Vegetables tend to get a bad rap when were kids, whether its due to our taste buds being too sensitive for all the bitter, earthy flavors common to vegetables, or a general dislike for all things healthy. But as we grow and our tastes evolve, vegetables become more acceptable, even desirable. There is one veggie you can continue to shun without guilt though: the eggplant. Eggplants are, to put it plainly, shady as heck. They masquerade as a vegetable when theyre actually a berry, deceiving us all right off the bat.
According to Business Insider, the list of vegetables disguising their true fruit identities is a long one, but eggplants take their shadiness a step further by operating under aliases. Are they eggplants, aubergines, or brinjals? Guess it depends on whether youre from the U.S., Britain, or India, according to Our Everyday Life. Perhaps shadiest of all, though, is the fact that eggplants arent necessarily the nutrient-rich, figure-friendly food we all thought they were.
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
Eggplant may not be all that healthy
Although commonly used as a meat alternative, the nutritional content of an eggplant is pretty unremarkable. Healthy Eating describes eggplant as an incomplete protein, meaning its lacking one or more essential amino acids which can be found in animal protein. While eggplants are fat-free, Very Well Fit points out they are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals. One redeeming quality of the eggplant, however, is its skin (as long as you wash it first). Though it can be tough and taste bitter to some, the skin contains a powerful antioxidant called nasunin which can help improve your memory (via Taste of Home).
But, with that reward comes risk. As a part of the nightshade family, some people may be allergic or intolerant to eggplants, and eating them can possibly result in inflammation or digestive issues (via Unbound Wellness) . Eggplants also contain calcium oxolates, which could lead to kidney stones if consumed in high quantities. Finally, the last and most disappointing trick up this vegetable/fruits sleeve, is its ability to be delicious when it wants to be, but our waistlines pay the price.
Why is eggplant not good for you?
FAQ
Who should not eat eggplants?
When should you not eat an eggplant?
Why is eggplant bad for your gut?
What does eggplant do to your body?
Is eggplant bad for You?
Eggplant can be a healthful addition to a varied diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. Its polyphenols can give eggplant a bitter flavor that some people do not like. Sweating eggplant and varying seasonings and cooking methods can help.
Is eggplant bad for kidneys?
There is a concern for people who get kidney stones and include eggplant in their diet. Eggplant contains oxalates which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Individuals who suffer with kidney stones may need to limit their intake of eggplant and other foods containing oxalates.
Are eggplants healthy?
Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to any healthy diet.
Do eggplants cause cancer?
However, more research is needed to determine how the compounds found in eggplants may specifically affect cancer in humans. Eggplants contain solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides, which test-tube studies indicate may aid in cancer treatment. Eating more fruits and vegetables may also protect against some types of cancer.