Though they are often overlooked in favor of more popular vegetables, aubergines (also known as eggplants) are a true powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. Not only are they an excellent source of dietary fiber and several vitamins and minerals, but they also boast a slew of health benefits. From aiding in weight loss to reducing the risk of heart disease, there’s no reason not to add aubergines to your next meal!
Aubergine Nutrition Facts
A 100g serving of aubergine provides:
15kcal
9g protein
4g fat
2g carbohydrate
7g fibre
This means they’re an excellent source of fibre while being low in calories, making them a fantastic choice if you’re trying to lose weight healthily.
Why are aubergines good for you?
As well as their fundamental nutritional values, aubergines are a great source of some vitamins and minerals which you need in your diet. Let’s take a look at some of these, so you can cook and enjoy with confidence.
Nutritional fibre
Aubergines are high in nutritional fibre, which is an essential part of a healthy diet because it helps keep your digestion running smoothly. The right amount of fibre in your diet can also help control blood sugar, preventing spikes and crashes throughout the day. Plus, getting enough fibre has been linked with reduced risks of colon cancer and heart disease.
antioxidants
Aubergines are loaded with antioxidants like nasunin and chlorogenic acid. These nutrients scavenge harmful free radicals from the body, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation. Free radical damage has been linked to various chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. So by including aubergines in your diet, you’re doing your body a major favor!
potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte mineral important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and keeping the heart healthy. A 100g serving of aubergine contains 147mg of potassium, which is roughly 4% of the daily recommended intake. So if you’re looking to up your potassium intake, look no further than aubergines!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to make aubergines a regular part of your diet. Though they may not be the most popular vegetable out there, their health benefits make them more than worth Adding to your shopping list! Who knows—you may just find that you’re a fan after all.