5 Health benefits of eggplant that are a pity to be overlooked

If you are a fan of authentic Indonesian cuisine, maybe you are very familiar with the name eggplant. Eggplant is a cooking ingredient that can be processed in various ways, from cooking it to frying it to make chili sauce. However, did you know that eggplant actually offers various kinds of properties that are good for health? To find out more about the benefits of eggplant for the body, just look at the information below.

What plant actually is eggplant?

Eggplant is widely grown in tropical and subtropical countries such as South Asia, Southeast Asia and South Africa. Although eggplant is more often processed as a vegetable or side dish, eggplant is actually a fruit. The fate is the same as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, or chilies which are more often eaten than consumed as fruits.

When you hear the word eggplant, you may immediately think of a deep purple fruit that looks like a cucumber. In fact, there are still various other types of eggplant that are not very popular. The types include green eggplant and round eggplant. Round eggplant is usually served as a complement to fresh vegetables. However, no matter what type of eggplant you like, its health benefits are still good and should not be overlooked.

Benefits of eggplant for health

So far, eggplant is rarely seen as a source of nutritious food. In fact, the benefits of eggplant are so diverse, ranging from maintaining heart health to making skin glow naturally. Here is the full explanation.

1. Maintain heart health

The content of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrients makes eggplant so great for your heart health. In addition, flavonoids or water soluble pigments in eggplant can also prevent various types of heart disease.

According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2012, one type of flavonoid that is effective for protecting the heart is anthocyanins. These pigments can also lower your blood pressure. So, you are at risk for heart disease or hypertension should start eating eggplant which is rich in anthocyanins.

2. Control cholesterol levels

A study conducted by experts in Brazil shows that regularly eating eggplant can help you control cholesterol levels. The reason is, a research team at the United States Department of Agriculture found that eggplant is rich in chlorogenic acid compounds.

This compound is proven to be able to reduce body weight and levels of bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoprotein) in the body. Eggplant itself does not contain cholesterol at all so it is safe for consumption by people who need to maintain a balance of cholesterol levels.

Apart from lowering bad cholesterol levels, chlorogenic acid also functions as an antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-carcinogen. You will also avoid various other dangerous diseases if you regularly eat eggplant.

3. Improve brain function

The benefits of eggplant can also be obtained from the skin. Eggplant skin is rich in nasunin, which is an antioxidant that is good for brain health. Nasunin is able to protect brain cell membranes from free radical attack and facilitate the distribution of nutrients in the body's cells. Another nutrient in eggplant that is good for your brain is anthocyanins.

According to a study in The British Journal of Nutrition in 2010, this pigment is responsible for triggering blood circulation to the brain and preventing inflammation of the nerves of the brain. This can prevent various diseases and impaired cognitive function of the brain caused by the aging process. In addition, your memory will also be stronger if you get used to eating eggplant.

4. Prevent cancer

Not many have highlighted one of the benefits of eggplant, namely preventing cancer. In fact, eggplant is rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and chlorogenic acid. These substances are good for preventing tumor growth and stopping the spread of cancer cells in your body.

In addition, these three substances will trigger the production of special enzymes in cells that are responsible for removing various toxins and killing cancer cells. Chlorogenic acid is also antimutagenic, which means it can fight cancer-causing gene mutations.

5. Makes skin softer and radiant

Unexpectedly, eggplant can be the answer to your dull and dry skin problem. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and consists of approximately 92 percent water. So, eating eggplant can help moisturize and nourish the skin from within. Antioxidants will also ward off free radicals that can kill your skin cells so that your skin is not supple and looks darker.