Eggplant is a popular addition to a variety of meals across the world. Whether it’s served for lunch or dinner, this usually purple plant offers a hearty flavor and spongy texture. In addition, because it contains a high amount of antioxidants and a variety of nutrients (including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium), eggplant provides five important health benefits.

What Are the Health Advantages of Eggplant? 

1. Helps Fight Cancer

Eggplants contain a compound called solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs), which can kill cancer cells and possibly prevent certain cancers from recurring. They also feature polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that could protect you from getting certain cancers in the first place. 

2. Protects Eye Health 

If you care about your vision, enjoy some eggplant with your next dinner. As you age, you face a greater risk of age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can contribute to vision loss. Eggplants contain an antioxidant called lutein, which may strengthen your eyes and lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. 

3. Promotes Heart Health

Antioxidants protect the body from harmful substances called free radicals, which can contribute to illnesses like heart disease. Thus, some studies suggest that foods rich in antioxidants, including eggplant, can lower your risk of heart disease. In addition, the plant’s potassium and vitamin B-6 also promote heart health. 

4. Manages Weight

Because eggplants are filling yet low in calories, they can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eggplants are thought to be filling because they’re high in fiber, which moves through the digestive tract slowly and increases feelings of fullness. Indeed, one cup of raw eggplant features 3 grams of fiber and only 25 calories.

5. Controls Blood Sugar

Along with promoting a healthy weight, fiber can help regulate your blood sugar. That’s because it slows your body’s absorption of sugar, reducing the risk of blood sugar spikes and crashes. Polyphenols have also been shown to slow sugar absorption. Since eggplants contain both fiber and polyphenols, they are excellent for people concerned about their blood sugar. 

Craving some tasty, nutritious eggplant for dinner? Turn to Sufi's Kitchen in Atlanta, GA. This Persian restaurant offers a number of dishes that feature smoked, roasted, and sautéed eggplant, including Sufi’s Special, which combines eggplant with onion, garlic, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce. They also specialize in stews, wraps, kabobs, and scrumptious desserts like baklava cheesecake. Browse their full menu online and call (404) 888-9699 to place an order.