The eggplant, with its beautiful structure and purple color, is packed with natural properties and is technically considered a fruit. It has high nutritional value and numerous health benefits.
The leaves and roots of this plant are also useful in treating inflammation and wounds. Here are several health benefits of eggplant:
1. **A Natural Laxative**: Eggplant is rich in fiber, water, and antioxidants that help reduce intestinal inflammation and relieve constipation, giving it a "laxative" quality, and it is beneficial for the digestive system in general.
2. **Enhances Heart Health**: The compound anthocyanin, a natural pigment found in eggplant, strengthens heart functions, reduces levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, and boosts levels of good cholesterol.
3. **Helps in Weight Loss**: Eggplant has a low carbohydrate and calorie content, making it ideal for a weight loss diet. Its natural fibers and plant compounds hinder the accumulation and absorption of fats in the body, making it a great addition to your diet if you want to lose weight.
4. **Boosts Hemoglobin Levels**: Eggplant aids in treating anemia due to its rich content of iron and other nutrients such as thiamine, niacin, copper, fiber, folic acid, and vitamins C, K, B6, potassium, and manganese.
5. **Enhances Bone Health**: Eggplant contains incredible phenolic compounds that combat osteoporosis and strengthen bones, as well as iron and calcium that are extremely beneficial for bone health.
6. **Boosts Brain Health**: Eggplant promotes mental and cognitive health, as the phytonutrients and potassium in eggplant provide oxygen to the brain, remove free radicals, act as vasodilators, and stimulate neural pathways that enhance memory.
7. **Protects Against Cancer**: Eggplant is rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which reduce cancer risk and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It also has other therapeutic properties; even the extract of solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides, present in the peel of the eggplant, is known for its ability to eliminate cancer cells.
