Aubergine: 10 fantastiska hälsofördelar, näringsfakta och biverkningar

Aubergine ( Solanum melongena ) kallas också brinjal eller aubergine. Det härstammar från nattskuggfamiljen av växter. Den är rik på fiber och låg i kalorier.

Aubergine finns i olika färger, storlekar och sorter. Denna grönsak (tekniskt sett en frukt) innehåller också vitaminer, mineraler och antioxidanter som hjälper till att främja hjärthälsan, kontrollera blodsockernivån, minska cancerrisken, förbättra kognitiv funktion och underlätta viktminskning.

I den här artikeln har vi diskuterat hälsofördelarna med äggplantor i detalj, tillsammans med dess potentiella biverkningar. Läs vidare.

Vad är hälsofördelarna med aubergine?

1. Kan främja hjärthälsa

Äggplantor sägs ha antioxidantegenskaper som kan hjälpa till att främja hjärthälsan (1).

En studie utförd av University of Connecticut School of Medicine fann att rå och kokt aubergine hade kardioskyddande egenskaper. Nasunin, en polyfenolisk komponent i aubergine, är fördelaktig för hjärtat (2).

En annan studie genomförd på hyperkolesterolemiska kaniner (högt kolesterol) visade att auberginejuice kan sänka kolesterolnivåerna i plasma och aorta (3). Dessutom kan daglig intag av aubergine kontrollera högt blodtryck hos stressade individer (4).

2. Kan kontrollera blodsockernivåer

Aubergine är en rik fiberkälla och låg i lösliga kolhydrater. Det kan hjälpa till att reglera blodsockernivån och kontrollera absorptionen av glukos. In vitro- studier av aubergine visade att fenolerna i denna grönsak fungerar som hämmare av enzymer som är involverade i typ 2-diabetes (5).

En studie utförd av tyska institutet för mänsklig näring visade att kostfiberkonsumtion och dess metaboliska effekter kan hjälpa till att förhindra diabetes. Fiber kan sakta ner absorptionen av socker och kontrollera blodsockernivån (6).

Polyfenoler i aubergine kan hjälpa till att kontrollera blodsockernivån (7).

3. Kan minska cancerrisken

Extrakt som finns i auberginskal är rika på solasodin-rhamnosylglykosider (SRG). Dessa föreningar har cancerbekämpande egenskaper och kan hjälpa till att behandla hudcancer (8). En studie utförd av Australasian Medical Research visade att SRG kan inducera cancerceldöd (9).

En annan studie utförd av University of Queensland visade att en standardblandning av solasodinglykosider har visat sig vara effektiv vid behandling av maligna och godartade humana hudtumörer (10).

4. Kan förbättra kognitiv funktion

Fytonäringsämnena i äggplantor kan skydda hjärncellmembranen från skador. De kan också underlätta överföring av meddelanden från en cell till en annan och därmed bibehålla minnesfunktionen.

Fria radikaler i hjärnan kan vara ansvariga för neural degeneration, Alzheimers och demens. Nasunin, den potenta antioxidanten i aubergine skal, kan hämma nervproblem genom att ta bort dessa fria radikaler. Detta förbättrar hjärnans funktion och minskar risken för nervsjukdomar (11), (12).

5. Kan hjälpa till med viktminskning

Aubergine har ett högt vatteninnehåll och har lågt kaloriinnehåll. Detta gör den idealisk för personer som vill gå ner i vikt. Grönsakens svampiga konsistens underlättar dessa egenskaper.

Därför måste du konsumera aubergine i sin naturliga form så mycket som möjligt. Grönsaken har också högt fiberinnehåll. Fibern håller dig mättad och kan hjälpa till med viktminskning (13).

6. Kan främja ögons hälsa

Aubergine är rik på lutein (14). Antioxidanten kan förhindra åldersrelaterad makuladegeneration, vilket är den främsta orsaken till blindhet och nedsatt syn (15). Mer långsiktig forskning behövs för att förstå de potentiella synskyddande effekterna av aubergine hos människor.

7. Kan förbättra benhälsan

Aubergine kan hjälpa till att förbättra bentätheten och minska risken för benskörhet (16). Denna grönsak innehåller näringsämnen som kalcium, magnesium och kalium som hjälper till att främja benstyrkan (16), (17).

8. Kan hjälpa till att behandla anemi

Världen har sett en otrolig ökning av antalet personer med anemi under de senaste två decennierna. Enligt WHO påverkas hela 1,62 miljarder människor idag av anemi (18).

Järnbrist är en av de grundläggande orsakerna till anemi, som har symtom som huvudvärk, svaghet och koncentrationssvårigheter (19). Därför föreslår läkare en diet rik på järn för att bekämpa anemi.

Aubergine innehåller cirka 0,2 mg järn per 100 gram. Denna näringsgrönsak är också rik på koppar (cirka 0,173 mg i 100 gram) (17). Dessa två mineraler arbetar effektivt tillsammans för att hjälpa till med korrekt produktion och distribution av RBC, vilket ökar energi- och hemoglobinnivåerna (20).

9. Kan förhindra fosterskador

Aubergine innehåller folsyra som är nödvändig för gravida kvinnor (21). Intaget av en folsyrarik diet kan hjälpa till att förhindra fosterskador. Folatbrist leder till abnormiteter hos både mödrar och foster (22).

10. Kan förbättra hudens hälsa

Aubergine är rika på vitaminer, mineraler, antocyaniner (naturliga växtföreningar) och antioxidanter. Anekdotiska bevis tyder på att dessa kan hjälpa till att förbättra hudens glöd och hjälpa till att bromsa åldrandet. Det finns dock inga vetenskapliga bevis för att bevisa detta påstående.

Låt oss nu titta på näringsinformationen för aubergine.

Aubergine näringsfakta

Aubergine är rik på kalcium, järn, magnesium och flera andra viktiga näringsämnen som hjälper din kropps funktion. Enligt United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) innehåller 1 kopp (eller 82 g) aubergine (17):

• Energi: 20,5 kcal
• Vatten: 75,7 g
• Protein: 0,8 g
• Kolhydrat: 4,82 g
• Fiber: 2,46 g
• Järn: 0,189 g
• Folat: 18 μg
• Mangan: 0,19 mg
• Kalium: 188 mg
• K-vitamin: 2,87 μg

Eggplant also contains polyphenolic compounds, phytonutrients like nausinin and chlorogenic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins B6 and E, and minerals.

Including eggplant in your diet is easy. In the following sections we have discussed how to prepare and add it to your diet.

What Is The Best Way To Prepare An Eggplant?

Eggplants have smooth, glossy skin and are purple. They have a slightly bitter taste. Soaking an eggplant in salt will draw out the moisture and also the compounds that contribute to the bitter taste. Also, this process will reduce oil absorption during cooking.

To do this:

1. Always use a stainless steel knife to cut an eggplant. Carbon steel can react with the nutrients present in the eggplant and make the vegetable go black.
2. Have the eggplant with its skin to enjoy complete nutrition.
3. Cut the eggplant into the required size and shape. Sprinkle some salt over it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This will reduce its water content and make it absorb less oil while cooking.
4. Salting eggplants will also help reduce their bitter taste to some extent. Rinse eggplants after you have salted them. This will help remove the excess salt from them.
5. If you choose to bake the eggplant as a whole, make sure you pierce a lot of small holes on the skin with a fork. This will help the steam to pass through and escape. After baking, pass a knife through the eggplant. If it passes through easily, it is ready to be eaten.

Eggplants are a healthy addition to your daily diet, and you can prepare many dishes with them. In the following section, we have included a few recipes.

Recipes

1. Crispy Baked Eggplant

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of small to medium-sized eggplant
• Olive oil, for baking sheets
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup of plain panko breadcrumbs
• Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 375^o Coat a baking sheet with oil. Set aside.
2. Whisk the eggs and a tablespoon of water in a shallow bowl.
3. ombine the panko or Rice Chex crumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
4. Cut the eggplants into thick rounds.
5. Dip the eggplant slices in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
6. Dredge the dipped slices in the Parmesan mixture, pushing down gently to coat well.
7. Transfer the coated slices to the baking sheet.
8. Bake until golden brown on the bottom, for 17-20 minutes.
9. Flip the slices and continue baking until lightly browned on the other side but still slightly firm for about 10 minutes more.

Remove from the oven and serve as is or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

2. Eggplant Spirals With Greek Yogurt, Tomatoes, And Cucumber Recipe

Ingredients

For The Filling

• 1 1/2 cups of Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup of finely grated feta cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of finely minced fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon of fresh juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (about 1 medium clove)
• 1 tablespoon of finely minced fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon of finely minced fresh dill

For The Eggplant Rolls

• 3 Roma tomatoes stemmed, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 large eggplants, ends trimmed and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 English cucumber, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Procedure

For The Filling

1. Whisk the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, oregano, mint, dill, and garlic in a medium bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.

For The Eggplant Rolls

1. Set the cooking grate in place, cover the grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes.
2. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Brush the eggplant slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the eggplant until browned on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Transfer to a large tray or cutting board and let it cool for 3-5 minutes.
4. Spread a layer of filling over each eggplant slice and top each with a single layer of tomatoes and cucumber.
5. Roll the eggplant slices into spirals and serve.

Apart from these recipes, there are other ways to eat eggplants.

Ways To Eat Eggplant

• Oven-baked Eggplant Fries : Slice the eggplant into strips or wedges, add a breadcrumb spiced coating, and then bake them for a crunchy taste.
• Eggplant Pizza Crust : Replace pizza crust with sliced eggplant and add tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings for a gluten-free, low-calorie treat.
• Eggplant Pasta Topping : Cut the eggplant into thick slices, then bake or sauté them and add the strips to a pasta dish. Top the slices with Parmesan cheese to make eggplant Parmesan. Although most of us think of the grilled eggplants when it comes to Italian cuisine, a Sicilian pasta dish called Pasta Alla Norma is made with eggplants.
• In Curries : The fleshy eggplants are a great addition to almost any curry, making it far more delicious. You can dice up the eggplant and add it to a chicken or fish curry. It also is ideal for a vegetable curry.
• Burger Garnish : Cut the eggplant lengthwise into thick slices and grill them. Serve them alone or in a burger.
• Roast : This is one of the easiest and delicious ways to cook eggplant. All that is required is a hot oven, a few drops of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to transform the eggplant into a rich, soft, and creamy treat.

Though eggplants are delicious vegetables with an important nutritional profile, you need to practice caution. They may cause adverse effects in some individuals.

Are There Any Risks?

Eggplants have a few risk factors associated with them. Excess consumption of eggplant may lead to side effects, such as allergies, solanine poisoning, and oxalate kidney stones.

• May Cause Allergies

Eggplants belong to the nightshade family of vegetables that are associated with allergic reactions.

In very rare cases, they may cause allergic reactions in some people due to a specific lipid transfer protein (23). The symptoms include difficulty in breathing, swelling, and hives. In rare cases, eggplant may also cause anaphylaxis (a hypersensitive condition). If you experience any allergic reactions, stop eating eggplant and consult a doctor.

Insufficient Information For

• May Disrupt Iron Absorption

Nasunin is an anthocyanin in eggplant peels that binds with iron and removes it from cells. In other words, it chelates iron (24). It may reduce iron absorption. Though more research is warranted in this regard, it is better if people with low iron levels avoid eggplants.

• May Cause Solanine Poisoning

Solanine is the natural toxin found in eggplants. Excess intake of eggplants may cause vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness (25).

Consuming eggplants in low-to-moderate levels may not cause any harm. However, consult a health care professional in case of any emergency.

• May Increase Risk Of Kidney Stones

Eggplants contain oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. However, there is insufficient data available. If you have a risk of kidney stones, stop use and consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Eggplants are rich in several essential nutrients with many potential health benefits. They may help promote heart health, control blood sugar levels, help reduce cancer risk and aid weight loss.

Adding eggplant to your daily diet is a healthy idea. However, a few risks are associated with the consumption of this vegetable. Consult a doctor in case you experience any adverse effects.

Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

Is eggplant a superfood?

Eggplant is considered a superfood because of its high nutritious value. This high-fiber and low-calorie vegetable contains all essential nutrients and minerals and is used to treat many ailments. It is an ideal addition to your daily diet.

Should eggplant be peeled?

A young and tender eggplant does not have to be peeled. If the vegetable is more mature, however, you can peel it to avoid its bitter taste.

Is it OK to eat eggplant every day?

You may eat eggplant every day. It is said to possess many nutrients and has several potential health benefits. However, individuals with a sensitive stomach should avoid taking it daily.

Can you drink eggplant water?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking eggplant water has many health benefits. It may possess anti-inflammatory and laxative properties. Eggplant water may help detoxify the body and improve blood flow. However, limited research is available to support this claim.

Should I refrigerate eggplant?

Yes, you should refrigerate eggplant. This vegetable cannot stay fresh if stored for long periods at room temperature. If you don’t want to eat eggplants within 2 days, store them in the refrigerator.

Is fried eggplant good for you?

Eggplant is low in calories. But deep-fried eggplant can contain more oil and may not be as healthy.

Is eggplant good for an ulcer?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that eggplant is good for ulcers. However, very little information is available in this aspect.

Is pickled eggplant good for you?

Pickled eggplant has low cholesterol and saturated fat. Hence, it is considered good for health. However, high sodium levels in pickled eggplant may be bad for health.

How many calories are in a cup of cooked eggplant?

One cup of cooked eggplant (101 g) provides 73.7 kcal of energy (26).

26 sources

Stylecraze har strikta riktlinjer för inköp och bygger på peer-reviewed studier, akademiska forskningsinstitutioner och medicinska föreningar. Vi undviker att använda tertiära referenser. Du kan lära dig mer om hur vi säkerställer att vårt innehåll är korrekt och aktuellt genom att läsa vår redaktionella policy.

• Rodriguez-Jimenez, Jenny R et al. "Fysikalisk-kemiska, funktionella och näringsmässiga egenskaper hos auberginemjöl som erhålls med olika torkningsmetoder." Molecules (Basel, Schweiz) vol. 23,12 3210. 5 december 2018,

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6321115/

• Das S, Raychaudhuri U, Falchi M, Bertelli A, Braga PC, Das DK. Kardioskyddande egenskaper hos rå och kokt aubergine (Solanum melongena L). Matfunktion . 2011; 2 (7): 395–399.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21894326/

• Jorge PA, Neyra LC, Osaki RM, de Almeida E, Bragagnolo N. Efeito da berinjela sobre os lípides plasmáticos, a peroxidação lipídica e a reversão da disfunção endotelial na hipercolesterolemia experimental. Arq Bras Cardiol . 1998;70(2):87–91.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9659714/

• Nishimura, Mie et al. “Daily Ingestion of Eggplant Powder Improves Blood Pressure and Psychological State in Stressed Individuals: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.” Nutrients vol. 11,11 2797. 16 Nov. 2019.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31744060/

• Kwon YI, Apostolidis E, Shetty K. In vitro studies of eggplant (Solanum melongena) phenolics as inhibitors of key enzymes relevant for type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Bioresour Technol . 2008;99(8):2981–2988.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17706416/

• Weickert MO, Pfeiffer AF. Metabolic effects of dietary fiber consumption and prevention of diabetes. J Nutr . 2008;138(3):439–442.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18287346/

• Hanhineva, Kati et al. “Impact of dietary polyphenols on carbohydrate metabolism.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 11,4 1365-402. 31 Mar. 2010.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2871121/

• Cham, Bill E. “Topical solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides derived from the eggplant treats large skin cancers: two case reports.” (2011).

  www.researchgate.net/publication/268285627_Topical_Solasodine_Rhamnosyl_Glycosides_Derived_From_the_Eggplant_Treats_Large_Skin_Cancers_Two_Case_Reports

• Cham BE, Chase TR. Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Do they also prime the immune system resulting in long-term protection against cancer?. Planta Med . 2012;78(4):349–353.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22399274/

• Cham BE, Daunter B, Evans RA. Topical treatment of malignant and premalignant skin lesions by very low concentrations of a standard mixture (BEC) of solasodine glycosides. Cancer Lett . 1991;59(3):183–192

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1913614/

• Noda, Yasuko, et al. “Antioxidant activity of nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant peels.” Toxicology 148.2-3 (2000): 119-123.

  www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300483X0000202X?via%3Dihub

• Dias, João Silva. “Major classes of phytonutriceuticals in vegetables and health benefits: A review.” Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics 1.1 (2012): 31-62.

  www.researchgate.net/publication/304233948_Major_Classes_of_Phytonutriceuticals_in_Vegetables_and_Health_Benefits_A_Review

• Blundell JE, Burley VJ. Satiation, satiety and the action of fibre on food intake. Int J Obes . 1987;11 Suppl 1:9–25.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3032831/

• Aruna, G., B. S. Mamatha, and V. Baskaran. “Lutein content of selected Indian vegetables and vegetable oils determined by HPLC.” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 22.7-8 (2009): 632-636.

  pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/770135

• Buscemi, Silvio et al. “The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health.” Nutrients vol. 10,9 1321. 18 Sep. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10091321

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/

• Qiu, Rui et al. “Greater Intake of Fruit and Vegetables Is Associated with Greater Bone Mineral Density and Lower Osteoporosis Risk in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults.” PloS one vol. 12,1 e0168906. 3 Jan. 2017.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5207626/

• Hamidi, M., et al. “Fruit and vegetable intake and bone health in women aged 45 years and over: a systematic review.” Osteoporosis international 22.6 (2011): 1681-1693.

  www.researchgate.net/publication/49690431_Fruit_and_vegetable_intake_and_bone_health_in_women_aged_45_years_and_over_A_systematic_review

• World Health Organization. “Global anaemia prevalence and number of individuals affected.” Reference Source (2015).

  www.who.int/vmnis/anaemia/prevalence/summary/anaemia_data_status_t2/en/

• “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.”National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia

• Collins, James F et al. “Metabolic crossroads of iron and copper.” Nutrition reviews vol. 68,3 (2010): 133-47.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3690345/

• McWilliams ML, Blankemeyer JT, Friedman M. The folic acid analogue methotrexate protects frog embryo cell membranes against damage by the potato glycoalkaloid alpha-chaconine. Food Chem Toxicol. 2000;38(10):853–859.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11039318/

• Greenberg, James A et al. “Folic Acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention.” Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology vol. 4,2 (2011): 52-9.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/

• Ukleja-Sokołowska N, Gawrońska-Ukleja E, Żbikowska-Gotz M, Sokołowski Ł, Bartuzi Z. Recurrent anaphylaxis in patient allergic to eggplant – a Lipid transfer protein (LTP) syndrome. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol . 2018;36(2):109–112.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29161052-recurrent-anaphylaxis-in-patient-allergic-to-eggplant-a-lipid-transfer-protein-ltp-syndrome/

• Noda Y, Kaneyuki T, Igarashi K, Mori A, Packer L. Antioxidant activity of nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol . 1998;102(2):175–187.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10100509/

• Dolan, Laurie C et al. “Naturally occurring food toxins.” Toxins vol. 2,9 (2010): 2289-332.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153292/

• “FoodData Central Search Results.” FoodData Central. fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.

  html#/food-details/343096/nutrients