Brinjal Known and commonly called eggplant or aubergine, Brinjal, is a gorgeous and versatile fruit enjoyed in almost all cuisines of the world. Besides an incredible savory taste, this one belonging to the nightshade family is also brimmed full of health benefits because it is replete with nutrition, antioxidants, and much fiber, thus contributing very much to general health and well-being. 10 Health Benefits Of Brinjal for Your Heart, Digestion, Bones and Brain.
Introduction
Brinjal is scientifically known as Solanum melongena L. It is a flowering plant of subtropical and tropical regions belonging to the family of Solanaceae. Brinjal grows annually grown extensively for its berry-like fruit. The crop has wide cultivation areas in China, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, and Pakistan.1
The bushy plant is an excellent source of flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive compounds such as arginine aspartic acids, etc. It goes by many common names in different languages, such as Bengali Begun, Hindi Baigan, Sanskrit Vartaku, Marathi Vangi, and in English Brinjal. There are about 15-20 varieties of brinjals. These come in a wide array of colors, and shapes, and from many countries across the globe. Brinjals have a host of Ayurvedic medicinal uses, so they are also known as the Father of modern medicine.1,2
Benefits:-
1. Heart Health
The most beneficial effects of brinjal for the health system include that it protects and strengthens heart health. It contains nasunin in large quantities through its skin; this element helps lower the cholesterol level and helps regulate blood flow. The high content of fiber helps maintain blood pressure at appropriate levels while it reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, LDL. With this aspect of brinjals in diet, there is great risk reduction when it comes to heart disease.
2. Improved digestion
Brinjal consists of high levels of dietary fiber that promote a normal digestive system. Fiber, therefore, increases digestion; it is easy for one's body to get rid of waste, preventing constipation. There is also high water composition in brinjal, contributing to the hydration of the alimentary canal; thus facilitating food passing out. An inclusion of brinjals into your diet will translate to better digestion and also good health for your bowels.
3. Improvement of the bone structure
Brinjal is not only good for your heart and digestive system but also builds stronger bones. The vegetables contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are very important for bone health. The minerals help keep the density of bones intact and decrease the chances of osteoporosis. The inclusion of brinjal in your diet would support your skeletal system and strengthen your bones overall.
4. Cognitive Function
Recent studies report that brinjal would help in enhancing the workings of the brain. Inside the brinjals antioxidants, such as nasunin, prevent the layering of the cerebral cells from oxidative stress and damage This layering might help diminish the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia. So, incorporating this veggie into your diet might help enhance your cognitive powers and memory.
5. Weight Control
If you are looking to gain or lose weight, then brinjal is an excellent source of food to be in your diet. Brinjal is low in calories and high in fiber and makes you feel full, and satisfied, without consuming additional calories. Fiber content manages the appetite and promotes good metabolism. If you have any higher-calorie foods you can replace them with brinjal, so you may enjoy your food, and you will be in good health weight.
6. Managing Diabetes
Brinjal is a low glycemic index food; it is an excellent source of food for diabetic patients, as it contains fiber and prevents the rapid absorption of glucose in the bloodstream. Brinjal keeps the blood sugar in check by being one of the best antioxidants which reduces inflammation. Hence, diabetes patients also benefit from it. Including brinjal in your diet may help regulate blood sugar well.
7. Skin Health
Brinjal is a treasure trove of antioxidants that can cause healthy skin. Vitamins and minerals in brinjal help fight free radicals, reduce signs of aging, and improve the texture of the skin. Brinjal also has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe skin irritations and conditions like eczema and acne. Regular consumption of brinjal can lead to radiant and youthful skin.
8. Boosted Immunity
The vitamins and minerals in brinjal are rich in vitamins C and K. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, so it guards the body against harmful pathogens. Vitamin K keeps the immune system functional. The intake of brinjal in your diet will boost your immunity and help you in the prevention of infections.
9. Heartburn relief
Brinjal can alleviate heartburn or acid reflux if one suffers from the disorder. Brinjals have alkaline properties and help neutralize stomach acidity, hence reducing cases of heartburn. It is rich in fiber, which facilitates digestion as it breaks food particles up in the gut hence causing minimum discomfort. In this manner, incorporating brinjals into your diet shall ease digestive problems and also make eating easier.
10. Anti-Cancer Property
Brinjal also contains several phytochemicals. In particular, phenolic compounds found in brinjal are anti-carcinogenic. These compounds contribute to fighting oxidative stress and inflammation that have been associated with carcinogenesis. Some studies state that antioxidants present in brinjal inhibit the multiplication of cancerous cells; it would, therefore be quite useful to include this food item in an anticancer diet. In other words, adding brinjal to your diet might not only be beneficial to your health but also reduce cancer chances.
Nutritional Value of Brinjal-
Brinjals are also nutrient-dense vegetables that provide wonderful health benefits to humans.
Nutritional Data of Brinjal
- Energy: 25 kcal/100 g
- Carbohydrate: 5.88 g/100 g
- Protein: 0.98 g/100 g
- Sugars: 3.53 g/100 g
- Total lipid: 0.18 g/100 g
- Fiber: 3 g/100 g
How to Make Brinjal?
Brinjal may be prepared in the following manners:
- It is employed in modern as well as conventional countries for the treatment of ailments, preparation of ornaments, as food in rituals, and even for burning.
- It can be served as food that is prepared through cooking, boiling, stewing, grilling, baking, pickling, mashing, roasting, drying, frying, or even microwaveable.
- The roots, stalk, skin, and leaves may be used by an Ayurvedic physician to create medicines and the dried shoots used for fuel.
- It may also be used in injuries and lacerations.2
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not stop or substitute an existing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Conclusion
The benefits of brinjal go way beyond helping in preventing heart disease. Brinjal can offer improved digestion, cognitive improvements, and better skin condition. Since brinjals have an impressive content of essential nutrients and varieties in kitchen preparations, there are great possibilities for adding healthy options to one's diet and overall life. Grilled, baked, or served as curries, it can make your meals all the more scrumptious and is a great nutrition supplement. Introduce the merits of brinjal and live a healthy life now!
