Serve up some nutritious eggplant parm, c’mon.

Eggplant Nutrition Information

Eggplants can be a surprisingly divisive vegetableyou either love em or hate em.

It could be its stark difference in textures: The insides are soft, while the skins are chewier.

Eggplants on a pink background

Photo:Alexat25/Getty Images

But eggplant doesn’t only taste amazing; it’s also packed with key vitamins and nutrients.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of eating eggplants.

Both anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid act like antioxidants in your body.

Real Simple.com, “April Staple” Sesame Seeds -Roasted Eggplant with Miso and Sesame Seeds

Antonis Achilleos

Caldwell adds that fiber is important for healthy bowel movements and supporting healthy gut bacteria.

Additionally, potassium counters the effect of sodium, which raises blood pressure.

The body uses manganese to produce enzymes that break down carbohydrates and fat into smaller, usable components.

Eggplant and Tofu Stir-Fry

José Picayo

This lesser-known mineral also plays a part in producing antioxidants to prevent high levels of ROS in the body.

Boosts Brain Health

Eggplant is a major source of nasunin and various phytonutrients.

Nasunin is known to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage.

They have also been recognized for boosting mood and reducing anxiety.

Antioxidants like nasunin, for example, protect the skin cells from damage brought on by free radicals.

Meanwhile, the high water content in eggplants helps keep the skin hydrated and gives it a supple appearance.

Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C in eggplant, also promote skin repair and regeneration.

If you notice any inflammation after eating eggplant, don’t reach for more.

It can cause flare-ups in people with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Some people may also have allergic reactions to eggplants.

Eggplant Recipes You’ll Love

Eggplant is a good low-carb substitute for many foods.

That’s because it’s so versatile and nutritious.

Eggplant can be cooked in a number of wayssome healthier than others.

Want to eat more eggplants but not sure how to get started?

Here are a few of our favorite eggplant recipes for all appetites and diets.

Rice vinegar, chili paste, and fresh ginger also add flavor to it.

These chunks of sliced-up eggplant will be ready in just 45 minutes.

Eggplant and Tofu Stir-Fry

Eggplant and firm tofu combine for a favorite vegetarian stir fry.

It adds a sort-of-soft crunch to a rice bowl.

“Eggplant, raw.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2014;30(1):11-26. doi:10.1007/s12291-014-0446-0

Soliman GA.Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease.Nutrients.

2019;11(5):1155. doi:10.3390/nu11051155

USDA.Eggplant, raw.

Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO.The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre.Nutrients.

2020;12(10):3209. doi:10.3390/nu12103209

National Lipid Association.Adding Soluble Fiber to Lower Your Cholesterol.

Harvard School of Public Health.

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.

Harvard School of Public Health.Manganese.

Fujita, T. et al.

Karhu, E. et al.

“The effects of twenty-one nutrients and phytonutrients on cognitive function: A narrative review.

“Journal of Clinical and Translational Research.

Hosseinzadeh, H. et al.

“Effect of eggplant (Solanum melongena) on the metabolic syndrome: A review.

“Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.

“Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases.”

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.

Braga, P. et al.

“Nasunin, a new player in the field of osteoblast protection against oxidative stress.

“Journal of Functional Foods.

Bechara, N. et al.

“A Systematic Review on the Role of Vitamin C in Tissue Healing.“Antioxidants.

Baj J. et al.

“Nutritional Supplements for Skin HealthA Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why.“Medicina.

“What You Should Know About Nightshades and Arthritis.”

Babu, B. et al.

“Clinico-Immunological Analysis of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Allergy Indicates Preponderance of Allergens in the Peel.

“World Allergy Organ Journal.

“Kidney Stones.”