Brinjals, Eggplant, Aubergine or Baingan – So many names for what is often referred to as the ‘King of Vegetables’ for its innumerable benefits.
1. Good for the Gut: Due to large dietary fibre content in Brinjals, the digestive system remains healthy and free from constipation. Brinjals also stimulate gastric juice secretion which facilities absorption of nutrients in our body.
2. Improves Nerve Function: Brinjals contains
* Phytonutrients – boost our Brain activity and improves general Mental Health.
* Anti-oxidants- protect Brain cells from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of Alzhiemer’s and Dementia.
* Iron – improves flow of oxygenated blood to our Nerve cells and thus improves their functionality.
* Potassium – a Vasodilator and thus removes Stress from the brain. Brinjals also contain a large amount of Potassium.
3. Lowers Cholesterol: Brinjals are rich in Chlorogenic acid that acts as a powerful anti-oxidant agent, lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Due to the high fibre content of brinjals the absorption of blood cholesterol by the liver to produce bile is increased.
4. Prevents Heart Disease: Rich in Fibre, Potassium, B6 and Flavonoids, Brinjals lower the risk of Heart disease. Presence of anti-oxidants keep Arteries healthy and prevent Heart attacks.
5. Weight Loss: 100 grams of brinjals-only 25 calories. Due to its fibre content, Brinjals provide a feeling of satiety.
6. Prevents Anemia: High Iron content helps increase the production of Red Blood cells which can help in preventing of Anemia. Also rich in Copper which is beneficial in producing Red cells.
7. Gout friendly: Uric Acid levels in the blood are highly dependent on the breaking down of Purines (Nitrogen based compounds) in the body. Brinjals are low in purines, it becomes one of the Gout friendly vegetables.
8. Cancer Prevention: Brinjals contain one Anti-oxidants called Nasunin whi does more than prevent oxidation to cells. It makes better use of Nutrients, avoiding Malabsorption, and helps in transporting Waste out of cells in a timely manner – helps in Preventing Cancer Development.
9. Anti-bacterial properties: Has a good amount of Vitamin C, which makes an effective Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial.
10. Glowing Skin: Anti-oxidants and Vitamins present in Brinjals can prevent Free Radical Damage leading to wrinkles and fine lines on our faces. Brinjals are high in water
11. Hair Health: Brinjals have enzymes that help stimulate the follicles of your hair, which enhances hair growth. Also improves Hair Texture and imparts a Healthy Shine to the hair.
CAUTION
Nasunin, present in brinjals, is a phytochemical which can bind with Iron and remove it from the cells.
The Oxalates can cause Stones in the Kidney.
Brinjals can cause Allergic reactions in some people due to the fact that it belongs to the nightshade family of vegetables.
All this happens only if you eat LARGE QUANTITIES of Brinjals.