Eggplant : health benefits and virtues
Eggplant benefits and virtues
The eggplant or Solanum melongena, belongs to the Solanaceae family. Its soft-skinned fruit is the star of Mediterranean dishes.
This plant native to India can reach up to 100-150 cm.
Photo Toa Heftiba at Unsplash
There are many varieties of eggplants, of different colors and shapes.
The most common is the Barbentane, which has a cylindrical shape and is dark purple in color. There are also white, white and purple, black and yellow stripes.
China and India are the two largest eggplant producers in the world.
Eggplant, for the record...
Originally from India, it then went to China in the 4th century BC. Then it came through the Arabs to Europe only during the 12th century.
However, it took a long time for it to be appreciated.
In fact, people refused to eat eggplant for fear that it would cause fever or epileptic seizures.
It was believed to be toxic, due to its resemblance to a poisonous plant: the mandrake, also belonging to the Solanaceae family.
Thus, eggplant was used only for its medicinal virtues, in poultice against hemorrhoids in particular.
Eggplant and its health benefits
Eggplants are ideal for losing weight. It contributes to the reduction of bad cholesterol and therefore limits the development of atheromatous plaques and high blood pressure.
In addition, it is a vegetable that contains only 18kcal/100g and that satisfies quickly.
Eggplants are a diuretic. Poor in sodium, rich in potassium (240mg/100g) and water (92%), it purifies the body. Eggplant is recommended in case of inflammation of the urinary tract.
It is also a laxative. Its high fiber content (2.5%) softens digestive problems, accelerates intestinal transit and fights constipation.
Eggplant is astringent.
Eggplant skin is also a source of antioxidants. These protect the body from free radicals and therefore slow the onset of cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature cell aging.
It also contains beta-carotene which is beneficial for vision and anti-aging skin.
Eggplant has anti-inflammatory properties, effective in case of mosquito bites. To do this, apply dry eggplant powder to the affected area.
Eggplant stimulates the secretions of the gallbladder and the proper functioning of the liver.
It is a source of iron, to combat anemia. It also provides potassium in large amounts, magnesium and vitamins in smaller amounts.
> Internal use :
Eggplant juice: ideal for weight loss and cholesterol reduction. Boil thin slices of eggplant and add the juice of one lemon. Mix and drink throughout the day.
Eggplant infusion: Boil water with eggplant slices.
Eggplant powder: to whiten teeth and relieve mosquito bites, dry the eggplant strips in the oven, salt them in large quantities (as much salt as the eggplant) and crush them.
Eggplants are eaten as vegetables, stuffed, au gratin, ratatouille, moussaka, steamed, grilled... The trick is not to eat it raw because the presence of solanine makes the eggplant raw, toxic. It can generate digestive and nervous disorders.
It is preferable to eat it with a minimum of fat, since its meat absorbs the fat.
With a glycemic index of 20, eggplant is interesting in the diets of diabetics, but also in the context of hypertension.
Eggplant recipes
Eggplant Toast: Brown thin slices of eggplant in a frying pan with a splash of olive oil. Reduce them.
On the slices of wholemeal bread, place a few slices of eggplant, a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese. Add some herbs from Provence. Put in the oven to melt the cheese and eat hot with a green salad.
Another idea: Include eggplant in your lasagna by replacing the lasagna leaves with thick slices of eggplant.
To discover: all our recipes based on eggplants
> Beauty tips: eggplant to nourish and moisturize the skin
Sunburn: Eggplant is effective in soothing sunburn. Mix your eggplant and apply it to the burned areas.
Anti-aging mask: Mix the eggplant puree, add a spoonful of argan oil. Apply the preparation to your face for 15 minutes and rinse with clear water.
White teeth: In some eastern countries, eggplant powder mixed with salt is used to whiten teeth.
The astute advice on eggplants
Store eggplants in a cool place, away from moisture and sunlight. The refrigerator drawer is adequate. However, do not delay in eating the eggplant because it does not keep well.
Their skin is a gold mine for your body. Don't fight it, rinse it before you eat it.
They prefer small eggplants, which are sweeter than large ones.
Caution: Toxic, eggplant leaves will not be eaten.
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