The Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplants are one of the most common, affordable, and versatile vegetables you will find in your local market. They’re found in many types of dishes and are a staple in Italian, Mediterranean, and Indian cooking. In other countries, these purple veggies are known as aubergines, garden eggs, and brinjal. They can be used in salads, baked into casseroles, tossed into stews, incorporated with meats for one-dish saucy meals, or simply served as vegetable sidings. They’re pretty much good for just about anything, and if you pick the freshest one in the bunch, you’ll have one of the best tasting meals.

There are many eggplant varieties. Colors range from a deep, dark purple to a pale mauve. However, you must make sure to avoid the ones that already look pale. This means that the eggplant has already over-matured. The round ones usually have more seeds in them so you may want to opt for the elongated ones more. Generally, the small to medium-sized ones are better while the longer and fatter ones have harder seeds. Check for small holes as well because this is an indication that worms have made their homes inside.

So how do you know if the eggplants you got are good? Gently push the skin with your thumb and forefinger. The flesh should be smooth yet firm. If you see a slight depression that bounces right back up, you got the right one. If the indentation stays, this means that the one that you got is a little too mature and that the insides could be entirely too mushy. Weigh it as well: it should be heavier than it looks. Just because they are cheap does not mean that you have to buy in bulk. Like all vegetables, they perish easily. Ideally, they should be cooked within two days of purchase. And instead of storing them in the ref, look for a cool dry place to keep them in.

Okay, here’s why eggplants are great for helping you in your quest to stay young and fit. Eggplants are low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. They contain Vitamins C and B1, proteins, and some very powerful phytonutrients. Flavonoids in them exhibit cancer fighting properties. The phenolic compounds such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid are antioxidants. Nasunin helps prevent damage of cell membranes and blocking the creation of free radicals. Moreover, they contain potassium so that your blood pressure is well-regulated. It also has anti-bacterial and diuretic effects. When all these things are combines, you essentially have all the materials you need to keep your body strong and healthy.

While the idea of eating eggplants is unacceptable for some people, there is a way to cook them to make them more enjoyable. The point is, you may want to start enjoying this vegetable because of the benefits it presents. You know that keeping your health stable gets more difficult with age. Fruits and vegetables make the job so much easier. While you also need to stock up on the other food items, you may also want to seriously start considering incorporating eggplant to your weekly meals.