Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts of Tropical Garden Egg (eggplants)

Garden Egg is a good source of dietary fibre, as well as other mineral and vitamins such as vitamin B1, potassium, folate, manganese, magnesium, copper, Vitamin B6, niacin and other various secrete nutrients that you can read below.
Garden Egg is a good source of dietary fibre, as well as other mineral and vitamins such as vitamin B1, potassium, folate, manganese, magnesium, copper, Vitamin B6, niacin and other various secrete nutrients that you can read below.

Health Benefits Garden Egg:
1.    Promotes Weight Loss
Eating of eggplant especially the greenish type is beneficial in weight reduction because they contain low carbohydrates and calories essential for weight management.
Overweight individuals who want to lose weight or those who wish to retain their normal body weight can add eggplant to their diet as well.

2.     Rich in Antioxidants
Anthocyanins, nasunin and flavonoids are important and powerful phytonutrients andantioxidants in eggplants that help to protect the body system and add many health-promoting benefits to the human body.
Anthocyanins are responsible for the deep purple colour of eggplants and also helps in preventing the development of cancer as well as other diseases that result in bacteria.
Anthocyanins found in eggplants possess antioxidant properties that are responsible for protecting the whole body system.
  
3.       Rich in Vitamin B
Garden egg is a natural source ofvitamins B’s such as thiamin, niacin, B6 and pantothenic acid that helps the body in the proper use of fat and protein; and also contributes to the nervous system positively.
Vitamin B plays a vital role in promoting good health and well-being. It helps in brain development and also helps in making sure that the immune and nervous system works properly.
Regular consumption of eggplants provides you with enough vitamin B needed by the body.

4.       Promotes Healthy Bone
They contain a good amount of potent minerals such as folate, manganese, vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin C and copper that help in bone strengthening and general bone health.
Consuming eggplant regularly is highly beneficial in preventing the risk of bone degradation andosteoporosis.
Garden egg also contains some amount of iron and calcium aids in reducing the chance of osteoporosis, thereby keeping your bones strong and healthy.

5.       Helps in Digestion
Garden eggs are fibrous fruits that help in proper food digestion and controlling of bowel movement. Due to this fibre content in the fruit, they reduce constipation and improve digestion.
Garden eggs are believed to be one of the greatest sources of dietary fibre which is an essential element in any balanced diet.
Fibre aids greatly in gastrointestinal health and proper movement of bowels. Consuming eggplants will contribute a lot in digestion and consistence movement of bowels.

6.       Good for Pregnant Women
These fruits are packed with minerals, vitamins and other nutritional properties that play a key role during pregnancy.
The properties in garden egg help both pregnant women and unborn children for healthy situational conditions.
Garden eggs are also rich in folicacid which is beneficial to pregnant women. Folic acid protects infants from neural tube defects that do occur.
Garden eggs are rich sources of folic acid, which makes it an excellent food and useful dietary addition during pregnancy.

7.       Prevents Anemia
Garden egg has been found to serve as a natural medicine for treating several health conditionssuch as bronchitis, colic (pain in the abdomen caused by obstruction of the intestine); stress relief, headache and others, if consumed daily.
Garden egg is a rich source of iron, which helps in increase in the red blood cell in the body, thereby aids in fighting against anaemia or deficiency in iron.
Garden eggs are also rich in copper, another important component of red blood cells. Consuming garden eggs helps in making the red blood cells to flow adequately through your veins, thereby causing a boost in strength and energy.

8.       Prevents Diabetes
Garden eggs which are a source of soluble fibre and carbohydrates can help in the control and prevention of diabetes.
Foods rich in fibre and carbohydrate help in the regulation of blood sugar levels and glucose absorption.
It is an excellent food for people suffering from diabetes, as it will go a long way in the reduction and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

9.       Maintains Blood Pressure Levels
Garden eggs contain a high amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. These minerals contained in it helps in maintainingelectrolyte balance in our body.
It aids in neutralizing sodium effects in the body, thereby controlling blood pressure levels.
An antioxidant in garden eggs known as chlorogenic acid also helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
Therefore regular consumption of garden egg helps in maintaining a good blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

10.    Prevents heart diseases
Garden eggs are rich in vitamin B1 and B6 (thiamin and niacin). These vitamins are essential in the body for the proper functioning of the heart and cellular respiration. Its rich in potassium also help in blood pressure regulation.
Vitamin B1 deficiency leads to cardiovascular problems. Therefore foods rich in vitamin B1 play a vital role in ensuring a healthy nervous system and improve the proper functioning of the cardiovascular.
Vitamin B6 helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Consuming garden egg can greatly help in preventing heart disorders.

Nutritional Values of Garden Eggs

Nutrients
Amount
Energy
25 Kcal
Vitamin C
2.2 mg
Carbohydrates
5.88 g
Vitamin E
0.3 g
Dietary fiber
3 g
Vitamin K
3.5 µg
Fat
0.18 g
Calcium
9 mg
Protein
0.98 g
Iron
0.23 mg
Thiamine
0.039 mg
Magnesium
14 mg
Riboflavin
0.037 mg
Manganese
0.232 mg
Niacin
0.649 mg
Phosphorus
24 mg
Panthothenic acid
0.281 mcg
Potassium
229 mg
Vitamin B6
0.084 mg  
Zinc
0.16 mg
Folic acid
22 µg


Where can it be found?
Garden Egg is an edible fruit that is commonly grown in the northern parts of Nigeria, though it has other types/varieties such as the Aubergines which is a type of eggplant in South Africa and Asia, and has a purple colour. There are so many other varieties that come in plain white colour.
These fruits serve as food in Nigeria and some other West African countries, they can be eaten raw with groundnut or made as a sauce for eating boiled yam or plantain; either way, garden eggs are eaten to supply the body with enough nutrients as contained in them.

Side Effects
Garden eggs when consumed excessively have its side effects. It is not advisable for pregnant to consume this fruit regularly because of its diuretic in nature which can to stimulation of menstruation in them.
Consuming garden egg regularly can also lead to acidity problems. Garden egg which is a good source of potassium is good but there are side effects if taken excessively.
Too much potassium can cause vomiting, stomach upset, excess fibre can cause diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty in nutrients absorption.
Garden egg belongs to the family plant of nightshade causing allergies like nausea, itchiness, rashes and swelling of the throat. Therefore it is advisable you consume garden eggs moderately to avoid its side effects.