9 Amazing Health Benefits of Eggplants
Updated: Feb. 08, 2024
Eggplants, also known as aubergines, have a unique range of health benefits. Follow along to learn more about this glossy purple fruit.
Promote Weight Loss
Eggplants are high in fiber and low in calories, making them the perfect addition to any weight loss plan. Bonus: Eggplants are super versatile! You can bake them into a scrumptious eggplant Parm, mash them into a baba ghanoush or twirl them into rollatini—the possibilities are endless.
Improve Memory
Eggplant skin isn’t just pretty and purple, it’s covered with a powerful antioxidant called nasunin that protects brain cell membranes and assists in the transport of nutrients and the removal of waste. What’s more? Nasunin has also been proven to prevent neuroinflammation and increase blood flow—which could help improve memory.
Build Strong Bones
Tired of milk? Throw an eggplant in the juicer! The natural plant compounds in this wondrous fruit have been proven to reduce osteoporosis, promote stronger bones and increase bone density. Eggplants are also packed with iron and calcium—two very important minerals for bone health.
Combat Dry Skin
Skin tends to get dry, especially during the winter months. Prep for winter (or take a self-care day) by whipping up an eggplant facial mask. All you’ll need is half a cup of shredded eggplant, 2 Tbsp. aloe juice and 1 tsp. honey. Stir them up and spread them on your skin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash off completely. Next, try this avocado mask.
Boost Hair Growth
Eggplants contain healthy enzymes that stimulate the hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth. Eggplant is also high in water content, which helps to restore and soften those pesky brittle strands. Wash your hair with eggplant juice to maintain the natural shine and luster of your hair. Here are more foods to eat for a lustrous mane.
Prevent Signs of Aging
Eggplants deliver some vitamin C, which protects our skin and body from oxidative damage. Vitamin C also prevents other signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
Lower Blood Pressure
You know that beautiful purply-black skin we’ve been talking about? Well, it turns out it’s not just good for your brain but for your blood pressure, too. Eggplants contain anthocyanin, which has been proven to drop patients’ blood pressure.
Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Adding eggplant to your diet may keep your glucose levels in check. This is because eggplants are high in fiber. Fiber can lower the blood sugar by slowing the rate of digestion and the absorption of sugar — slower absorption not only keeps glucose levels balanced, but it also prevents spikes and crashes.
Rich in Nutrients
This superfood is a wonderful alternative when you’re trying to cut down on calories, but are still craving something hearty and delicious. Here are approximate nutritional specs per 1 cup cooked eggplant (99g):
- Calories: 35
- Total Carbohydrate: 8.64g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Copper: .1mg
- Vitamin B1: .1mg
- Manganese: .1mg
- Vitamin B6: 85mcg
- Vitamin B3: .6mg
- Vitamin K: 2.9mcg
- Folate: 14mcg
Hungry yet? Try our favorite eggplant recipes.
Originally Published: July 19, 2019
