Everything About EggplantReading time: 6 min

Eggplant is a commonly used fruit in many Mediterranean diets; yet is also a good source of nutrients if you are following an alkaline diet or considering going alkaline.

It is high in antioxidants, which could help protect your body against disease, and stands as one of the most alkaline vegetables.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of eggplant and how it can benefit an alkaline diet.

We’ll also discuss some common questions and misconceptions about eggplant and alkaline diets and answer them in detail.

So, whether you’re considering adding eggplant to your diet or just wondering what all the hype is about, this article is for you.

Physical Description

The eggplant is a versatile and nutritious fruit. It has a firm texture and a deep, mottled green color. It is typically oval-shaped with a smooth surface and pronounced ridges. It has a long, thin, and cylindrical shape with smooth skin and a firm texture.

The color of the eggplant can vary from pale green to purple, depending on the cultivar. It has a mild but distinct flavor similar to that of tomatoes; which may surprise you when replacing tomatoes in your favorite dishes.

History and Production

Eggplants are usually grown in large fields that are often rectangular in shape and have rows of plants spaced evenly apart from each other.

Eggplant is typically cultivated using traditional methods such as seed selection, plant breeding, and cultivation techniques to produce the desired fruits.

Eggplant was first domesticated in India around 5500 years ago, though the exact origin of the plant is unclear. The fruit was then introduced to Italy by Italian traders sometime during the early Middle Ages.

In addition to its culinary use, eggplant has been known to have medicinal properties which you can still make use of today.

For example, it has been used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the airways. It has also been touted as a weight loss agent due to its high content of dietary fiber,

What is the pH Scale?

The Ph scale measures whether foods are alkaline or acidic and can steer into a much healthier lifestyle. In general, alkaline food has a pH above 7 and acidic food is one with a pH below 7.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule that you should consider – for example, milk contains lactose which is a disaccharide (two sugars joined together) composed of glucose and galactose.

Lactose is therefore an alkaline food because it contains two hydroxyl ions (OH-) which can combine with H+ ions to form water molecules.

The pH of eggplant is influenced by several factors, such as temperature, soil conditions, and plant species. The pH of eggplant can also vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions but are mostly in the range of 9.

For example, one variety of eggplant may have a higher pH than another variety due to differences in soil composition and cultivation methods.

Furthermore, it all depends on how you are planning on consuming the fruit. Raw eggplant stands at a Ph scale of 9 and 7.5 when cooked.

Nutritional Facts About Eggplant

Eggplant is a nutritious and delicious fruit that you can enjoy in many ways. One of the most nutritious parts of the eggplant is the skin, which is rich in fiber and vitamins A and C.

The flesh of the eggplant is also full of nutrients, including Vitamins B6 and E, folate, and antioxidants.

Each 100g of eggplant contains the following nutritional values.

• Calories – 25
• Vitamin B6 – 0.1mg
• Vitamin C – 2.2mg (1.3mg when boiled)
• Fat – 0.2g
• Cholesterol – 0mg
• Sodium – 2mg
• ·         Potassium – 229mg
• Carbohydrates – 6g
• Protein – 1g
• Iron – 0.2mg
• Magnesium – 14mg
• Sugar – 3.5g

Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. You can expect a mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture that makes it ideal for blending into your sauces, dips, and other flavorful dishes.

One of the benefits of eating eggplant is its high content of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in plant-based foods that have been shown to help protect against damage caused by the sun’s rays.

List Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplant is a beneficial fruit and vegetable that has many health benefits for your alkaline diet. Among the most helpful benefits of consuming eggplants in your alkaline diet, the following points stand out.

• It is high in fiber and contains vitamins B6, A, and C as well as minerals such as potassium, copper, and magnesium.
• Eggplant is also an excellent source of folate, which is important for the body’s cells to function properly.
• It contains antioxidants such as lycopene, which protect your body from damage by fighting harmful free radicals.
• Additionally, it contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
• One of the most notable benefits of eggplant is its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels in your body.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
• May aid in weight loss by helping to regulate your hunger hormones like leptin and ghrelin.

Eggplant Recipes

Aubergine Bake

Aubergine bake has many benefits for individuals looking to improve their diets. It is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium – all of which are essential for overall health.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, divided
• 8 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C, or gas mark 4). Grease and flour in a baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat together the eggs until light and fluffy.

Gradually add the milk while beating continuously. Add the tomato paste or ketchup to taste and mix well. Pour this batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Baked Eggplant Parmesan has a rich, buttery, and savory flavor and can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray. Spread one cup of the mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dish.

Arrange eggplant slices in an even layer on top, season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle evenly with Pecorino Romano cheese, parsley leaves, and Parmesan rind.

Drizzle olive oil over top. Repeat layering twice more., Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until eggplant is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

Eggplant is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to being a delicious and healthy food, eggplant benefits those following an alkaline diet. By incorporating eggplant into your daily diet, you can enjoy its numerous health benefits without having to sacrifice flavor or nutritional value. If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy dish that can help you adhere to your alkaline diet, consider including eggplant in your meals. Thanks for reading!