Known as the King of Vegetables, Brinjal or Eggplant hails from the nightshade family of fruits and vegetables that includes potatoes, peppers & tomatoes. The superfood is extremely high on essential nutrients – 1 cup or approx. 82 g of eggplant/brinjal consists of 11% fiber, 63.5% Vitamin B, 10% manganese, 5.3% potassium, 4.5% folate, 3.5% Vitamin K, 3.5% copper, 3% Vitamin C and 2.8% magnesium.
Here are few impressive health benefits of having Brinjal –
1. Keeps Diabetes in Control
Brinjal or eggplants are a rich source of fiber and low soluble carbohydrates. Thus, they are really good for the regulation of blood sugar levels and also to control the absorption of glucose
2. Good for Heart
Eggplants helps in stabilizing the blood pressure levels and also brings down cholesterol levels. Being rich in Vitamin B-6, fiber, Potassium, and Phytonutrients like flavonoids, Brinjal helps is good for heart health.
3. Weight loss
The superfood is considered to be high in water content, no fat and very low in calories (Just around 20 to 25 calories per 100g). Also, the vegetable is rich in fiber that keeps you feeling full for longer.
4. Good for Brain
Brinjals can help protect your cell membranes owing to its rich amounts of phytonutrients. They are also known to boost memory function.
5. Promotes Bone Health
Eggplants contain good amounts of calcium, iron and phenolic compounds that help in making the bones stronger, increasing bone mineral density.
6. Aids Digestion
Eggplants are good sources of dietary fiber, that helps regulate the bowel movements and also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices that facilitate the absorption of nutrients and the processing of foods.
7. Prevents Anaemia
Eating foods high in iron will help fight anemia, and eggplants are iron-containing food. Also, brinjal is rich in copper, another essential component of red blood cells (RBCs).
8. Boosts Immunity
Owing to the powerful presence of phytonutrients and antioxidants, eggplants help strengthening the immune system. These elements encompass antimicrobial and antiviral properties, that shields your body from any foreign body invasion.
Having soft brinjal regularly (along with some honey) after baking it directly over the fire, may completely cure insomnia and your sleeping problems. Also, people suffering from chronic constipation can get relief by consuming brinjal in their daily diet.
Krishnendu Ayurveda recommends Brinjal as a highly nutritional superfood that should be added to our daily regime.