This week’s local food feature is eggplant. Eggplants has loads of health benefits including promoting heart health and also may prevent certain cancers due to its antioxidant properties. Eggplants which are also known as Aubergines are very rich in nutrients and minerals, they contain a good amount of fiber, protein, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin C, folate and potassium.
The rich fiber content in eggplants help to promote great digestive health when eaten and it also helps to control your blood sugar levels. When you eat a diet that is high in fiber it slows the digestion of food and keeps the blood sugar levels steady, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes. Eating Eggplant may also increase insulin secretion, in the body which can help lower blood sugar. A diet high in fiber also helps with weigh management.
Eggplants are also high in antioxidants which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and also the occurrence of chronic disease like heart disease and cancer. The enzymes present in Eggplants promotes heart health and lowers the risk of heart related diseases because it helps to lower levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides which affects the function of the heart when high.
Eggplants are very versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes with other fruits and vegetables or by itself. It can be baked, roasted, grilled or sautéed. It can be used to make lasagna, soups and stir-fried meals.
Several recipes incorporating eggplants can be found on the GFNC’s FaceBook page, along with other information on how you can eat healthier meals to live a healthier lifestyle.