Garden eggs, also known as Eggplants, belong to the nightshade family of plants and are used in many different dishes around the world
They are often considered vegetables though they are technically fruit, as they grow from a flowering plant. They range in size and colour. And while eggplants with a deep purple skin are most common, they can be red, green or even black
We are blessed with so many fruits and vegetables with immense nutritional benefits and garden eggs are one of them. The consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential for the body because they help reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.
Source: Know your Health
The health benefits of garden egg to the human body cannot be overemphasized. In some African countries, this fruit is a highly valued delicacy and constituent of African food.
It is said to symbolize fertility and blessing and thus, common to find it being served during wedding ceremonies in some African communities.
- Garden Eggs may Promote Blood Sugar Control: Adding eggplants to your diet may help keep your blood sugar in control.
This is because eggplants are high in fiber, which passes through the digestive system intact. Fiber can lower blood sugar by slowing the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body. Slower absorption keeps blood sugar levels steady and prevents spikes and crashes.
Garden eggs fit well into dietary recommendations for controlling diabetes, which include a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains and vegetables.
2. Garden Eggs Could Help With Weight Loss: Eggplants are high in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss regimen. A person who follows a high-fibre diet is less likely to eat too much, as fiber can help a person feel fuller for a longer period.
However, eggplant can absorb a lot of oil during frying. Anyone looking to lose weight should prepare it in a different way, such as by grilling or air-frying it. In Addition, eggplants are often used as a high-fiber, low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie ingredients in recipes.
3. Eggplant Helps Eye Health: Eggplant contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which appears to play a role in eye health, and it may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss in older people.
Garden egg contains small amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids which helps to protect against poor vision caused by glaucoma.
4. May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease: Due to the antioxidant content in eggplants, some studies suggest that it may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Other garden health benefits can be looked up here
Risk Factors of Garden Eggs.
Some people should not consume too much eggplant.
Nasunin and iron absorption in the body
Nasunin, a plant chemical in eggplants, attaches with iron and removes it from cells. This may be useful for people who have too much iron in their bodies. Meanwhile, people with low levels of iron should not consume large amounts of foods that contain nasunin.
Solanine poisoning
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain a chemical, called alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic to the body. Solanine is there to protect those plants while they are still developing.
Garden Eggs contain small quantities of solanine, and eating moderate amounts is unlikely to have a significant effect on the body.
Eggplant Allergy
In rare cases, one or more compounds trigger an allergic reaction. The primary cause appears to be a lipid transfer protein in the plant. Symptoms of a reaction can include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should get urgent medical help, as they may have anaphylaxis; a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Oxalates and Kidney stones
Garden Eggs contain oxalates though a low quantity than most fruits and vegetables. Oxalates can contribute to kidney stone formation in some people who are more predisposed to absorbing oxalates.
Without treatment, kidney stones can lead to acute kidney injury or kidney death.
Foods containing oxalates, such as eggplant, may not be suitable for people prone to kidney stones. Anyone with this condition should limit their intake of oxalate-containing foods.
Who should not eat garden egg?
- People who suffer from allergies.
- Pregnant Women.
- People who suffer from stomach upset
- Individuals who have liver or gall bladder.
- People with Diabetes.
- People Taking Antidepressant Medication.
Source: https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/lifestyle/c92878d6f2f5fd0a7b35ce97ff20ff4c
