Eggplant, native to North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has been known and consumed for more than two millennia. Did you know that eggplant is one of the most healing foods that can be included in your diet? That is true because this is a vegetable rich in phytonutrients that helps protect cells from free radical attack.
In this article we will present its specific nutritional contribution as an antioxidant and alkalizing agent and its health benefits. Also, you will find information about how to consume it to make better use of these properties.
Antioxidant properties
Eggplant is a delicious vegetable mainly typical of the Mediterranean diet. It has a texture and flavor that makes it possible to enjoy it in a wide variety of dishes. However, its usefulness is not limited to its versatility in the kitchen, but also in its contribution to health.
Eggplants contain powerful antioxidants. These free radicals neutralizer compounds allow repairing cell damage and thus prevent cell aging and premature skin aging.
They contain as well a large number of vitamins and minerals essential to maintain a healthy body.
To achieve that, eggplant provides incredible antioxidant benefits for its contribution of nutrients like:
Fiber
This is an essential component to maintain a healthy digestive system and helps you feel satiated for longer.
Manganese
It is very useful for treating allergic conditions, especially skin allergy (eczema) or respiratory (asthma), especially in children. It participates in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals.
Potassium
This is essential for the good condition of muscles, nervous system, cardiac function and blood pressure.
Vitamins B1, B6
B vitamins are involved in all cellular reactions in the body. Necessary for a good quality of skin, hair and nails.
Vitamins C
Anti-fatigue, anti-infectious, it strengthens the immune system and promotes the absorption of iron. This antioxidant agent contributes to healthy teeth, bones and cartilage.
Magnesium
It helps find a peaceful sleep, to diminish stress, to fight against reactions such as spontaneous cramps, to regulate heart rhythm disorders, premenstrual syndromes, etc.
Copper
It is necessary for the formation of collagen (protein used for tissue repair) and it contributes to reinforce the body’s defenses.
In the link https://minuterice.com/recipes/rice-stuffed-eggplant-parmesan/ you will find the directions to prepare an exquisite eggplant recipe which you will obtain these benefits. Also, some interesting information concerning seasoning, how to store eggplant, recipe tips and many other varied subjects is given.
Alkalizing properties
Eggplant is an extremely alkaline vegetable, whose pH is at 9 level when it is eaten raw, once digested, and 7.5 when cooked and already digested. This implies that it has a solid alkalizing effect on the body when consumed.
That is because of its high concentration of minerals and antioxidants that help neutralize acidity in the body. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, eggplant contributes to reducing inflammation, promoting gut health, and improving overall health.
Maintaining a balanced pH by incorporating alkaline foods in our diet is key to avoiding various pathologies, such as diseases and infections caused by, for instance, the COVID-19 virus or by bacteria.
The benefits and properties that consuming an alkaline food like eggplant brings us are multiple. It protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and in general all cells and tissues from free radicals, allowing to reduce the aggressiveness of acidic foods, responsible for infectious processes. Therefore, consumption of alkaline foods means having good health and having a normal blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45.
How is eggplant best consumed?
There are several best ways to eat eggplant:
- Baked, combined with other vegetables to enhance their flavor
- Boiled, but they blacken easily due to their flavonoid content and their appearance may not be attractive.
- Roasted, cut into slices, not too thick, and brushed with oil.
- Steamed, cut in half and sliced not too thinly, and steamed. Then, add garlic and onion sautéed in olive oil.
- Batter or grilled, both very tasty ways.
- As part of a recipe, stuffed with different ingredients.
Good to know
Eggplant is a light and digestive food.
It is among the foods that can lower cholesterol.
Antioxidants and vitamins, of which eggplant is rich, act in the body protecting cells from damage that can cause chronic diseases such as cancer.
The ideal is to vary as much as possible the vegetables consumed to benefit from the contributions of each one, and thus find the right balance between acidifying foods and alkaline foods.