The benefits of eggplant: why eat it?
Eggplant is a vegetable to include on the menu, thanks to its anthocyanin pigments (antioxidants), diuretic action and high trace element density.
A hotbed of antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules believed to be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other age-related illnesses. Eggplant is considered to have a high antioxidant potential, and its potential benefits are beginning to be analyzed. Phenolic acids are one of eggplant’s main antioxidant classes, the most abundant of which is chlorogenic acid. Eggplant, especially if its skin is dark, is also rich in antioxidant pigments of the anthocyanin class.
A good source of manganese
Raw eggplant is a source of manganese. It acts as a cofactor for several enzymes that facilitate a dozen different metabolic processes. It also helps prevent damage caused by free radicals.
Rich in copper
Eggplant is a source of copper. As a constituent of several enzymes, copper is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and collagen (a protein used for tissue structure and repair) in the body. Several copper-containing enzymes also contribute to the body’s defense against free radicals.
Good source of vitamins B1 and B6
Boiled eggplant is a source of vitamin B1. Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is part of a coenzyme needed for energy production, mainly from the carbohydrates we ingest. It is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and promotes normal growth.
Boiled eggplant is a source of vitamin B6. Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is one of the coenzymes involved in protein and fatty acid metabolism, as well as in the synthesis (manufacture) of neurotransmitters (messengers in nerve impulses). It also contributes to the manufacture of red blood cells, enabling them to carry more oxygen. Pyridoxine is also necessary for the transformation of glycogen into glucose, and helps the immune system function properly. Finally, this vitamin plays a role in the formation of certain nerve cell components and in the modulation of hormone receptors.
