Benefits, Uses and Side Effects of Brinjal (Aubergine)
Introduction
Herbs, vegetables and fruits packed with many nutrients have been playing a major role in keeping the human body healthy. Ayurveda has been used to cure diseases since ancient times. One such vegetable is Brinjal (Aubergine) – grown in almost all parts of India as well in Assam.
Brinjal is a nutritious vegetable rich in medicinal properties which is commonly used in Indian and other Asian cuisines. Brinjal is also popularly known as Eggplant and Aubergine. The plant is grown worldwide for its edible fruits.
Health Benefits of Brinjal (Aubergine)
Brinjal has special health benefits. It helps in building strong bones and preventing osteoporosis, boosts heart health and controls diabetes. Vitamin A, B, C, folate and minerals (such as- potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus) are a great source of food fiber and present in this veggie.
Wildly grown brinjals are seen in Malaysia and India. Solanum Incanum – A spiky type of brinjal plant that is often found in the dry hills of West Bengal, India. Similarly, some yellow fruit varieties of plants are seen growing wildly in Malaya. Brinjal was first grown in India. The Persians then supplied it from India to Africa when the Arabs introduced it to Spain. It is probably spreading from Spain to the rest of Europe. Today, different types of brinjals are seen growing in the warm parts of the world.
Brinjal is generally grown as an annual plant. It is a standing bushy plant that is sometimes adorned with spines. The leaves are large, ovaries, and slightly hairy. Its purple flowers are alone and are about 5cm (2 in). The fruit is a large oval with a shiny and dark purple surface that appears to be red, pink, yellow or white in color and sometimes striped.
The following article will discuss the health benefits of brinjal (Aubergine).
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Nutritional value of per 100g Brinjal
- Energy: 104 kJ (25 kcal)
- Carbohydrates: 5.88 g
- Sugars: 3.53 g
- Dietary fiber:3 g
- Fat: 0.18 g
- Protein: 0.98 g
- Vitamin
- Thiamine (B1): 0.039 mg
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.037 mg
- Niacin (B3): 0.649 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5): 0.281 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.084 mg
- Folate (B9): 22 μg
- Vitamin C: 2.2 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.3 mg
- Vitamin K: 3.5 μg
- Minerals
- Calcium: 9 mg
- Iron: 0.23 mg
- Magnesium: 14 mg
- Manganese: 0.232 mg
- Phosphorus: 24 mg
- Potassium: 229 mg
- Zinc: 0.16 mg
- Other constituents
- Water: 92 g
Different Regional Names of Brinjal
- Assamese : Bengena
- Tamil : Kathirikai
- Malayalam : Vazhuthananga
- Telugu : Vankaya/San Vankaya
- Hindi : Baingan / Ringna
- Bengali : Begun
- Gujarati : Baingan / Ringna
- Marathi : Vange
- Odia : Baigan / Baigana
- Punjabi : Bataun / Baingan
- Kashmiri : Waangum
Scientific Classification of Brinjal
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade:Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Solanales
- Family: Solanaceae
- Genus: Solanum
- Species: S. Melongena
- Scientific name: Solanum melongena
Benefits of Brinjal
1. Promotes Bone Health
Brinjal contains a compound called ‘phenolic’ which prevents osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density. The presence of calcium and potassium in brinjals helps in improving bone health and overall strength.
2. Enhances Brain Function
Brinjal is a good source of Phytonutrients, which enhances cognitive function and mental health. Consumption of brinjal increases blood flow to your brain, boosts memory and analytical thinking. It is also known as brain food, as potassium present in this veggie acts as a vasodilator and brain protector.
3. For A Healthy Heart
The abundance of bioflavonoids in brinjals is enough to lower blood pressure, thereby reducing stress and pressure on the cardiovascular system and improving heart health. The chlorogenic compounds of brinjal are known for high antioxidant activity that helps in reducing cholesterol in LDL.
4. Controls Diabetes
Brinjal is the best food for controlling diabetes because of its high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content. Brinjals help in controlling glucose and insulin activity within the body and preventing blood sugar growth.
5. Strengthens Blood Vessels
Regular intake of brinjal helps prevent blockage in the blood vessels, due to the presence of vitamin K which strengthens blood vessels in the body.
6. Aids Weight Loss
Brinjal becomes an ideal option for weight loss due to high water content and low calories. In addition, being a good source of fiber, it makes you full for a long time throughout the day. It also reduces LDL accumulation; thereby it improves metabolism and helps the body maintain a balanced weight.
7. Improves Eye Health
Abundance of lutein and antioxidants in brinjals helps to reduce fluid production within the eyes, thereby reduces stress and treats and manages glaucoma. Regular consumption prevents age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness and vision weakness. It improves blood flow in the retina, protects nerve cells and improves vision.
8. Improves Skin Health
Being rich in vitamins, minerals, anthocyanins (natural plant compounds) and antioxidants, brinjal is a magical remedy for all skin problems. It rejuvenates the skin but also brightens the skin tone and helps it shine from within. It is also very beneficial in treating various symptoms of skin problems and aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, spots etc.
9. Cancer
Brinjal polyphenols can help protect the body from cancer. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acids protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. In the long run, it can help prevent tumor growth and cancer cell spread.
10. For Anemia
People with anemia suffer from headaches, migraines, fatigue, weakness, depression and cognitive disorders. Brinjal being a rich source of iron helps in fighting anemia and the symptoms that result from it. Brinjal contains copper which helps in increasing the count of red blood cells simultaneously with iron. Adequate amounts of red blood cells are required to prevent stress and fatigue and feel strong.
Read Also: Anemia Disease – Overview, Symptoms, Causes and Remedy
Uses of Brinjal (Aubergine)
Brinjal can be prepared in various ways for eating purposes; you can bake it, make fritters of it, paste and make dips of it, or you can also add it with other veggies. Brinjals can also be pickled.
Side Effects of Brinjal
Consuming this vegetable in large quantities despite its health benefits can have some harmful effects on your body. ‘Nasunin’ in brinjal is a phytochemical that can bind and remove iron from the cells. Kidney stones can be caused by oxalate of this vegetable. Brinjal belongs to the ‘Nightshades’ vegetable family and if consumed in large quantities, some people may have an allergic reaction.
Excessive consumption of brinjal may show side effects such as-
- Can stimulate menstruation
- May lead to Abortion
- May cause acidic problems
- Can cause allergic reaction
- May contain Nicotine
- Too Much Potassium And Fibers content may adversely affect the health
- Interferes With Antidepressant Drugs
- May Give False Positive Result In Carcinoid Tumors Test
It should be consumed in the right quantity keeping in view the benefits and disadvantages of brinjal as excessive use of any product can harm our health. You must consult a doctor before consuming brinjal as medicine for any serious health issue.
Conclusion
Through this article, you must have got a brief detail about the benefits and other related information about brinjal. Keep in mind that this information is only for knowledge purposes. Please consult your doctor if you are facing any serious health issues. Thank You!
FAQ
1/ Which vitamin is found in brinjal?
Ans: Brinjal contains vitamin C, K, and B6 and sufficient amounts of potassium, manganese and fiber.
2/ Who should not eat brinjal?
Ans: Brinjal contains a compound called ‘Solanine’. Excessive consumption of Solanine may lead to symptoms of arthritis such as inflammation, pain and joint stiffness. So it is generally recommended that people with arthritis should avoid eating brinjals.
3/ Does brinjal have side effects?
Ans: Eating leaves or tubers of this plant can cause symptoms such as neck irritation, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmia.
4/ Is brinjal good for the liver?
Ans: According to a study, eating brinjal can reduce the risk of LDL levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These vegetables contain nutrients and antioxidants that can improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
5/ Is brinjal good for the eyes?
Ans: According to recent studies, researchers have found that the chemicals inside brinjals are extremely beneficial for your eye health as it helps in reducing Intraocular Stress. It is particularly helpful for people suffering from Glaucoma.