HWN Suggests

Meaty and Mighty

Eggplant is often called “meaty,” by which we mean what, exactly? Substantial? Versatile? Flavorful? All of the above, for sure (as well as tough and chewy on occasion; not necessarily a bad thing). But the comparison is no more fair to the aubergine than it would be to call a piece of beef “eggplanty.” Eggplant stands alone, a vegetable like no other. Actually, because eggplant is a fruit, like the tomato, to which it’s closely related, it’s safer to label it a food like no other, beloved and appreciated worldwide and deserving of respect, not as a meat substitute but as a treasure in itself.

read full article

Articles of Interest

Eating the Color Purple

The darker the eggplant’s skin, the more it has to offer in terms of antioxidant-rich anthocyanins. The anthocyanin phytonutrient in eggplant skin is called nasunin, and scientists have been able to isolate it and identify its antioxidant activity, particularly in protecting lipids in brain cell membranes.

Eggplant for anxiety?

Research has shown that eggplant can help calm the mind because… It is high in choline esters, which help to regulate the nervous system for a healthier stress response and reduced risk of anxiety Eggplant is also rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant that gives eggplant its vibrant purple color and also helps to fight the damaging effects of free radicals for reduced neuro-inflammation associated with stress It is also a great source of dietary fiber, which supports a healthy microbiome and has been linked to improved focus

Eggplants and your health

In addition to featuring a host of vitamins and minerals, eggplant also contains important phytonutrients, many of which have antioxidant activity. Research on a phytonutrient found in eggplant skin called nasunin, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, has shown to protect cell membranes from damage. Eggplant is among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallise and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating eggplant.

How to Get the Most Flavor Out of Eggplant

Nestle eggplants into the coals on your grill or char them on a stovetop burner. Either yields a delicious, smoky base for a tangy tomato salad, feta and herbs—a satisfying meatless meal in just 25 minutes.

Medicine in the garden: Eggplant

Eggplants are a part of the nightshade family, and while they are typically thought of as a vegetable, they are botanically a berry, as they contain seeds and grow from a flowering plant. The origin of eggplants is a little unknown. They grow wild in India and are also native to Africa and South Asia. Eggplants are also grown throughout the Mediterranean area and often feature in the cuisine of that region. When you think of an eggplant you probably picture them in as oblong and in a deep purple color, but they come in a variety of colors and shapes including white, green, lavender and striped varieties with shapes that are broad globes or long, narrow globes.

Surprising Health Benefits of Eggplant—and Tips on Eating More of It

For starters, this famous nightshade vegetable carries anthocyanins, a natural plant pigment found in several fruits and veggies that do your body a lot of good. Eggplants are also packed with fiber, which plays a role in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar maintenance in the body.

The Misunderstood Eggplant

Some people object to eggplant’s skin. That’s too bad, because the skin of purple eggplants contains its most valuable nutrient, a powerful antioxidant called nasunin, one of a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins present in many fruits and vegetables with red, blue and purple hues (berries, beets and red cabbage, to name a few). Choose the purple varieties when you shop, and leave the skin on.

There’s an Eggplant for That

Eggplant croquettes, Bolognese, adobo and pretty much everything you could want for aubergine season.

These Eggplant Health Benefits Prove the Produce Is Way More Than a Funny Emoji

As part of the nightshade family, eggplant (aka aubergine) is genetically related to peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, according to the University of Florida.

This Veg Helps Regulate Hormonal Health

If the words fiber, florets, and sulforaphane don’t already inspire thoughts of a hormonal superfood, well… they’re about to.