POWERFUL PROPERTIES OF THE HUMBLE BRINJAL

Eggplant or Brinjal – whatever you choose to call it, has a distinctive flavour which has made it a favourite in cuisine across India. Right from Baingan ka Bhartha in the North to Baghare Baingan/Gutti Vankaya Koora in the South, the Eggplant is popular in most households. In the North, Baingan ka Achar finds its place on almost every table and adds punch and flavour to a staple meal of dhal and roti. Yet few people know what treasures are unfolding on their palate each time they take a bite of brinjal.

Eggplant, or brinjal is a plant species in the ‘nightshade family – Solanaceae. It is found in a variety of purple and green hues, and shapes ranging from round to oval and long, and is packed with nutrients that are extremely beneficial to our health.

Brinjal for heart health: There are some studies which suggest that eating eggplant can actually alleviate the risk of developing heart disease. This is because of the high antioxidant and fiber content in each of these vegetables, which are believed to control triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your body and protect you from heart disease.

Brinjal to fight cancer: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of Eggplant, protect your body from damage by free radicals, and thus stave off cancer.  The Brinjal, or Eggplant, is also high in polyphenols, that work to stop the cancerous cells from multiplying, while the dietary fiber present in the brinjals, eliminates toxins from the digestive tract and thereby protects you from Colon Cancer.

Brinjal for weight loss: Eggplants are a low calorie, high fiber food, which effectively aids in weight loss. The high fiber properties of this vegetable make you feel fuller, and reduce your calorie intake, thus keeping off the kilos. It is also believed that the high water content in brinjals is beneficial in promoting weight loss, aiding in digestion and fighting cellulite, which reduces body fat by reducing your appetite.

Brinjals for bone health: Eggplants are rich in Vitamin K, Manganese and Copper, all of which contribute to enhanced bone health. Experts believe that the Vitamin K in brinjals reduces the risk of suffering from bone fractures, while the Copper aids the formation of Collagen and thus strengthens bones, which reduces the risk of Osteoporosis.

Brinjal for blood sugar problems: It is said that eating Eggplant everyday can help keep your blood sugar levels in check, because of the vegetable’s high fiber content. Fiber slows down the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body, and thereby eliminates unnecessary spikes in blood glucose levels. Thus, brinjal is a preferred food for people at risk for Diabetes or suffering from it.

Brinjal to control belly bloat and constipation: Eggplant keeps digestive problems away by acting as a natural laxative and eliminating/relieving constipation. Its high fiber content, antioxidants and water content help prevent inflammation in the digestive tract, and keep your bowels moving healthily.