Already 4000 years ago malanzana was widespread in China and India. We arrived at the end of the 15th century, but did not receive a very warm welcome immediately because of the epithet that Linnaeus had attributed to her that she had the audacity to classify her as "bad apple". Fortunately it was later redeemed by a French botanist who named it the nickname of a love apple. Today it is one of the most appreciated vegetables for its nutritional properties and also for its extreme versatility in the kitchen. Not to mention that the aubergine, summer icon by definition, it is beautiful and has a striking color Last but not least eggplant is an elixir of eternal youth, for body and mind, and the secret lies in a substance that is called Nasunin which is typical of this vegetable.

From the famous eggplant parmigiana with aubergines preserved in oil, from super light grilled aubergine slices to tasty sauces with diced aubergines to dress pasta. In short, there is nothing to say, cooked in the oven, on the grill, in a pan like in a pressure cooker, or eggplant they are a tasty and versatile vegetable that lends itself to making thousands of recipes. So here are six good reasons to eat them, with a single foresight: use oil sparingly because aubergines absorb more than a sponge.

1) A tasteful diet.
The protagonist of tasty and light menus that women like, aubergines find ample space in the slimming diet menu in a healthy daily diet, because they are low in carbohydrates and calories – 18 Kcal per 100 g – and do not contain fat. Obviously, if you want to lose weight, it is better to forget to prepare them fried or to use recipes prepared with many condiments that eggplants are able to absorb in large quantities, better to focus on grilling, certainly more light but tasty.

2) Fresh mind.
Among the many beneficial substances found in eggplant – it is rich in vitamins and mineral salts – there are two particularly important ones: nasunin and chlorogenic acid. These are two antioxidants that are particularly active against free radicals that threaten the health of body cells. Research has shown that Nasunin in particular is active in protecting the degeneration of brain cells. But eggplants are a great resource for those who want to keep the active brain and the fresh mind, the mix of phytonutrients in fact acts as a booster for mental health, improving blood circulation and oxygenation. This characteristic combined with the large amounts of potassium, which acts as a vasodilator and booster, ensures that the eggplant can be considered one of the best natural food brain.

3) The color that gives well-being.
Eggplant is a mine of very powerful antioxidants against aging and free radicals and minerals. It is particularly rich in potassium and is therefore suitable for summer menus, when strong perspiration favors an abundant loss. But it is in the black purple color that the great strength of the aubergines is hidden. A color due to anthocyanins, precious substances for the blood circulation. With their antioxidant and antiradical activity, these typical aubergine pigments are beneficial in case of fragile capillaries, and inhibit enzymes that cause tissue aging and destroy collagen and elastin. A real blessing to improve the circulation and well-being of the legs

4) Light and purified.
Like other vegetables, aubergines also provide large amounts of fiber, necessary for those who want to follow a balanced diet and for those who want to lose weight. Necessary for gastrointestinal well-being, they promote digestion and stimulate peristaltic movement, which is the contraction of the intestinal muscles necessary to get rid of toxins and to fight constipation. Moreover, the large amount of fiber in aubergines quickly induces a sense of satiety, to the satisfaction of those who want to remain light without doing too much effort.

5) Down cholesterol and pressure.
Eggplants are able to lower LDL cholesterol levels and stimulate the increase of HDL good cholesterol. Reducing bad cholesterol is important for preventing heart and circulatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. And in aubergines there is a large quantity of bitter substances similar to artichoke cynarin which balance the liver function. This means that the liver can work to lower LDL cholesterol. But that's not all: the large amount of bioflavonids that are very active in lowering blood pressure is a guarantee for those who want to ensure a healthy heart and perfect circulation.

6) Health snacks for expectant mothers.
Expectant mothers know this well: for the health of their future child they must not be missed folic acid. Eggplants are an excellent source of this substance, which is so precious for the formation and healthy development of the unborn child, and are probably the most tasty and light source of folic acid that a mother can indulge even in large quantities, without fear of gaining too much weight .

Giovanna Siani
June 2018

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