In terms of health benefits, a garden egg is one of the most beneficial edible plants, and this is especially true for pregnant women. However, its importance is generally unknown to most people.
What is a garden egg?
Garden egg is a different term for eggplant. Also known as guinea squash, aubergine, brinjal, and melongene, this fruit is commonly formed in an egg-like shape and has a vibrant purple colour.
The shape, size, and colour of eggplant can vary from small and oblong to long and thin, including the shades of purple to white and green. Nevertheless, the dark purple version is the most popular.
Rich in fibre, low in calories, provides a range of nutrients, and is featured in many Mediterranean diet studies. Studies that suggest that you can enhance your overall health and well-being through eating eggplant.
Eggplants contain:
- Anthocyanins – a type of flavonoid that helps in keeping your heart healthy.
- Chlorogenic acid – which is a potent free-radical scavenger, making it considered as one of the healthiest plants to eat.
- Nasunin – a chemical in eggplant, helps in improving blood flow to the brain too.
If you need more convincing, our health experts here at Vivotion and our friends at Garden Buildings Direct have compiled reasons why you need to add some garden eggs to your diet.
Garden Egg Preparation
As claimed by Medical News Today, eggplants should be firm and heavy for their size, with soft and glossy skin, and an intense purple hue. If any appears wilted, bruised, or discoloured, avoid eating them.
This kind of plant must be stored in the fridge until they’re ready for use. To keep them fresher for longer, leave their skin intact when storing.
Health Benefits of Garden Egg
Fights Cancer
Anthocyanins and Chlorogenic acid, are two polyphenols that are present in eggplants, which coincidentally have anti-cancer elements. Simply put, eating the fruit can act as a protector of the cells against the damage caused by free radicals.
Eggplants help in preventing tumour growth and the spreading of cancer cells. The anthocyanins present in them prevent new blood vessels from forming a tumour, reduce inflammation, and dilute the enzymes that help cancer cells to spread.
Improves Heart Health
Eggplant is not only rich in fibre but also in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and phytonutrients, which all benefit our heart health. Moreover, a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 claimed that any foods containing flavonoids, e.g. anthocyanins, can help to lower the risk of mortality from heart disease.
In another study, it shows that those people who consumed more than three servings of fruits and vegetables a week that contains anthocyanins had a 34% lower risk of developing heart diseases than those who consumed less.
At the same time, more intake of anthocyanins can significantly help lower blood pressure.
Lowers Blood Cholesterol
Studies had shown that when a rabbit with high cholesterol devoured eggplant juice, it can significantly lower not only its weight but also the cholesterol levels in its blood.
Also, chlorogenic acid has been proven not only to decrease low-density lipid or LDL levels, but it also acts as an antiviral, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic agent.
Helps Reduce Weight
When it comes to managing your weight, lifestyle experts confirmed that dietary fibres play a significant role as they act as the “bulking agents” in our digestive system.
The compounds found in garden egg do not only increase satiety but also reduce appetite. That said, eggplant can help in reducing calorie intake by making a person feel fuller for longer.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Some findings taken from animal studies indicate that nasusin, an anthocyanin in the skin of an eggplant, is a potent antioxidant which protects the brain cell membranes against free radical damage. It also helps in transporting nutrients into the cell and shifting the waste out.
Aside from that, studies have also discovered that anthocyanins can help prevent neuroinflammation, and it facilitates blood flow to the brain. This benefit can improve memory and prevent any age-related mental disorders.
Boosts Healthy Liver
Studies have shown that a garden egg can help protect the liver from certain toxins, making it a perfect remedy for liver problems. Aside from that, it is also discovered to help control a person’s sugar levels.
As it turns out, eggplants can be an excellent dietary option for someone who has diabetes too.
Helps During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, mothers tend to experience unhealthy cravings, hormonal imbalances and habits that can affect the baby either positively or negatively.
Garden egg is ideal for pregnant women as it helps keep their hearts healthy, reduces cholesterol, prevents anaemia, avoids malnutrition, relieves stress, prevents oedema, controls blood pressure and much more.
Improves Vision
The cream-coloured flesh in eggplants contains small amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids, which makes the taste pleasantly bitter. The spongy consistency helps in protecting poor eyesight caused by glaucoma, and it also helps in improving overall vision as well.