Extend Your Health With Eggplant

Growing up, eggplant was not on the meal menu - at all. I had the same opinion about eggplant as I do about squash and pumpkin. I was not a fan of "fancy vegetables" that took convincing for me to try.

A few years ago, I discovered the beauty of eggplant.

At the time, my next-door neighbor mentioned she was baking eggplant parmesan for dinner. She inquired if I've ever had baked eggplant. Timidly, I told her no.

Instantaneously, she invited me over for dinner. As I inquired about the ingredients within her divine dish, she insisted I join her early for dinner. She showed me how to extract the excess water [from the eggplant], crisping the colorful, large egg-like shaped fruit prior to baking to perfection.

Scientifically known as Solanaceae Lycopersicum, originated in southeast Asia. Alternatively known as aubergine or guinea squash, is grown in a warm climate.

Eggplant plays an important role in traditional medicine.

White eggplants were considered ayurvedic medicine used for diabetes and the leaves were used for asthma.

Eggplant is multi-faceted, large, and colorful ranging from dark purple, black, white, and green. The leaves are large and oval.

Eggplants are packed with antioxidants.

Antioxidants are important to our bodily functions. Essential vitamins and minerals help strengthen our immune system, ward off illnesses, and repairs cells from radiation damage.

A study in the International Journal of Clinical Medicine published two studies showing an extract found in the eggplant's skin, Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides, was used to remedy certain skin cancers.

Known as brinjal and melongene, is packed with phenolic compounds and anthocyanins.

Phenolic compounds help eliminate free radicals and skin damage.

Anthocyanins, including nasunin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can prevent blood vessels from morphing into tumor cells. The antioxidant prevents brain inflammation, improves blood flow, and memory loss.

Lutein helps reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eggplant is a good source of copper. The essential mineral is needed for red blood cells which can boost endurance, muscle strength, brain health, and relieves mental exhaustion.

Phytonutrients and vitamin K play a role as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels, relieving mental exhaustion.

Eggplant can improve your cardiovascular health.

Did you know eating eggplant can stimulate good cholesterol?

Fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 are essential for cardiovascular health.

A 2019 study showed eating eggplant or antioxidant-enriched foods can help reduce the risk of heart disease and anti-inflammation.

Research showed anthocyanin-packed foods can lower blood pressure.

Studies showed eating eggplant can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Bioflavonoids found in eggplant are great for blood pressure and improve heart health.

Eggplant is a godsend to gastrointestinal health.

My doctor always reminds me to incorporate fiber-enriched foods into my diet. She knows I love green vegetables and legumes, so she's adamant about reminding me to consume at least eleven grams of dietary fiber.

Eggplant is packed with dietary fiber which helps move waste through the digestive system to produce bowel movements.

Eggplant is a low-calorie food.

Today, the popular fruit is known to be part of the Mediterranean diet, middle Eastern, and Greek foods.

Eggplant is related to nightshade family plants like tomatoes and bell peppers.

Avoid discolored and bruised eggplants.

Besides baking the wonderful fruit, I've enjoyed air-frying eggplant slices with a dusting of Stella Bistro Foods Rustic Italian Sultry Spice and Stella Bistro Foods Universalt Sultry Spice.

According to Healthline, you can enjoy eggplant fried, baked, and raw.

For my dinner parties, I like to toast a few french baguette slices, lightly spread a garlic aioli, prosciutto, and sauteed eggplant.

How do you enjoy eggplant?

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