Eggplants for stable health

Contramaestre, Nov.22.- This municipality of the province of Santiago de Cuba, produces vegetables and crops in a large quantity, since this the main agricultural pole of the area. Eggplant is one of those people highly consume aware or unaware of the hidden benefits for stable health conditions.

Almost every farmer devotes a piece of their land to grow eggplant, since it is highly demanded by locals. Regularly, farmers in Contramaestre produce the dark purple version of eggplant. Its shape, size, and color can vary from small and oblong to long and thin, and from shades of purple to white and green.

Studies have long suggested that eating plant foods, such as eggplant, can boost overall health and wellbeing.

Laboratory analyses of the phenolic compounds in eggplant show that it contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, and chlorogenic acid, a powerful free-radical scavenger.

Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Studies show that consuming even small quantities of flavonoid-rich foods may benefit human health in various ways.

Eggplant and heart functioning

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content in eggplants all support heart health. In addition, eating foods containing certain flavonoids, including anthocyanins, may be associated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease, according to a review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) in 2008. Likewise, intake of anthocyanins was associated with significantly lower blood pressure, in other studies.

Eggplant and blood cholesterol

Research has shown that when rabbits with high cholesterol consumed eggplant juice, this led to significantly lower weight and blood cholesterol levels.

Chlorogenic acid has been shown to decrease low-density lipid (LDL) levels. It also acts as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic agent.

Eggplant and cancer

Polyphenols in eggplant have been shown to have anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and, in turn, prevent tumor growth and the invasion and spread of cancer cells.

The anticancer action of anthocyanins appears to include preventing new blood vessels from forming in the tumor, reducing inflammation, and blocking the enzymes that help cancer cells to spread.

Cognitive function

Findings from animal studies suggest that nasunin, an anthocyanin in the eggplant skin, is a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cell membranes from free radical damage. It also assists in the transport of nutrients into the cell and moving waste out.

Research has also shown that anthocyanins help prevent neuroinflammation and facilitate blood flow to the brain. This could help improve memory and prevent age-related mental disorders.

Weight management and satiety

Dietary fibers are commonly recognized as important factors in weight management and loss, because they act as “bulking agents” in the digestive system. These compounds increase satiety and reduce appetite. They help reduce calorie intake by making a person feel fuller for longer. Eggplant is already low in calories, so it can contribute to a healthful, low-calorie diet.

Liver health

Research has suggested that the antioxidants in eggplant may help protect the liver from certain toxins. –