This week it’s aubergine health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen and why they’re great to include in your diet.
The aubergine stems from the wild in India, with it first being cultivated in China. It then spread across Africa and into Italy before it was brought to the Western Hemisphere by European explorers.
Initially, the aubergine was used more for its decorative side due to its bitter taste. However, as techniques have developed to lose the bitterness it has been more popular and easier to use.
The most popular variety of aubergine looks like a large, pear-shaped egg – which is where the American name for the aubergine, eggplant comes from. It has a deep purple, glossy skin with cream coloured flesh inside. It has a slightly spongy consistency and contains seeds in the middle. It is also available in other colours, including green, orange and yellow/white as well as different shapes and sizes.
Here are a few reasons to include aubergines in your diet:
Aubergine Health Benefits
- Great source of dietary fibre and low in calories. Ideal food for those who are watching their weight.
- Its purple colour stems from the nasunin in its skin. An antioxidant protects cell membranes from damage and in particular the fats in brain cell membranes
- Nasunin helps to remove excess iron from the body – excess iron is associated with an increase in heart disease and cancer.