Brinjal or eggplant is an almost egg-shaped vegetable found in every household pantry. It has a pulpy interior and is cooked as a whole or by peeling the outer skin. Infamous for its taste, brinjal does not enjoy a huge fan base unless made into a spicy preparation, but it is a highly nutritious vegetable nonetheless. Intake of Brinjal helps regulate your blood glucose and supports heart health, among many other benefits. Here is a list of the top 10 brinjal benefits you must know!
What are Eggplant/Brinjal Benefits?
Maintains Healthy Heart
The antioxidant properties of eggplants are good for your heart. Some scientific studies have pointed out that eggplant juice is effective in lowering plasma and aortic cholesterol levels. The daily intake of eggplant can also control blood pressure and help individuals with high-stress levels.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Eggplants are fiber-rich and low on soluble carbohydrates. These factors contribute to regulating your blood sugar levels and the absorption of glucose. Dietary fiber is potent in slowing down the absorption of sugar in the blood, thereby controlling blood sugar levels. Include brinjal but make sure you avoid certain foods that are extremely bad for diabetes or blood sugar level. In case you don’t know, here is the list of foods that people at risk of diabetes should avoid.
Reduces Risk Of Cancer
Eggplant peels contain cancer-fighting compounds called solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs). Some scientific studies have indicated that these compounds
may kill cancer-causing cells. Additionally, SRGs have the potential to effectively treat human skin tumors.
Improves Cognitive Function
Eggplant contains phytonutrients that protect your brain cells from any potential damage. These nutrients also enable message transfer from one cell to another, which preserves your memory function. Moreover, an antioxidant in eggplant peels called Nasunin combats the free radicals that cause various neural issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Other than Brinjal, in case you would like to boost memory, concentration, and focus, discover our brain foods list.
Aids in Weight Loss
The long list of brinjal benefits includes weight management benefits. Brinjals contain high water levels and low calories. These factors make them an ideal vegetable for people aiming at losing weight. Additionally, the high fiber content of brinjals keeps you full for long hours, thereby supporting weight management goals. Discover more foods that help in weight loss in our Weight Loss Foods List.
Good For Eye Health
One of the least known but significant brinjal benefits is that it is excellent for your eyes. Eggplants contain lutein, an antioxidant that prevents age-related macular degeneration: the major cause of impaired vision and blindness. This benefit of brinjal requires more focused research but the vegetable carries immense potential for ensuring eye health.
Improves Bone Health
Brinjals may improve your bone health by working on bone mineral density and lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium present in brinjal contribute to improved bone health.
Treats Anemia
One of the brinjal benefits is for those suffering from anemia. According to estimates by WHO, an astounding 1.62 billion people are currently anemic. The root cause of anemia is iron deficiency: an issue that brinjal helps you tackle. It contains 0.2 mg of iron per 100 grams. Also rich in copper, brinjal carries a powerful combination of two RBC boosting minerals. Therefore, brinjal intake helps in increasing hemoglobin levels, thus improving anemia.
Reproduction Related Benefits
Brinjal is beneficial for pregnant women because it contains folic acid. Consuming folic acid may prevent the development of birth defects. A folate deficiency can cause abnormalities in both fetuses and mothers.
Benefits of Brinjal for Skin
We all want to grab every natural ingredient that works wonders for our skin. Brinjal is one of those but perhaps least heard of for its skin benefits. Here is a surprise
brinjal benefit for you then! Although there is no scientific evidence to support how brinjals enhance your skin, their antioxidant properties and mineral-rich content indicate skin benefits like glow and youthfulness.
What are the risks or side effects of Brinjal?
Brinjal benefits are great, but you must also keep in mind some risks linked to brinjal consumption. With slight precaution and proper awareness of your body, you can easily avoid any serious health issues. Keep in mind that these risks are mostly associated with excessive consumption of brinjals.
- Allergies: Allergies are mainly caused by lipid transfer protein. Symptoms include Breathing difficulty, Swelling, Hives, etc.
- Increased Risk Of Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are mainly caused by oxalates in eggplants. If you are at risk of kidney stones, you must consult your doctor about brinjal consumption.
- Solanine Poisoning: It is caused by excessive brinjal intake as solanine is a naturally present toxin in brinjals. Symptoms include: Nausea, Vomiting or Drowsiness
The Bottom Line:
Brinjals have plenty of benefits. They have a rich nutrient profile which consists of vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, and fatty acids. Brinjals help you maintain healthy eyes, bones, heart, skin, weight, and brain. However, it’s best if you consume brinjal in moderate amounts. Excessive intake can lead to unfavorable health conditions like allergies, solanine poisoning, and worsening kidney stones. If you have any medical conditions, it would be safe to consider your doctor before
including brinjal in your diet.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided solely for educational reasons and is not intended to replace the medical treatment provided by a healthcare professional. Because each person’s needs are different, the reader should check with their doctor to see if the material is appropriate for them.