King of Vegetables – Benefits – Risk Factors

The aubergine belongs to the Solanaceae family and is not actually a vegetable but a berry. And this is true because some varieties of eggplants, such as the Thai eggplant or the Pusa Purple Round, look like large berries.

If you are used to eating eggplants, you may know that they cannot be eaten raw – it at least needs to be baked or fried if you want to enjoy the wholesome goodness of this vegetable. Brinjals are widely used in a range of cuisines worldwide because they are tropical vegetables and are available in most parts of the world. You can add different spices and condiments to this vegetable, and it will absorb all the flavours!

If you are still keen to understand how this king of vegetables is a great addition to your diet, here are some health benefits of brinjal:

- Keeps diabetes in control

Aubergines are rich in fibre and are a good source of fibre for those with diabetes. Adding fibre to your diet can ensure the optimal but slow absorption of sugar in your body, which helps keep your blood sugar in check.

- Good for the heart

The fibre content of eggplant also helps control your body’s cholesterol levels. If you are eating brinjal without oil or other fats, you can consume this vegetable to keep a check on your heart health.

- Weight loss

Like most other vegetables, brinjals have low-calorie content. When eaten with similar vegetables rich in fibre, you can stay full for a longer period, consume lesser calories, and maintain a steady weight.

- Aids digestion

The fibre content in brinjal is great if you also want to improve your digestion and metabolism. Fibre, soluble and non-soluble, helps food move slowly through the digestive tract and ensures proper bowel movements and waste removal. This is the reason brinjal should be a part of your diet.

**- Good for the brain **

The phytonutrients in the brinjal are said to be essential for improving the flow of blood to the brain cells, which keeps them healthy and active. Since this helps stimulate the neural pathways and can help boost your memory, your mental well-being can also improve over a period of time.

- Promotes bone health

Eggplants are rich in vitamin K, manganese, and copper. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and improving bone mineral density. Manganese and copper are trace elements that are present in very small quantities but also absolutely essential for your bone health.

**- Prevents Anaemia **

Aubergines have a good iron content which can be good for increasing the growth of red blood cells. Many anaemic patients are asked to consume at least 2-3 slices of cooked eggplant each day to ensure that their body is getting the iron intake it needs.

- Eye health and immunity

Eggplants contain folate, vitamin C and vitamin K which are essential for boosting your immunity. Moreover, antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin present in the vegetable can help with mild vision problems and other eye-health issues arising from ageing.

Here are some of the risks that come with the consumption or over-consumption of eggplants:

- Nasunin and iron absorption

Aubergines are filled with a certain phytochemical called nasunin which gradually leads to a loss of iron in our body’s cells. This process is known as iron chelation and can be harmful to you if your body is already suffering from an iron deficiency. This is also the reason eggplants are to be eaten along with some iron-rich foods such as spinach, etc.

- Solanine poisoning

Many plants and herbs from the Solanaceae family, including aubergines, contain a toxin called glycoalkaloid. This toxin is also present in some varieties of potatoes, albeit in very negligible quantities. You may suffer from solanine poisoning if you consume large amounts of eggplants in a single sitting or meal. As with any food, eat eggplants in moderation.

- Eggplant allergy

As surprising as this may sound, vegetables can also cause allergies. If you have an eggplant allergy, the vegetable, especially the seeds, can cause redness in the eyes, swelling and itching in the throat and on the tongue. These are the most common allergic reactions to eggplants, and many people avoid consuming this vegetable for this reason.

- Oxalates and kidney stones

People with a history of kidney problems are advised not to eat brinjals. This is because eggplants contain a certain salt called oxalates, though a little less than some other vegetables. These oxalates can lead to the formation of kidney stones since some people’s kidneys tend to absorb these salts more efficiently, and this can lead to more health problems.

There are many health problems that can be resolved through a proper diet. However, there may be other severe medical emergencies which can lead to hospitalisation. Fortunately, with a health insurance policy from Tata AIG, you can enjoy several benefits of health insurance such as flexible choice of premiums and sum insured, access to Tata AIG’s network of 7000+ cashless hospitals, and much more!

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