Garden egg is a type of eggplant. It is a very nutritious vegetable with the scientific name Solanum melongena. Eggplants are also known as aubergine which is an edible plant usually dark purple in colour, long and bell-shaped. This fruit is usually used in many different dishes as a vegetable all around the world. There are amazing health benefits of garden egg which you will learn about as you read on.
Although garden eggs are part of the eggplant family, they look entirely different. This fruit comes in different colours; some dark green, some white with faint green stripes, and others, yellow or cream with green stripes. It is important to note that different species of garden eggs taste different.
Garden eggs are very popular in Africa and especially, where it is used in a wide variety of dishes. Garden egg is commonly grown in the northern parts of Nigeria. This fruit serves as food and some other West African countries. It can be eaten raw with groundnut or made as a sauce for eating boiled yam or plantain. It is packed full of nutrients. Indeed, the health benefits of the garden egg are incredible!
Studies have even suggested that eating eggplant can boost overall health and well-being. And with laboratory analyses showing that the phenolic compounds in eggplant contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, and chlorogenic acid, a powerful free-radical scavenger, it goes to say that this plant is known and counted among the healthiest of plants.
Garden eggs are particularly healthy for pregnant women.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Nutrients Amount
Energy 25Kcal
Vitamin C 2.2mg
Carbohydrates 5.88mg
Vitamin E 0.3g
Dietary fibre 3g
Vitamin C 2.2mgg
Vitamin K 3.5µ
Fat 0.18g
Calcium 9mg
Protein 0.98mg
Iron 0.23mg
Thiamine 0.039mg
Magnesium 14mg
Riboflavin 0.037mg
Manganese 0.232mg
Niacin 0.649
Phosphorus 24mg
Panthotenic acid 0.281mcg
Potassium 229mg
Vitain B6 0.084mg
Zinc 0.16mg
Folic acid 22µ
Health Benefits Of Garden Egg
1. It Is Very Rich In Antioxidants.
Garden eggs are a source of phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help the body to eliminate free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells if they accumulate in large quantities). Foods that contain antioxidants also help in preventing a range of diseases.
Among the antioxidants in eggplants are anthocyanins, including nasunin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants in garden eggs add many health-promoting benefits to the human body. One of the many health benefits of garden egg is its rich antioxidant.
2. It Fights Cancer.
Studies have shown that Polyphenols contained in eggplant has anti-cancer effects. The anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid that are also present in garden eggs, help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus, preventing tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells.
It was also shown that the anticancer action of anthocyanins appears to include preventing new blood vessels from forming in the tumour, reducing inflammation, and blocking the enzymes that aid the spread of cancer cells. The fact that it fights cancer is a great health benefits of garden egg.
3. In Pregnancy
There are numerous health benefits of garden egg to pregnant women. Garden egg is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which makes it an essential part of the daily ration of every pregnant woman and necessary for the daily nutrition of both mother and unborn baby.
4. It Is Also Rich In Folic Acid.
Folic acid is beneficial to pregnant women. Folic acid protects infants(newborns) from neural tube defects that do occur. During pregnancy, the baby is taking much of the useful nutrients for himself, women often suffer from the lack of individual components in their bodies. Eating this plant can be an excellent solution to such situations.
One of the numerous health benefits of garden egg is that the folic acid content of garden eggs makes them a portion of excellent food and valuable dietary addition during pregnancy.
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5. In Weight Reduction.
Another fantastic health benefits of garden egg is the fact that it aids weight lose. Lifestyle experts have confirmed that regarding weight management and loss, dietary fibres are one of the most important factors because they act as “bulking agents” in the digestive system.
The compounds in garden eggs do not only increase satiety but also reduce appetite. Observation has also shown that eggplant helps to reduce calorie intake by making a person feel fuller for longer periods. Eating garden egg is beneficial in weight reduction because they contain low carbohydrates and calories essential for weight management.
Overweight individuals who want to lose weight or want to retain their average body weight can also add eggplant to their diet.
6. Prevention Of Liver Disorder.
The health benefits of garden egg to the liver cannot be overemphasized. This is because the antioxidants in garden egg help protect the liver from certain toxins; thereby making it a remedy for liver issues.
Garden eggs can be of much help to people who are prone to having liver disorders, as such, it is a good idea to increase garden egg consumption to prevent problems with liver functioning.
7. Blood Sugar Regulation.
Research has also shown that garden egg helps control sugar levels; making it a great dietary option for diabetic patients. It can reduce glucose absorption in the body and lower blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.
One great health benefits of garden egg is that it also possesses low soluble carbohydrates, which aids in this amazing health benefit . It is an excellent food for people who have diabetes, as it will go a long way in controlling this condition.
8. It Aids Digestion.
One of the amazing health benefits of garden egg is that it aids digestion. It improves the digestive system, beneficial for constipation and prevents bloating. Garden egg is a fibrous fruit that aids food digestion, reduces constipation and controls bowel movement, all thanks to its high fibre content.
Garden eggs are one of the most significant sources of dietary fibre, which is an essential element in any balanced diet. Fibre aids greatly in gastrointestinal health and proper movement of the bowels. Consuming garden eggs will contribute greatly to digestion and the consistent trend of bowels.
9. Vision Improvement.
The cream-colour flesh of garden egg has a pleasantly bitter taste and this is due to the presence of small amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids it contains. Its spongy consistency helps to protect from poor vision caused by glaucoma as well as improve overall vision.
Eggplant also contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein plays an important role in eye health, and it may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss in older people.
10. Cholesterol Regulation.
Another wonderful health benefits of garden egg is that the fibre content in it also helps to lower cholesterol levels in the human body, thus protecting the heart. Studies indicate that chlorogenic acid, a primary antioxidant in eggplants, may decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol and reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
11. Heart Health.
Garden eggs are rich in vitamin B1 and B6 (thiamin and niacin). These vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of the heart and cellular respiration. It is also rich in potassium which helps in blood pressure regulation. Vitamin B6 helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Consuming garden eggs can significantly help in preventing heart disorders.
Vitamin B1 deficiency leads to cardiovascular problems. Therefore, foods rich in vitamin B1 play a vital role in ensuring a healthy nervous system and improving the proper functioning of the heart.
12. Promote Healthy Bone.
Garden egg contains a good amount of potent minerals such as folate, manganese, vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin C, and copper that help bone strengthening and general bone health. Consuming garden eggs is highly beneficial in preventing the risk of bone degradation and osteoporosis.
Garden egg also contains some amount of iron and calcium that aids in reducing the chance of osteoporosis, thereby keeping the bones strong and healthy. So therefore, the health benefits of garden egg is the ability to promote a healthy bone.
13. Prevents Anaemia.
The health benefits of garden egg is that it is a rich source of iron, which helps increase the red blood cell in the body, thereby aiding in fighting against anaemia or iron deficiency.
Garden eggs are also rich in copper, another vital component of red blood cells. Consuming garden eggs help make the red blood cells flow adequately through the veins, resulting in a boost in strength and energy.
14. Blood Pressure Regulation.
Garden eggs contain a high amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals help to maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
Additionally, garden egg aids in neutralizing sodium effects in the body, thereby controlling blood pressure levels.
Other Health Benefits Of Garden Egg Are:
- It helps to treat bronchitis
- It prevents throat infections
- It boosts immunity.
- It helps protect against parasites
- It can help to release stress
- It can help to improve cognitive function
- It promotes healthy skin
- It can aid fertility
- It possesses ulcer protective properties.
Common Ways to Eat Garden Eggs
One of the most popular ways to eat garden eggs is with groundnut or its paste. When consumed in this combination, the health benefits of garden egg is greatly enhanced. Groundnuts are very rich in potassium, calcium, B vitamins and phosphorus, which offer amazing health benefits.
Groundnuts are a great blend of healthy fat, protein and fibre that curbs the appetite, lowers the risk of heart diseases and regulates blood glucose levels.
These benefits, coupled with the amazing health benefits of garden egg as discussed above, offer dual benefits and protection to the body.
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Conclusion.
In conclusion, moderation is key. Garden eggs, filled with amazing health benefits to the body, garden eggs like everything else, should be consumed in moderation, as there exists risk of side effects. I hope these article on the health benefits of garden egg was helpful and educative to you.
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