Eggplant

A Funny Looking Fruit

Technically speaking, eggplants are fruits but for our purposes, they are vegetables. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and it is even said that they can lower cholesterol.

Benefits of Eating Eggplant

Eggplants are one of those foods that are considered to be either a fruit, or a vegetable, or both. They can be fried, grilled, or put into soups and stews. Eggplants are full Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and Potassium, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain nutrients such as Manganese, Folic Acid, Copper, Niacin, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.

Eggplants also contain a very potent antioxidant called Nasunin. Nasunin is an anthocyanin that is found in the eggplant’s peel that protects your body from free radicals.

Another benefit of eating eggplant is that it can assist with Type 2 Diabetes management. This is because of its low soluble carbohydrate and high fiber contents. Studies show that eating eggplant may lower cholesterol as well.

Eggplant may also reduce risks for certain kinds of cancer. Nasunin, as mentioned above, is a very potent antioxidant found in eggplant skins. It is also a angiogenesis inhibitor. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels. It is a normal process in growth and wound healing. Angiogenesis also plays a major role in the spread and growth of cancer cells by feeding them nutrients and oxygen.

With so many health benefits, who wouldn’t put eggplant on their grocery list?

Eggplant Recipes

Eggplant Appetizer

5 eggplants, peeled and cubed
5 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
5 chopped tomatoes
5 chopped onions
1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup water

Put the eggplant, green pepper, tomato, and onion in a large pot. Separately, combine the remaining ingredients then pour it over the vegetables. Bring it to a boil then simmer over medium/low heat for half an hour or until the vegetables are done. (You can add more water if needed.)

Grilled Eggplant

1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
4 eggplants, halved lengthwise
Vegetable oil
Chopped fresh mint or cilantro leaves (optional)

Preheat your grill. Smash the garlic and a pinch of salt to form a paste. Use a whisk mix in the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red chili flakes. Brush the eggplant with oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Grill it until it is slightly charred and cooked through. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the grilled eggplant. Garnish with mint or cilantro, if desired.

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