with this vegetable.  Eggplants contain compounds called saponins which help to prevent fat absorption.  Eggplants are high in fiber, water content and nutrients, and very low in calories.  They can be  flavored easily and can be substituted for other ingredients in high carbohydrate dishes like lasagna. Eggplant is also an excellent laxative thanks to the high fiber content.

Heart Health

Eggplants are good for the heart.  They contain phytochemicals, nutrients which are found in plant-based foods and help to lower the risk of heart attacks.  The dominant antioxidant in the eggplant is called chlorogenic acid which helps to lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Cancer Prevention

The chlorogenic acid in the eggplant is antimutagenic. This means it can protect cells from mutating into cancer cells.  A topical extract made from eggplant has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of large, non-melanoma skin cancers.

There are many more reasons to include eggplant in your diet.  They are high in several nutrients,  excellent for digestion, and they can even benefit the liver and gallbladder.

To your Health!

Peter Gillham