High in Antioxidants and Vitamins
Eggplants are a nutrient-dense food, which means they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. Eggplants also contain small amounts of other nutrients, including niacin, magnesium, and copper. One cup (82 grams) of raw eggplant contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 20
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Folate: 5% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
In addition to a wide range of vitamins and minerals, eggplants are abundant in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that aid in the protection of the body against dangerous molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants have been demonstrated in studies to help prevent several forms of chronic illness, including heart disease and cancer. Eggplants are high in anthocyanins, a kind of pigment with antioxidant effects that gives them their brilliant color. Nasunin, an anthocyanin found in eggplants, is particularly useful. In fact, several test-tube experiments have demonstrated that it is efficient in protecting cells from free radical damage.
