Eggplant “Aubergine”
A vegetable is a type of plant that is consumed as food. Vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are an important part of a healthy diet because they are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples of vegetables include leafy greens like spinach and kale, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Some vegetables are also considered fruits, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, because they grow from a flower and contain seeds.
Vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide many important health benefits to your body. For instance, carrots are known for being very high in vitamin A, which plays an important role in eye health, as you grow older.
Vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate that helps pass food through your digestive system. Studies show that fiber may also improve vitamin and mineral absorption in the body, which could potentially raise your daily energy levels.
Eggplant has a rich, meaty inside that takes on a creamy consistency when you cook it. The hearty texture makes it a good stand-in for meat.
Eggplant has antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which help protect your cells against damage. It’s also high in natural plant chemicals called polyphenols, which may help cells do a better job of processing sugar if you have diabetes.
Eggplant and other nightshade vegetables have the chemical solanine, which some people claim adds to inflammation and makes diseases like arthritis worse. There’s no solid evidence that the small amount of solanine in eggplant worsens arthritis symptoms. But if you notice that your joint pain flares up after you eat eggplant, avoid it.
The eggplant, or aubergine, provides fiber and a range of nutrients. This low calorie vegetable features in the Mediterranean diet.
Available from November to June.
