The King of Vegetables, brinjal is not liked by everyone despite of being nutritious. This vegetable is scientifically categorized as fruit because of the seeds but it is used as a vegetable in cooking. It is among the most versatile and affordable vegetables. It is known by different names in different countries for example it is recognized as “Aubergine” in Britain & France, “Melanzane” in Italy and “Eggplant” New Zealand, United States, Australia and Canada. It belongs to nightshades family of vegetables such as tomato, capsicum and potato. Eggplant has a host of essential nutrients that help to treat and prevent several serious conditions. Get a quick view of nutritional value and benefits of brinjal in the following article.
Brinjal has glossy skin, unique taste (a pleasantly bitter taste) and spongy & cream-colored flesh. It has ability to absorb the taste and juices of other ingredients. It is available in various sizes ranging from a small tomato to a big zucchini; shapes like pear-shaped, round/long & slender as well as colors like orange, purple, jade green and white. All varieties have their unique texture. It can be cooked in various ways: fried, baked, roasted, sautéed, grilled, boiled or steamed. It can be used in place of meat in a number of dishes.
Brinjal helps to fight and prevent various kinds of cancer. The fiber in brinjal decreases the risk of colon cancer by absorbing toxins and chemicals that cause colon cancer. Brinjal also contains an antioxidant compounds called Chlorogenic Acid and Nasunin, which treat cancer. Chlorogenic Acid fights free radicals in the body as well as protects cells to transform into cancer cells while Nasunin has anti-angiogenic abilities, which means it prevents the blood vessels growth that feed cancer cells.
Weight Loss
It is an ideal food for people who are trying to lose weight because of high fiber and moisture content. It also has low amount of calories and fats. High amount of fiber decelerates the digestion process so you feel fuller for longer period of time after a meal. The metabolism also increases so your body burns calories at a higher rate. If you are trying to lose weight, consume brinjal in a salad or appetizer before a meal and avoid frying or soaking brinjal in oil.
Good for Heart
Consuming brinjal in your daily diet or few times a week helps to lower the cholesterol in the body. High amount of potassium and magnesium in the brinjal is responsible for maintaining cholesterol levels. People suffering from high cholesterol levels should consume the juice of brinjal leaves to decrease the levels. Antioxidants and beta carotene decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack. Brinjal is also very effective in lowering the high blood pressure and improving circulation which makes it a great food for preventing heart diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes
Brinjal is rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates makes it an excellent vegetable for type II diabetes patients. Both, fiber and carbohydrates decrease the blood glucose levels in patients. According to researches, consuming a brinjal on daily basis decreases the risk of developing high blood sugar levels. The phenols in brinjal also help to manage blood sugar levels. This vegetable has a very low glycemic index so it is a perfect for diabetics.
Keep Hair and Skin Healthy
Water is essential to maintain healthy skin and hair. Dehydration leads to split ends in hair and makes the hair thin & dry. It also makes the skin flaky and dry. This vegetable helps to improve texture of your skin and hair. People with dry skin and hair should eat brinjal as it hydrates skin and hair and keeps them moisturized. This is because of the high water content of brinjal. For best results, you should consume the brinjal raw as cooking decreases the water content.
Constipation
People suffering from chronic constipation can get relief by consuming brinjal in their daily diet. The fiber helps to regulate bowel movements as well as flushes the bowel and keeps it clean from toxins. Brinjal also provides relief from hemorrhoids and colitis.
Keeping the Mind Healthy
The high amount of phytonutrients in brinjal helps the brain by protecting brain cell membranes from free radical cells and other kinds of damages. B complex vitamins help to get relief from physical and mental stress. So, include this vegetable in the diet and keep mind healthy and more active.
Other Health Benefits of Brinjal
Brinjal Nutritional Facts
Nutritional value of 82 grams of Brinjal- Carbohydrates - 4.7 g
- Protein - 828 mg
- Total Fats - 156 mg
- Dietary Fiber - 2.8 g
- Calories - 20
- Vitamins
- Vitamin A - 22 IU
- Vitamin C - 1.8 mg
- Vitamin E - 246 mcg
- Vitamin K - 2.9 mcg
- Thiamin - 32 mcg
- Riboflavin - 30 mcg
- Niacin - 532 mcg
- Vitamin B6 - 69 mcg
- Folate - 18 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid - 230 mcg
- Choline - 5.7 mg
- Minerals
- Calcium - 7.4 mg
- Iron - 197 mcg
- Magnesium - 11 mg
- Phosphorus - 21 mg
- Potassium - 189 mg
- Sodium - 1.6 mg
- Zinc - 131 mcg
- Copper - 67 mcg
- Manganese - 205 mcg
- Selenium - 0.25 mcg
Health Benefits of Brinjal
Prevent CancerBrinjal helps to fight and prevent various kinds of cancer. The fiber in brinjal decreases the risk of colon cancer by absorbing toxins and chemicals that cause colon cancer. Brinjal also contains an antioxidant compounds called Chlorogenic Acid and Nasunin, which treat cancer. Chlorogenic Acid fights free radicals in the body as well as protects cells to transform into cancer cells while Nasunin has anti-angiogenic abilities, which means it prevents the blood vessels growth that feed cancer cells.
Weight Loss
It is an ideal food for people who are trying to lose weight because of high fiber and moisture content. It also has low amount of calories and fats. High amount of fiber decelerates the digestion process so you feel fuller for longer period of time after a meal. The metabolism also increases so your body burns calories at a higher rate. If you are trying to lose weight, consume brinjal in a salad or appetizer before a meal and avoid frying or soaking brinjal in oil.
Good for Heart
Consuming brinjal in your daily diet or few times a week helps to lower the cholesterol in the body. High amount of potassium and magnesium in the brinjal is responsible for maintaining cholesterol levels. People suffering from high cholesterol levels should consume the juice of brinjal leaves to decrease the levels. Antioxidants and beta carotene decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack. Brinjal is also very effective in lowering the high blood pressure and improving circulation which makes it a great food for preventing heart diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes
Brinjal is rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates makes it an excellent vegetable for type II diabetes patients. Both, fiber and carbohydrates decrease the blood glucose levels in patients. According to researches, consuming a brinjal on daily basis decreases the risk of developing high blood sugar levels. The phenols in brinjal also help to manage blood sugar levels. This vegetable has a very low glycemic index so it is a perfect for diabetics.
Keep Hair and Skin Healthy
Water is essential to maintain healthy skin and hair. Dehydration leads to split ends in hair and makes the hair thin & dry. It also makes the skin flaky and dry. This vegetable helps to improve texture of your skin and hair. People with dry skin and hair should eat brinjal as it hydrates skin and hair and keeps them moisturized. This is because of the high water content of brinjal. For best results, you should consume the brinjal raw as cooking decreases the water content.
Constipation
People suffering from chronic constipation can get relief by consuming brinjal in their daily diet. The fiber helps to regulate bowel movements as well as flushes the bowel and keeps it clean from toxins. Brinjal also provides relief from hemorrhoids and colitis.
Keeping the Mind Healthy
The high amount of phytonutrients in brinjal helps the brain by protecting brain cell membranes from free radical cells and other kinds of damages. B complex vitamins help to get relief from physical and mental stress. So, include this vegetable in the diet and keep mind healthy and more active.
Other Health Benefits of Brinjal
- Normalizes iron levels in the body
- Helps to cure stomach ulcers and various nervous conditions
- Prevents cellular damage in brain
- Brinjal cures insomnia if it is taken (baked) with honey at night
- Controls iron levels in the body
- Good for people with asthma and tooth problems
- Prevents atherosclerosis
0 comments:
Post a Comment