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 color. There are so many other varieties that come in plain white color.
It is scientifically called Solanum melongena (botanical name). It is also called Obe - Igba by the Yorubas and afufa or anyara by the Igbos.
Garden Egg is a good source of dietary fiber, as well as other minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, folate, manganese, magnesium, copper, Vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and more.
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.
13 Incredible Health Benefits of Garden Egg (Eggplants)
1. Rich in Vitamin B
Garden egg is a natural source of vitamin 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.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Anthocyanins, nasunin, and flavonoids are important and powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants 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 color 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. Improves Immune System
Garden egg can improve the immune system. This is because it contains antibacterial properties that can help fight diseases, therefore, strengthening the body’s immune system. By blending it into a juice it allows for better absorption of all these needed elements.
4. 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. It's rich in potassium also helps 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 eggs can greatly help in preventing heart disorders.
5. Helps in Digestion
Garden eggs are fibrous fruits that help in proper food digestion and control of bowel movement. Due to this fiber content in the fruit, they reduce constipation and improve digestion.
Garden eggs are believed to be one of the greatest sources of dietary fiber 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 to digestion and consistent movement of bowels.
6. Prevents Diabetes
Garden eggs which are a source of soluble fiber and carbohydrates can help in the control and prevention of diabetes.
Foods that are rich in fiber and carbohydrates 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.
7. 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 and osteoporosis.
Garden egg also contains some amount of iron and calcium aids in reducing the chance of osteoporosis, thereby keeping your bones strong and healthy.
8. Prevents Anemia
Garden egg has been found to serve as a natural medicine for treating several health conditions such 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 to increase the red blood cell in the body, thereby aids in fighting against anemia 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.
9. Good for Cold and Cough
Garden eggs contain vitamin C which is the active element needed to fight colds, coughs, and prevent scurvy. Vitamin C on its own is essential in the human body.
10. Maintains Blood Pressure Levels
Garden eggs contain a high amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals contained in it helps in maintaining electrolyte 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 eggs helps in maintaining good blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
11. Aids Muscles
Garden egg is high in potassium content which is essential for the proper functioning of body muscles. Potassium helps the muscles contract properly and actively regulates body fluids. It also helps in transmitting nerve impulses and is generally key for cardiovascular (heart) health.
12. Promotes Weight Loss
Eating 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.
13. 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 eggs help both pregnant women and unborn children for healthy situational conditions.
Garden eggs are also rich in folic acid 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 them excellent food and useful dietary addition during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Garden eggs, when consumed excessively, have their side effects. It is not advisable for pregnant to consume this fruit regularly because of its diuretic in nature which can stimulate menstruation in them.
Consuming garden eggs regularly can also lead to acidity problems. Garden egg 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 fiber can cause diarrhea, 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 you should consume garden eggs moderately to avoid their side effects.
Health professionals have suggested that eggplants should be eaten in moderate quantity daily because of the numerous medicinal and health values found in the fruit which is important in overall health development.
One good thing about it is that it is a fruit consumed by all ages because they contain all useful properties which aid in general health promotion. It is an excellent food that more blood to our body and also provides us with lots of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body.
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