Eggplant benefits and contraindications / negative effects Eggplant, widely used in the culinary world, provides great health benefits, but it also has contraindications and side effects. Next, we detail these aspects, but first let’s know what is eggplant?
Eggplant is a species of the Solanaceae family. Although it is known as a vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
Although most people assume that the eggplants are synonymous with a purple color and a shape that resembles an egg (an oval shape), they can actually range from black, orange to white.
Each variety still carries the main health benefits of the family, although purples are said to have the greatest health benefits due to their anthocyanin content (found especially concentrated in purple foods).
It is best to select smaller eggplants with a uniform shape, as larger ones tend to be bitter. Let’s see, below, more about the benefits and contraindications of eggplant.
.
Eggplant Benefits
May help prevent the development of cancer While virtually all fruits and vegetables help prevent cancer in some way, it’s refreshing to find one that works by a slightly different mechanism.
While still relying on antioxidants for this effect, eggplants use a so-called nasunin, which does more than prevent oxidation of cells.
Nasunin also helps cells make better use of nutrients, preventing malabsorption, and actively helping transport waste out of cells.
Waste must be disposed of in the most timely manner possible, since its function is over and retention only leads to disease and ill health. This accelerated removal of waste from cells is considered a novel mechanism to help prevent the development of cancer. cancer.
May promote weight loss Similar to how it helps control blood sugar levels, brinjal can also help with your weight loss efforts.
Fiber has a suppressive effect on appetite, as it slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and easily increases the volume of food consumed.
This is partly because fiber contains water, which makes your food appear larger than it actually is. Blood sugar crashes are also a big contributor to hunger pangs and cravings, which is the main reason weight loss diets fail. Control this, and the ultimate goal is in sight!
Helps keep the nervous system healthy Manganese is an important trace mineral that helps retain optimal nerve function and conductivity. Manganese deficiency can lead to neuromuscular disorders, so it’s important to make sure you always supplement with this rare nutrient.
Helps reduce cholesterol levels Traditionally in India, brinjal is soaked in water and then drunk, as it is believed to have blood-lowering effects. cholesterol.
It turns out that this effect was true, since it has been found to help remove cholesterol that circulates in the blood and sticks to the walls of blood vessels.
Cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels reduce the diameter of the vessel and increase the chances that you will experience a stroke or heart attack.
Beneficial for the eyes Carotenoid compounds are well known for their effects on promoting eye health, however, the anthocyanins found in brinjal also show extreme potential.
Regular consumption of brinjal is associated with reduced pressure within the eyes and offers some protection against the development of waterfalls. Consumed after surgery, brinjal helps to recover vision faster than if it is not used.
Learn how to prepare eggplant water to lose weight
.
Contraindications and side effects (negative effects) of eggplant
can lead to miscarriage Eggplant is a good source of various vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc. and the presence of these compounds makes them very beneficial for our health, but eggplant is not so beneficial for pregnant women, since they contain compounds that stimulate menstruation.
Due to its menstruation inducing properties, the consumption of brinjal can also lead to absorption and for this reason, pregnant women are advised not to consume them on a regular basis and consult their doctor about the same.
May cause allergic reactions Eggplant is very beneficial for us and provides many health benefits. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some people (according to studies by the Central Food Research Institute of India). Some common eggplant allergy reactions are throat swelling, nauseaitching and rashes.
Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family which is known to cause severe allergic reactions, but the allergic reaction caused by eggplant is not as severe as the other members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes and the peppers. Allergic reactions caused by brinjal can be treated by taking common antihistamines, but if you are allergic to brinjal then it is better to avoid brinjal altogether.
Can cause acid problems Eggplant consumption can cause heartburn problems and for this reason, it is advised to avoid eggplant during pregnancy.
Interfere with antidepressant medications If you take medication antidepressants or antihypertensives, it is better to stop adding eggplant to your diet. This is because brinjal contains a small amount of tyramine which is a pressor amine that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Antidepressant medications are monoamine oxidase inhibitors that inhibit the action of enzymes that break down tyramine and remove it from the body. Consuming brinjal along with antidepressant medications can interfere with this elimination process.
An excess of potassium and fibers is not advisable Eggplant is a good source of compounds such as folic acid, potassium, fiber, etc. and the presence of these mixtures makes them very beneficial for our health. Unfortunately, excess of these compounds is bad as there are side effects associated with it.
A large amount of potassium can irritate the stomach, vomiting, can lead to hyperkalemia. Essentially, too much fiber can lead to constipation, loosening of the intestines, impaired nutrient absorption, etc. Therefore, it is also prudent to eat brinjal in moderate amounts.
It can give false positive results in the test for carcinoid tumors Eggplant can alter the test for carcinoid tumors and it is appropriate to stop taking eggplant in any case 72 hours before the test. This is because eggplant contains serotonin, which is also released by carcinoid tumors. Stopping the use of brinjal 72 hours before the tests ensures that the current reading of serotonin.
May Foster Inflammation: Eggplants contain alkaloids such as solanine, which are calcium inhibitors and cause a mineral imbalance, increasing pain and swelling. Therefore, it has been suggested that people suffering from arthritis and other bone or joint disorders should avoid eating brinjal.
It can facilitate the formation of kidney stones: the oxalates present in brinjal can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. People with kidney stones are advised not to eat brinjal. If you have any questions about the benefits and contraindications of eggplant, you can ask them in the questions section below this article.
.
Also know
Dill: benefits and contraindications
Cloves: Benefits and Contraindications
Remedies for syringomas
Foods to increase magnesium levels
Flaxseed face masks (acne, wrinkles and more)
Remedies for mucositis
Benefits of marine phytoplankton and its contraindications
video of the month