The EGGPLANT Greatest Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

It is egg-shaped and may be colored a rich black-purple or white, and has a thick skin. Commonly referred to as a vegetable, the eggplant is actually a fruit, and may grow anywhere from two inches to a foot in length. Eggplants are indigenous to Asia and the Amazon Rainforest, as well as other parts of the world.

They grow in a manner much like tomatoes, hanging from the vines of a plant that grows several feet in height. There are many varieties of eggplant, but the Black Magic variety which usually found in the U.S market was found to have three times the amount of antioxidant phenolics as compared to the other varieties. In addition the phenolic acid in eggplant is also responsible for the eggplants slight bitter taste and the browning the results when the flesh is cut.

If you are the health conscious sort, you'll know that eggplants are low in calories and practically fat-free. One cup of eggplant contains a mere 38 calories, it's a perfect diet food if you're thinking of losing weight.
In addition to this nutritional value, eggplant is rich in flavonoids, which are pigments known to enhance certain qualities of the foods in which they naturally occur. Eggplant is also rich in antioxidants, which is helpful in stimulating the immune system and energy levels of the body, as well as keeping the heart healthy.

Eggplants also contain a compound called terpenes, which are known to lower cholesterol.

Health Benefits:

• The skin of eggplant contains a phytonutrient that helps protect the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.
• Eggplant is a rich source of phenolic compounds an antioxidant that can help prevent cancer, cholesterol build-up and bacterial and viral infection.
• Eggplant has a high fiber content which can prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and colitis.
• Eggplant is naturally low in calories and has no fat. A cup has only 38 calories.
• Lowers cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the intestines.
• Eggplant can help in cases of stomach ulcers
• It can help in various nervous conditions.
• Eggplant contains a large amount of water. It is good for balancing diets that are heavy in protein and starches.
  

Nutritive Values: Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A: 30 I.U.
• Vitamin B: Thiamine .04 mg.
• Riboflavin: .05 mg.
• Niacin: .65 mg.
• Vitamin C: 5 mg.
• Calcium: 15 mg.
• Iron: .4 mg.
• Phosphorus: 37 mg.
• Potassium: 390 mg.
• Fat: .2 gm.
• Carbohydrates: 5.5 gm.
• Protein: 1.1 gm.
• Calories: 24