Favorite eggplants... Many people look forward to summer to enjoy these wonderful fruits. The abundance of dishes that can be prepared with this wonderful vegetable is simply amazing: fried and stewed, steamed, in the form of snacks and caviar. In any form they retain an unforgettable, amazing taste. Today we will take a closer look at the harm and benefits of eggplants for the body. Based on this, we can conclude how often you can eat them.

Eggplant is a completely unique vegetable, which has not only a characteristic purple color and oblong shape, but also many useful microelements, which we will talk about today.

How to choose eggplants

The harm primarily depends on the quality of the fruits themselves. These vegetables come in different types, so color and shape are not always reliable indicators. There are round and oblong, white and green types. But most often in our market we find ordinary oblong purple vegetables. Be sure to pay attention to the color. Fresh young eggplant is dark, dry and shiny. Moreover, the younger the vegetable, the darker it is. Therefore, you should not buy light, gray, or brown eggplants - they will most likely be overripe. Don’t forget to feel the fruit carefully: due to the dark surface, you can easily miss rotten places.

As already mentioned, the harm and benefits of eggplant depend on how fresh the vegetables are. They have not proven themselves to be the best when stored, so buy as much as you plan to eat right away. Then it’s better to buy fresh ones.

What does eggplant contain?

Let's see what your body gets when you eat eggplant. This is an amazingly tasty and healthy vegetable of the nightshade family, so in the summer you need to cook it as often as possible, unless there are contraindications. The harm and benefits of eggplants also depend on how they are prepared, but we will talk about this a little later. Ripe vegetables contain fiber and organic acids, pectin. In addition, they are rich in various vitamins. These are primarily vitamins A, P, C, and the entire group B. But the set is not limited to this. Eggplant contains a variety of tannins, natural sugars, proteins and fats. Eggplants contain calcium and magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, sodium and iron, manganese and copper, as well as zinc, aluminum and cobalt.

Such an amazing variety of microelements and vitamins determines the popularity that eggplants have. Health benefits and harm are determined quite easily: if you have no serious contraindications, then this vegetable must be eaten regularly. This will not only provide the body with the necessary nutrients, but also normalize metabolism.

Benefits of blue vegetables

We have already looked at what eggplants are rich in. The benefits and harm to the body are explained by the presence of biologically active substances, and only in exceptional cases can they cause harm. Normally, they benefit all organs and systems of the body. It is eggplants that gently regulate blood cholesterol levels. Thanks to this property, they prevent the development of atherosclerosis, which means they have a beneficial effect on the activity of the cardiovascular system. The health of blood vessels is the length of our life, so we can’t help but use the chance to prolong their youth.

Eggplant is extremely useful for diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. This is due to the fact that vegetables have a mild diuretic effect. In addition, eggplant has a slight laxative effect, that is, it helps cleanse the intestines and bile ducts. Eating this product has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, so if everything is not in order with this important organ, then you should eat eggplant daily. At the same time, eating a lot of vegetables is not at all necessary - just 1 tablespoon of stewed product per day is enough.

Red bone marrow, immunity and eggplant

Surprisingly, the properties of eggplants are truly limitless. The benefits and harms of this product depend, first of all, on the method of preparation, but when consumed correctly, purple vegetables are extremely beneficial for the spleen. They quickly normalize hematopoietic processes and blood composition. Eating eggplant daily helps increase hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells. If you have anemia, then eggplant is just what the doctor ordered.

Eggplant for weight loss

Indeed, if you are planning a long-term diet, be sure to include these wonderful vegetables in it. They are low-calorie and very nutritious, which means you'll quickly feel full and won't have to reach for more. The only exception is fried eggplant. The benefits and harms of this dish are obvious: the vegetable itself is a storehouse of useful substances and microelements, but, soaked in oil, it turns into the complete opposite. If you cannot refuse this method of preparing blue vegetables, then cut them into pieces and add salt before frying. After about 30 minutes you can start frying. There is another way: before cooking, put the pieces in cold water for 10 minutes - this way they will also absorb less oil. Remember to use a disposable paper towel to absorb excess oil. But still, this cooking method cannot be called the healthiest, so let's talk about how else you can cook this vegetable.

How to cook them correctly

The healthiest way to eat eggplant is baked or stewed. Baked in the oven with tomato sauce and spices, it will successfully replace fried in a frying pan. Even everyone’s favorite eggplant caviar can be prepared without oil by simply simmering the vegetables over low heat. It will turn out no less tasty and very healthy. An excellent and bright appetizer is made from grilled eggplants. Eggplant can be salted and dried, pickled. There is even a slight sourness and bitterness.

Indications for eating eggplants

Almost everyone can eat eggplant. It is recommended for healthy and sick people, pregnant women and the elderly. But it should not be given to children under 3 years of age. Eggplant contains solanine, and although it is pre-soaked, a small amount may remain. In addition, eggplant contains a lot of hard-to-digest fiber and very few calories. And children need calories and energy. Therefore, this vegetable is more suitable for weight loss or as side dishes and snacks than as a full meal. Otherwise, it is the characteristics of your body that determine the benefits and harms of eggplant. The benefits and harms of food are generally ambiguous - it all depends on the quantity and method of cooking.

Traditional medicine recipes

Like many other gifts of nature, this vegetable is used not only for food. Eggplant peel is used to treat certain ailments. The benefits and harms of this product are questionable among adherents of official medicine, but traditional healers claim that with its help you can get rid of hypertension. To do this, grind the peel in a coffee grinder and take a teaspoon before bed. Want to quit smoking? And here eggplant will help. The nicotinic acid contained in the fruits will help overcome discomfort, without harm to health.

Contraindications

People with various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should use eggplant with caution. Fiber, which eggplants are rich in, can cause exacerbation of gastritis, intestinal upset, and exacerbation of peptic ulcers. If you have liver and gallbladder diseases, you should also consult a doctor or eat the vegetable little by little, listening to your feelings. It must be remembered that any contraindication is relative, and even if by medical standards you are absolutely healthy, but after consuming this product you feel discomfort, you should consult a doctor or completely stop eating eggplants.

Let's sum it up

Eggplant is an extremely healthy vegetable. Learn to cook it properly. First of all, stop frying it in oil - and you will get a product with amazing properties. It not only supplies your body with useful microelements, but also at the same time heals and improves metabolism and the functioning of internal organs. In addition, this vegetable is quite cheap, especially in season. It’s quite possible to see it on your desk every day.

Greetings, friends! In this article we will look at the benefits of eggplants and how to use them correctly.

Dark-fruited nightshade, known as eggplant, is a valuable dietary product that has a specific texture and taste.

The berry contains high concentrations of substances valuable for health.

Are you surprised? Yes, yes, this is a berry, and not a vegetable, as we are all used to.

The benefits of eggplant are fully revealed when it is chosen correctly and properly prepared for food.

From this article you will learn:

What are the health benefits of eggplant?

Eggplant, or dark-fruited nightshade (lat. Solánum melongéna) is a species of perennial herbaceous plants of the genus Nightshade (Solanum)

Brief botanical information

Eggplants belong to the genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the nightshade family. The height of individual specimens reaches one and a half meters.

The leaves are prickly, rough, alternate.

The flowers are violet-tinged, bisexual, collected in inflorescences or solitary.

The fruit is a large berry with a matte or glossy surface.

The shape of an eggplant can be cylindrical or pear-shaped, and in completely different colors - in addition to the traditional purple, there are white and yellow eggplants.

Under favorable conditions, the weight of individual berries reaches 1 kg.

Chemical composition and benefits for the body

Vegetable fruits contain a complete complex of minerals and vitamins:

• potassium,
• magnesium,
• copper,
• sodium,
• cobalt,
• phosphorus,
• fluorine,
• molybdenum,
• iron,
• B vitamins,
• vitamin D,
• ascorbic acid.

Health Benefits of Eggplant

In the east, eggplants are called vegetables of longevity.

To get all the health benefits from these wonderful fruits and maintain your quality of life into old age, you should definitely include them in your diet.

Eggplants can provide significant health benefits:

• The benefit of eggplants is that they have a fairly high pectin content and have a lipotropic effect. Substances that are not absorbed in the digestive tract contribute to the excretion of harmful substances, including cholesterol and toxins.
• Proper consumption of fruits prevents the development of gallstone disease, ischemia, and atherosclerosis.
• Copper restores full-fledged hematopoietic processes, which is important when carrying a child or anemia.
• Pregnancy with moderate consumption of fruits is easier.
• Eggplants have bactericidal properties. Once in the body, the active components suppress the activity of pathogenic microflora and block the development of putrefactive processes in the intestines.
• Vegetables, according to nutritionists, should be included in the diet of elderly people, patients with renal failure, and cardiac disorders. Potassium, which is part of it, strengthens the myocardium and the general condition of blood vessels.
  The use of blueberries is indicated for gout, as they successfully remove uric acid salts.
• High concentrations of organic acids are effective in cases of peristalsis disorders and unstable acid-base balance.
• The complex effect of minerals and vitamins helps strengthen the body's natural defenses, promotes overall health, improves complexion and makes it easier to tolerate any diet.
• Vegetable juice can be used externally to treat ulcers and wounds. It is pressed from raw pulp, twisted through a meat grinder.

Interesting video about the benefits of eggplants?

Eggplant calories

If you calculate the number of calories based on 100 grams, it is small and amounts to just over 24 Kcal.

Such nutritional value makes the product a complete component of dietary and therapeutic nutrition.

Eggplants can be included in the diet of people suffering from diabetes and varying degrees of obesity.

How healthy is it to cook eggplant?

To extract all the benefits from the product and the maximum of the considered properties, it is recommended to bake or stew it.

Fried or pickled blueberries lose most of their healing properties.

Before heat treatment, sliced ​​fruits are soaked in lightly salted water to remove bitterness and remove harmful solanine.

Making eggplant caviar

• Vegetable slices are baked in the oven, peeled, and ground with herbs (celery, dill, parsley).
• Next, add crushed tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
• Cold caviar is ready.
• It is placed in sterile jars and stored in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.

Baking in the oven

• Eggplants are cut into slices or circles, soaked for 15 minutes, and squeezed.
• Next, the pieces are placed on a baking sheet treated with vegetable oil.
• Baking is carried out in the oven for 25 minutes at a temperature of 150 degrees.

Stew stew

• The recipe requires a stalk of celery, one eggplant, bell pepper and zucchini.
• All vegetables are chopped into cubes and fried in vegetable oil for several minutes.
• Next, 300 ml of hot water is poured into the frying pan and the stew is stewed for 15 minutes.
• A few minutes before the dish is ready, season it with salt and spices.

How to use?

Eggplant is a unique vegetable crop.

Its fruits do not lose their taste both hot and cold.

Warmed slices can be used to prepare warm salads, they are served as a side dish for meat dishes and rice.

Caviar can act as a healthy snack.

If you spread it on a piece of rye bread, you can suppress your appetite without harm to your health.

Combined vegetable dishes constitute an independent meal, especially if a person adheres to a dietary diet.

Contraindications and harm to the use of eggplant

Possible harm lies in the incorrect choice of fruits for consumption.

Overripe fruits contain maximum concentrations of the alkaloid solanine. If this substance enters the body in excess, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal colic may develop.

You can neutralize alkaloid poisoning using enterosorbents and subjecting the dish to high-quality heat treatment.

Eggplant is a healthy food product that can diversify any dish, vegetable salad, soup, as part of a side dish or in its cooked form. It is capable of bringing both benefit and harm due to its properties, which differ from other vegetables. What are the benefits of eggplants, and are they harmful? How to properly prepare dishes from this amazing vegetable, how to choose it correctly at the market? More on all this later in our article!

Eggplant is the basis for many healthy and healthy dishes

What are the benefits of eating eggplant?

The composition, effect on the body, properties, nutritional value and calorie content reveal the beneficial properties of the vegetable. Eggplant is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and this is its main benefit. Eating eggplant can improve your well-being. One hundred grams of the product contains a significant amount of nutrients, which is the daily requirement for a person:

• Vitamin B1;
• Copper;
• Magnesium;
• Vitamin B3;
• Potassium;
• Cellulose;
• Folic acid;
• Vitamin K

The total calorie content of dishes prepared with it per 100 grams is 35 calories. Its benefits during the period of dieting are not appreciated for those losing weight. If a person includes eggplants in his diet, he will be able to lose a couple of extra pounds without harming the body. The vegetable has the properties of strengthening the heart muscle, controlling blood pressure, preventing diabetes, obesity, and replenishing the vitamin fund. It is of particular benefit to those who have an increased amount of iron and inflammatory processes in the body. Research by scientists from different countries has proven that eating eggplants reduces cholesterol levels, and fruit juice reduces appetite.

The benefits of this vegetable as a dietary product during the period of combating smoking are mentioned all over the world. Eggplant contains a small dose of nicotine, the properties of which are most similar to the artificial nicotine of cigarettes. It is not enough to harm a healthy person, but it is enough to alleviate the condition of someone who quits smoking and improve their well-being at least a little. The product also has special properties for pregnant women. Copper, phosphorus and iron in eggplants help strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation. Potassium – improves heart function and helps replenish the body’s water balance. These properties may be especially useful for the following types of diseases:

• metabolic disorders;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• atherosclerosis;
• insomnia;
• heart diseases;
• constant stress;
• problems with blood vessels;
• diseases of the liver, kidneys, inflammation;
• constipation;
• anemia.

Regular consumption of eggplants will help you quit smoking and prevent many diseases.

Are there many trace elements in eggplant?

Eggplants are known in many countries for their delicate taste, and the benefits for the body are especially appreciated by doctors and nutritionists. Due to the amount of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other essential nutrients in the fruit, in the Far East it is classified as a “longevity” product. Let's look at some of them:

• Potassium - removes excess water from the body, strengthens the heart and normalizes blood circulation;
• Sodium – necessary for the entry of water into cells;
• Calcium – responsible for the heart, bones, blood vessels, muscles, skeleton, etc.;
• Magnesium is a key element in metabolism;
• Sulfur – is part of many compounds and is important in metabolism;
• Chlorine is an assistant and a link for the penetration of substances into cells, and also ensures the regularity of water exchange in the body;
• Copper – promotes the growth of bone tissue (necessary for the restoration of damaged bones);
• Phosphorus – forms nerve impulses, an important element in bone tissue;
• Zinc is needed for cell function.

It promotes healthy hair, stronger nails, stronger teeth thanks to fluoride, cobalt, aluminum, iodine and other substances contained in it. Among all vegetables, it contains a special substance - molybdenum. The daily intake of this substance is 70 mcg, and 100 grams of the product contain 10 mcg. Molybdenum is responsible for preventing and protecting against diseases in the joints (arthritis, arthrosis).

There is such a special element as nezunin, which is contained in the eggplant peel. It provides protection to nerve cells and brain tissue. Nezunin is necessary for preventive actions against cancer.

It is advisable to eat eggplants with the peel as it contains cancer-fighting substances.

Harm of eggplant and contraindications

In some cases, eggplants, in addition to being beneficial, can also cause harm; there are certain contraindications to eating this vegetable. So contraindications are dictated to those who have a lack of iron in the blood. If you have iron deficiency anemia, eating eggplant is completely prohibited, since its benefits will not outweigh the harm and risk of exacerbation. Also, it is not recommended to consume the vegetable for those who are allergic to it, even if the person likes the taste. The main thing is health! Also, oxalic acid in fruits can harm those with kidney disease. Fiber is harmful to those who have gastritis or intestinal diseases; they also have contraindications to such a dish. In addition to useful substances, eggplant contains solanine.

Solanine also dictates contraindications - it is a toxic, harmful alkaloid that can settle in the human body and slowly poison it. You can find out how much corned beef there is in a vegetable by paying attention to the color of the peel (the darker it is, the more there is).

You should not eat overripe fruits, as this will harm your health. Overripe eggplants contain a significant amount of toxic alkaloids and other oxalates, and this is no longer a benefit but a health risk. If you still purchased an overripe eggplant, but it’s a shame to throw it away, then it’s enough to cut off the peel (since the main part of the toxic substances accumulates in it). If you can’t tell if an eggplant is overripe or not by looking at it, just taste it and you’ll notice the bitterness. In order to remove corned beef, you should keep the eggplants in a salty solution, and then heat them. Do not remove eggplants from cooking if they are not yet cooked.

White eggplant contains minimal solanine

There are also some groups of people who have their own contraindications to such a vegetable. These include:

• pregnant women who did not eat eggplant dishes before pregnancy;
• anyone who has a negative reaction to any type of eggplant in the form of a rash, spots, or feeling unwell (allergies);
• patients with diseases of the stomach, kidneys (certain types of disease), poisoning (contraindications to such food in case of poisoning are especially strict);
• patients with iron deficiency.

White eggplants do not contain harmful substances, and their taste is no worse than black ones, therefore, to limit the risk, it is worth trying the preparation of white eggplants.

Thus, you need to eat in moderation. You cannot limit your diet only to eggplant dishes, but sometimes it is recommended to eat them. If the human body is filled with useful substances, the immune system will be strong and the body will be healthy.

Concerns about eggplant consumption concern only certain diseases. It is better not to fry eggplant, but to bake it. When prepared correctly, all the necessary vitamins and minerals will find every cell of your body. It is important not to use eggplants as a means of losing weight, that is, not to eat only them. Those with diabetes should also not indulge in eggplants (there is a risk of hypoglycemia).

Thanks to its pleasant taste and beneficial effects on the body, the purple fruit has become in demand all over the world. Different varieties of eggplants, their health benefits and harms, as well as the variety of dishes that can be prepared from them, have long been on the radar of vegetable lovers. To learn everything about eggplants, you need to consider their positive and negative properties.

Product benefits

Eggplants are not only tasty, but also healthy, helping in the treatment of various diseases and simply maintaining health. The benefits of eggplants are due to the fact that they contain all the microelements necessary for the human body. Moreover, their value does not decrease even after heat treatment.

Due to its low calorie content, the vegetable is included in the diet plan to combat obesity. Regular consumption improves digestion and bile flow, gets rid of toxins and cholesterol. Potassium, which is part of the fetus, stimulates the heart and helps remove excess fluid from the body.

Eggplant is included in the dietary menu for the treatment of atherosclerosis, anemia and gout. Due to its ability to strengthen bone tissue, it is used in the treatment of osteochondrosis and osteoporosis.

Due to its versatility, it is widely used in cooking. It can be boiled, fried, baked, salted, dried, pickled. It is often cooked on the grill. It is included in salads, caviar is prepared from it, and used as a side dish for fish and meat dishes. Along with the nutritional value, the physical properties of the purple vegetable are also widely used.

During heat treatment, the internal structure changes its color, acquiring a brown tint, and the purple shell becomes almost black. These qualities are often used when decorating dishes.

Useful properties of eggplant

The benefits of eggplant determine its composition. It is rich in organic acids, including folic acid, vitamins of various groups, fiber, pectin, and proteins. Eggplant contains natural sugars, tannins, fats, heart-healthy potassium, magnesium and zinc, sodium and iron. In addition, it contains other minerals necessary for the human body:

1. Sulfur.
2. Chromium.
3. Aluminum.
4. Cobalt.
5. Molybdenum.
6. Manganese.
7. Phosphorus.

The product should be included in the diet of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, digestive system disorders, constipation, liver and kidney dysfunction. It improves blood composition and helps fight anemia, so its use is recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from anemia. Due to its coarse fiber content, it helps cleanse the intestines and bile ducts. It can be used for diabetes. Manganese and zinc speed up the body's recovery process after a stroke.

What vitamins are contained in eggplants?

The vegetable contains vitamin C, PP, B1, B2 and B5. The vitamins in eggplants help fight many pathologies. Vitamin C helps cope with colds, and group B has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helps fight insomnia, and improves mood.

Regular consumption of the vegetable helps cope with nicotine addiction. Thanks to the content of vitamin PP, it is easier for the smoker’s body to tolerate nicotine starvation.

Calories and nutritional value

Eggplant is a low-calorie product. 100 g of raw vegetable contains 24 kcal. This indicator may vary depending on the cooking method. The calorie content of some ready-made dishes increases because eggplants and related products, such as vegetable oil, are taken into account when calculating. So, the calorie content of a fried dish is about 107 kcal. It all depends on the volume of oil used.

If you bake or stew eggplants, their beneficial properties and calorie content do not change. When baked with a small amount of fat, it is only 45 kcal/100 g.

The vegetable is rich in carbohydrates. There are 84% of them in its composition. Protein – 13% and only 3% fat.

How to store

The fruits will not change their shape and will be stored longer if each is wrapped in parchment. In an apartment, they can be stored in a pantry on the balcony or in special containers in the refrigerator. At a temperature of +8...+10°C and a relative humidity of 80-90%, they can last for about a month.

In a summer cottage, they can be kept in a cellar or put in boxes and sprinkled with clean, dry sand.

How to freeze eggplants

Before freezing eggplants, they should be thoroughly washed, cut into pieces and sprinkled with salt. Leave it like this for 30-40 minutes. During this time, juice will be released, along with which the bitterness will go away. It should be washed off.

To prevent the vegetables from becoming “rubbery” later, they need to be blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes. To do this, place in a colander and place in boiling water. Then immediately into cold water. After this, place the pieces on a towel to dry and cover with parchment on top. Place prepared vegetables in airtight containers or freezer bags and place in the freezer. It will take 3-4 hours to completely freeze. In this form they can be stored for 4-6 months.

Eggplants should be defrosted quickly, for example, using a microwave oven. But it is better to use without defrosting.

Drying eggplants

One of the most affordable ways to preserve eggplants. For harvesting, you should choose small-sized fruits with small seeds. They should be peeled before drying. Remove as thinly as possible to preserve the beneficial substances. As for the cutting method, it all depends on how the product will be used in the future. If you plan to prepare soup, stew or caviar, it is better to cut it into small cubes or strips. If you plan to fry or bake a vegetable, it is advisable to cut it into pieces.

You can dry it in different ways:

1. On open air. Pieces of eggplant are laid out on trays or wide boards, which are placed in the shade in a well-ventilated place. Turn the pieces over periodically to ensure more even drying. Depending on weather conditions, the process can take from several days to several weeks.
2. In the oven. The eggplants are laid out on baking sheets and sent to a cabinet heated to a temperature of +50...+80°C until completely dry.
3. In an electric dryer. This is the fastest and most convenient way to prepare vegetables.

Before cooking, dried vegetables must be restored by soaking them in warm water for 30-40 minutes. Then use according to the recipe.

How to remove bitterness from eggplants

There are two ways to remove bitterness from a product: dry and wet. With the first method, it is enough to cut the eggplants into pieces, sprinkle them with table salt and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse with water.

In the second method, chopped vegetables should be poured with salted water for 1-1.5 hours: 1 tbsp. salt per 1 liter of liquid. In order for the eggplants to be completely covered with water and not float up, they need to be pressed on top, for example, with a small saucer.

Since bitterness comes from the peel, not the pulp, sometimes it’s enough just to peel the fruit.

Should I cut off the peel?

There are no established rules about this. It all depends on what dish you plan to prepare. For example, an eggplant without a peel will lose its shape during frying. To ensure that the pieces come out whole, you should not remove the peel. If the fruits are not overripe, then simply cutting them is enough.

It is better to remove the peel of an overripe fruit. When preparing caviar or before stewing, cleaning is required.

What is important to know about cooking eggplants

Basic cooking methods:

1. Stewing and steaming.
2. Baking.
3. Frying.
4. Preparing fresh juice.
5. Preservation in the form of salads, caviar and other dishes.

The vegetable is ready to eat, soft. The pulp is dark in color. The taste is reminiscent of mushrooms. These vegetables are often cooked together. There is no harm from this combination, since the vitamin composition of mushrooms is similar to that of eggplants. In the finished dish they complement each other.

Is it possible to eat eggplants raw?

Discussions about whether purple fruits can be eaten raw have been going on for a long time. But experts are unanimous in their opinion and do not recommend eating raw eggplants. This is explained by the presence of a toxic alkaloid in its composition - solanine.

However, some cuisines around the world or convinced raw foodists use the vegetable in this form. But before use, it is prepared: soaked in a saline or vinegar solution. Since solanine is water-soluble, after this preparation it is broken down into harmless components.

In what form are eggplants healthier?

All the valuable properties of eggplants are preserved as much as possible when baked, stewed or grilled. Fried ones are not so healthy because they absorb a large amount of vegetable oil during cooking.

How to cook eggplants correctly

You can prepare different dishes from the purple vegetable, but cold caviar is considered the best. It's easy to prepare. Vegetables should be peeled and cut into small cubes. Add finely chopped tomatoes, garlic, herbs. Bake until done, add spices at the end. The result is delicious eggplant caviar, the benefits of which are obvious, since all the beneficial substances are preserved during baking.

Steamed eggplants can be added to various salads and ready-made dishes, such as stews and pilaf.

Eggplant juice

The juice is used for medicinal purposes, as an antibacterial and antiseptic. But you can use it internally only on the recommendation of a doctor and under his supervision.

Most often it is recommended for people who are obese. It helps maintain normal water-salt balance and remove excess salts and fluids from the body. The beneficial components in its composition break down fats, helping to reduce cellulite and fat deposits in the abdominal area. Since the juice is prepared with pulp, the high fiber content helps suppress hunger for a long time. In addition, metabolic processes are activated and gastric motility improves.

There is no need to remove the peel before juicing because it contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant that can fight cancer cells and prevent aging.

Chop the vegetable, put it in a container and fill it with water. For 1 medium eggplant you will need 500 ml of water. Leave for 2 hours. Then put on fire and boil for 15 minutes. Let cool and process in a blender with water. Take ½ cup three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

Juice can be prepared from fresh young fruits using a juicer.

Is it possible to get poisoned

In some cases, after eating eggplant, your health may deteriorate. Therefore, it is important to understand whether you can be poisoned by them and what to do to prevent this from happening.

Solanine in eggplants can cause poisoning. This toxic substance is found in overripe fruits. In case of eggplant poisoning, symptoms manifest themselves in the form of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the development of colic and shortness of breath. In particularly severe cases, convulsions and loss of consciousness may occur.

To prevent poisoning, the fruits should be soaked in salted water before cooking. If poisoning has already occurred, drinking plenty of fluids will help get rid of the negative consequences.

Eggplant in the process of losing weight

Regular consumption of vegetables allows you to get rid of 3-5 kg. The eggplant diet helps you lose about 7 kg in a month.

Eggplant has many beneficial qualities: it helps eliminate cholesterol, provides the body with valuable substances, and improves the functioning of internal organs and systems. With a limited diet, it helps prevent the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.

During the diet, you should eat eggplant dishes for dinner and lunch. In order not to increase their calorie content and preserve all the beneficial substances, it is recommended to steam or boil vegetables.

Contraindications for use

The product should be excluded from the diet in the following conditions:

1. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, pathologies of the duodenum, acute gastritis and ulcers. The fiber in the vegetable activates the functioning of the stomach and intestines. This can cause exacerbation of diseases.
2. Pancreatic diseases.
3. Gout, arthrosis.
4. Kidney diseases.
5. Intolerance to the components that make up the vegetable.

Diabetics, especially insulin-dependent ones, need to be careful when consuming dishes made from the purple fruit. A large amount of carbohydrates and low calorie content of the product can cause an attack of hypoglycemia. Do not eat overripe fruits, so as not to provoke eggplant poisoning.

What are the benefits of eggplants for the human body?

The beneficial properties of eggplants have long been used in various diets, since the vegetable has a positive effect on the functioning of all internal organs and systems.

Benefits for the heart and blood vessels

Potassium and magnesium, ascorbic acid and B vitamins stimulate the cardiovascular system. Fiber helps get rid of bad cholesterol, preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, the heart muscle is strengthened.

Benefits for hematopoiesis

Iron, manganese and copper help improve the composition of the blood and normalize the production processes of its components. Thanks to the presence of folic acid, normal levels of red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells are maintained.

Benefits for the gastrointestinal tract

Eggplants effectively combat digestive problems. Thanks to the presence of fiber, intestinal function is activated and its motor activity is restored. The production of gastric secretions is normalized and the liver is cleansed. With regular use, it is possible to get rid of damage to the intestinal mucosa and prevent the occurrence of ulcers and gastritis.

Benefits for immunity and central nervous system

A high concentration of vitamin C and organic acids helps support the functioning of the immune and lymphatic systems and strengthen the body's protective functions.

Regular consumption of vegetables improves mood, helps overcome depression, and relieve stress. In cases of severe nervous stress and sleep disturbances, it helps prevent nervous exhaustion.

Anti-cancer property of eggplant

Due to the ability to prevent cell mutations and prevent tissue proliferation, eggplants are often used in the prevention of neoplasms, both benign and malignant.

Cancer patients consume the vegetable to curb tumor growth and prevent the growth of metastases. Dark-colored fruits are most effective. White varieties have less pronounced anticancer properties.

Benefits for smokers

Nicotinic acid helps to cope with the addiction. Regular consumption of vegetables allows you to give up pharmaceutical drugs used to combat smoking.

For children

Children can eat eggplants from the age of 3 years. You should start with small portions, no more than 50 g. If the product is well tolerated, the portion is gradually increased.

The benefit of eggplants for a child’s health is that they help maintain normal hemoglobin levels, prevent disturbances in the growth of bone tissue, including teeth, and activate metabolic processes. They are indispensable for children suffering from constipation, as they can quickly eliminate the problem and restore normal intestinal motility.

For men

Eggplant helps to strengthen the body overall and improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs. This allows you to avoid problems with the prostate gland and restore normal potency. Anti-cancer property reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer even in old age.

For women

Due to its positive effect on the functioning of the circulatory system, it helps to improve a woman’s condition during menstruation, when large blood loss can cause discomfort.

During menopause, eating eggplant helps maintain a normal emotional state, prevent depression and nervousness. Regular consumption allows you to avoid gaining extra pounds and prevent problems with the thyroid gland.

Eggplants during pregnancy. Benefits and harms

Pregnant women are advised to regularly eat eggplant to avoid digestive problems and prevent constipation. Iron and copper in the vegetable improve the process of hematopoiesis, increase the immunity of the expectant mother, potassium supports the functioning of the heart and helps restore water balance in the body, helps prevent the appearance of edema. In addition, they are recommended as a prophylactic against disorders in fetal development.

It is best to eat them boiled, stewed or baked. This is how they retain beneficial substances. It is recommended to avoid fried ones. The harm of eggplants prepared in this way is that they are poorly digested and can cause digestive upset.

Eggplants during breastfeeding

New foods and dishes should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother with caution. This also applies to eggplant; the benefits and harm to the child’s health should be assessed in advance. Only fresh young fruits without signs of spoilage can be eaten.

After using the product, your child should carefully monitor his reaction. If signs of allergies or indigestion appear, you should discard it.

Usually we don’t think much when using eggplants when preparing dishes, whether they will bring harm or benefit to our body. Many people like the “little blue ones” fried as a cold appetizer or a hot dish; others prefer to bake eggplants in the oven, stew them, or cook eggplant caviar. Those who are watching their weight try to eat eggplants only when they are boiled, because these vegetables absorb a lot of oil when fried, which significantly reduces the usefulness of eggplants.

Vitamin composition of eggplants

So, are eggplants healthy, and what are their healing properties? Can these harmless-looking purple vegetables cause harm to our body? Let's take a closer look at what eggplants are - their properties and composition, as well as possible contraindications for consumption.

The beneficial properties of eggplant will come in handy during dietary nutrition.

Like other vegetables from the garden, eggplants are not deprived of vitamins. They contain B vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and relieve insomnia. The amount of vitamin C in one eggplant is enough to prevent flu and colds. In addition, “little blue” contains vitamin PP, which makes it easier for smokers to quit cigarettes, as well as numerous micro- and macroelements: potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese.

Video about the beneficial properties of eggplant

Thanks to folic acid, eggplants are recommended to be included in the diet of pregnant women. In addition, these not very popular vegetables contain a lot of iron, which is necessary during pregnancy and anemia. And due to manganese and zinc, adding eggplants to food can improve your condition after a stroke.

Separately, it is worth noting the substance that is found in the eggplant skin - nazunin. This element of plant origin protects nerve cells and has powerful antioxidant properties, so eggplants can be used as an excellent preventative against cancer and for additional nutrition of the brain.

The beneficial properties of eggplant will come in handy when dietary nutrition, because one hundred grams of this vegetable contains only 23 kilocalories! Of course, fried eggplants are not taken into account, but boiled or baked, you can safely eat them without fear for your figure. Moreover, eggplants help the digestion process thanks to fiber, and also effectively break down fat, helping to lower cholesterol levels in the body. In return, the body receives healthy unsaturated fatty acids.

Eggplants help the digestion process thanks to their fiber and also effectively break down fat.

It is better to buy young fruits of rich lilac or dark purple color. Brown and gray-green color indicates that the vegetable is already overripe - there will be no benefit from it. Also make sure that there are no scratches or dents on the skin of the vegetable.

Vegetables against diseases - what are the benefits of eggplants

If you previously had a cool attitude towards the “little blue ones”, we recommend that you reconsider your attitude and include eggplant in your diet - its medicinal properties will help you significantly improve your health and quickly cope with existing diseases.

Here is a list of health problems for which eggplants will be especially beneficial:

• anemia,
• atherosclerosis,
• diabetes,
• gout,
• cardiac ischemia,
• liver and kidney diseases,
• problems with blood vessels,
• gastrointestinal diseases,
• constipation,
• metabolic disease,
• insomnia,
• constant stress.

The benefits of eggplants for the blood are great: they lower the level of sugar and bad cholesterol in the blood

Even one tablespoon of stewed eggplant per day will benefit your kidneys and liver, improve digestion and have a mild diuretic effect.

The benefits of eggplants for the blood are great: they lower the level of sugar and bad cholesterol in the blood, increase hemoglobin, promote the production of red blood cells, thereby improving the composition of the blood, in addition, they keep blood pressure at the desired level.

In the East, where eggplants themselves come from, they are considered a vegetable of longevity. In addition to its healing effects on the body, this vegetable is valued by Eastern women for its ability to have a rejuvenating effect, improve skin color, smooth out wrinkles and give skin elasticity.

Overripe eggplants are dangerous to eat.

Who are eggplants contraindicated for?

Despite all the listed medicinal properties, eggplants are not so harmless - the benefits and harms depend on the method of their preparation, as well as on the degree of ripeness of the vegetable. Thus, fried eggplants will not bring any benefit to the body, since the fiber in them is destroyed, and the pulp is saturated with toxins released from vegetable oil during frying. In addition, the calorie content of fried eggplants, completely soaked in oil, increases significantly compared to boiled or oven-baked eggplants. Such fatty foods will be especially harmful for people who have gastrointestinal pathologies.

Overripe eggplants are dangerous to eat due to the fact that they accumulate solanine– a toxic substance that can lead to poisoning (colic, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and confusion may occur). Overripe vegetables can be identified not only by the brown color of the peel, but also by a large number of seeds and a stale-looking stalk. Therefore, you should choose only young, firm, almost black eggplants for consumption. To avoid poisoning, it is recommended that before using any eggplants, cut them into slices and leave them in water with added salt for half an hour - this will also eliminate the bitterness inherent in some varieties.

White eggplants contain practically no solanine and are in no way inferior in taste to their purple “brothers”.

Eggplants have contraindications for consumption in cases of gastritis, indigestion and stomach ulcers. And those who suffer from diabetes should not get too carried away with eggplants due to the fact that they contain very few carbohydrates - such a diet can lead to hypoglycemia.