How Many Calories in Eggplant?
Knowing the nutrition facts of the foods we eat is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Eggplant stands out as a flexible and delicious option among the wide variety of veggies available. However, have you ever wondered how many calories in eggplant? You’ll be happy to know that an average serving of eggplant, which is 1 cup or 82 grams, has only 20 calories.
In this article, we are going to look at the nutrient content of this vegetable, illuminating its prospective advantages and general health. So continue reading if you’re interested in learning how many calories eggplant has and learning more about its nutritional profile.
Eggplant Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for eggplant:
- Calories: One cup, or 82 grams, of eggplant serves as one serving and has roughly 20 calories. This makes it a low-calorie snack that is great for controlling weight.
- Fat: With less than 0.2 grams of fat per serving, eggplant is naturally low in fat. For individuals trying to eat less fat, it is a good option.
- Sodium: Eggplant is suitable for people who need to decrease their salt consumption because it is naturally low in sodium. There are only about 2 milligrams of sodium in a serving.
- Carbohydrates: About 4.8 grams of carbs are present in one serving of eggplant. It might be a good option for people who eat low-carbohydrate foods.
- Fiber: A serving of eggplant has about 2.5 grams of dietary fiber, making it a decent source. Fiber assists with digestion, encourages satiety, and supports stable blood sugar levels.
- Sugars: The average serving of eggplant has 2 grams of sugar, which is naturally low. For those who are watching their sugar intake, this makes it a good option.
- Protein: Eggplant provides a tiny quantity of protein despite not being very high in it. Protein content per serving is about 0.8 grams.
- Manganese: Eggplant contains roughly 0.2 milligrams of manganese per serving. The body needs manganese for several processes, including metabolism and bone health.
- Potassium: Potassium content in eggplant is high, at about 188 mg per serving. Maintaining healthy heart and muscle function requires potassium.
- Folate: With about 7 micrograms per serving, eggplant has a negligible quantity of folate. The development and growth of cells depend on folate.
- Vitamin C: A serving of eggplant contains about 1.8 milligrams of vitamin C, which is a small quantity. Antioxidant vitamin C strengthens the immune system and encourages healthy skin.
- Vitamin K: With around 3 micrograms of vitamin K per serving, eggplant is a decent source of this vitamin. Blood coagulation and bone health are highly dependent on vitamin K.
Due to its low-calorie count and high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, eggplant is a healthy food that you should include in your diet. To find the ideal way to incorporate eggplant into your unique dietary needs and preferences, don’t forget to consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
Health Benefits of Eggplant
Eggplants, usually referred to as aubergines, not only give dishes a splash of color but also have a number of health benefits. Here are a few of the primary health benefits of eating eggplant. While being low in calories, eggplants contain a powerhouse of important nutrients. They include folate as well as vitamins B, C, and K. Minerals including magnesium, manganese, and potassium are also present in eggplants.
Antioxidants abound in eggplants, especially the powerful antioxidant nasunin, which is found in the skin. Healthy free radicals, which can accelerate aging and create chronic diseases, can injure our cells. Antioxidants assist in preventing this from happening.
There are many ways that eggplants benefit heart health. They include a lot of fiber, which helps to decrease cholesterol and strengthen the heart. Eggplants’ potassium content aids in controlling blood pressure levels as well. In addition, by stopping the blood’s cholesterol from oxidizing, eggplant’s antioxidants may lower the risk of heart disease.
Eggplants’ high fiber content can help with blood sugar control. Fiber promotes more stable blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. For those who have diabetes or are at risk for getting it, this can be especially helpful.
The high dietary fiber content of eggplants supports a healthy digestive function. Dietary fiber gives food more weight, promoting regular bowel motions and reducing constipation. Additionally, it encourages the development of advantageous bacteria in the stomach, supporting a healthy gut microbiota.
Eggplants can be a beneficial addition to a weight reduction or weight control diet due to its low calorie and high fiber content. The fiber increases satiety and prolongs the feeling of fullness, which may help you consume less calories overall. Phytonutrients including anthocyanins, which are found in eggplants, have been associated with enhanced memory and cognitive function. These elements could enhance overall brain health by defending brain cells from harm.
Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid, two substances found in eggplants, have anti-inflammatory qualities. Heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer are just a few of the illnesses that have been linked to chronic inflammation. Eat more eggplants to reduce inflammation and improve your health in general.
According to certain research, the phytonutrients and antioxidants in eggplants may have cancer-preventing abilities. These substances may lessen the risk of some cancers by protecting DNA from damage and scavenging damaging free radicals.
The antioxidants found in eggplants, including vitamin C and nasunin, aid in preventing free radicals from harming the skin. In addition, eggplants contain water, which helps to keep the body hydrated and encourages healthy, radiant skin.
Even though eggplants have several health advantages, individual outcomes may differ. Include eggplants in a balanced diet that also contains a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to completely reap the health advantages of eggplants. Always get individualized guidance from a healthcare provider or nutritionist based on your unique health requirements.