#51. Story Time: Do You Know that EGGPLANTs are low in calories?.50 Amazing Moms With Dr. Christiana Stephen

Written By Christiana Stephen,

Hello Moms,

I am wondering how many of us can relate to this story. Growing up in Nigeria was fun, growing up with grandma was the best part of it. Times when everything you want is at the back of your house or your garden. We had avocado, mango, waterleaf, guava, sugar cane, pawpaw, plantain, pumpkin and a lot planted around the house. Eating healthy was not something I struggled with because just behind us were all the healthy foods around.

Now what our kids are exposed to are junk foods. Hmmm, Story for another day.

One of the very nice fruit planted around the house was egg plant what we call garden eggs. Some of us are familiar with the smaller ones. Making sauce from it took like 10mins but nothing compares to the feeling of eating what’s right.

Thinking of my childhood days I decided to study about what we were exposed to-egg plant.

Egg Plant is a very nutritious plant with just 25 calories. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B1 and copper. Also a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, folate and vitamin K. Eggplant also contains phytonutrients such as nasunin and chlorogenic acid.

Some of the benefits include

Cholesterol: According to Medicalnewstoday.com research has shown that rabbits with high cholesterol that consumed eggplant juice displayed a significant decrease in weight and blood cholesterol levels. Care2.com adds that they can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. But you must cook them the right way to get these benefits. Fried eggplant soaks up a lot of fat, making it harmful and heavy. Instead, bake it at 400
Heart Health: According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating foods containing flavonoids is associated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease. Consuming even small quantities of flavonoid-rich foods may benefit human health.For centuries, eggplants have been used for controlling and managing diabetes. Modern research validates this role, thanks to the high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content of the eggplant (Care2.com).
Eggplants contain iron, calcium and some other minerals. These minerals supply our bodies all the essential nutrients required. They also contain phyto nutrients which improve blood circulation and nourish the brain. But remember—these nutrients are concentrated in the skin of the eggplant, so don’t char and throw it away.
They contain fiber, which protects the digestive tract. In fact, regular intake of eggplants can protect you from colon cancer (care2.com) and low carbohydrate.
Eggplants are good for controlling and managing diabetes.
Used in controlling high blood pressure and for stress relieve
Regular consumption of eggplant helps prevent blood clots—thanks again to Vitamin K and bioflavonoids, which strengthen capillaries (care2.com).

Nutrition Facts
Eggplant
Amount Per 100 grams
Calories 25
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.2 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 229 mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 6 g 2%
Dietary fiber 3 g 12%
Sugar 3.5 g
Protein 1 g 2%
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 3%
Calcium 0% Iron 1%
Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 5%
Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium.