>
Garden eggs or egg plant (botanical name: Solanum melongena), are not particularly tasty or sweet like some other fruits but they are of immence benefits to those who eat them.
The plant, also refereed to as bitter tomato, is found through out Nigeria and cultivated domestically.
Here are seven reasons why you should ignore the bitter taste and eat this great fruit.
Weight Loss
Garden egg’s calorie content is very low and it is rich in fibre. Garden egg is a good snack that helps fill the stomach and would help anyone trying to lose or control weight from eating other high calorie snacks when hungry. Hungry? Opt for garden egg instead of a meat pie!
Prevents heart diseases
The fibre content in garden egg helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body, protecting the heart in the process. The fruit is rich in vitamins and particularly has vitamin B1 and B6 (Thiamine and Niacin) in abundance. These vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the heart and cellular respiration. The rich potassium content of the plant also helps in regulating blood pressure.
Fights diabetes
The eggplant contains low soluble carbohydrates and a lot of fibre which help to lower blood sugar levels and control glucose absorption.
Fights diseases
Garden egg is rich in antioxidants which include phenolic acid, anthocyanins, flavanoids compounds that help to protect against stress and diseases. They prevent aging, inflammations, and neurological diseases.
Anti-cancer
The anti-oxidants in eggplant prevent cancer cells from forming in the body by attacking the free radicals which cause tumors and cancers.
Digestion and bowel movement
The fibre content of garden eggs helps with digestion and prevents constipation and bloating.
Brain booster
Garden egg is a source of nasunin, which is a powerful and rare antioxidant for the brain. This helps to preotect brain cell membranes from free radical cells that can destroy them. The abundance of B complex vitamins ensures good mental health and helps the body to fight stress.