茄子,也称为aubergines,属于植物的仿生家族,并在世界各地的许多不同菜肴中使用。

虽然often considered a vegetable,从技术上讲,它们是从开花植物生长并含有种子的水果。

大小和颜色的范围很多。虽然具有深紫色皮肤的茄子最常见,但它们可能是红色,绿色甚至黑色( 1 ).

除了为食谱带来独特的质地和温和的风味外,茄子还带来了许多潜在的健康益处。

This article takes a deep look at 7 health benefits of eggplants.

1. Rich in Many Nutrients

Eggplants are anutrient-dense food, meaning they contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber in few calories.

一杯(82克)生茄子含有以下营养(2):

  • 卡路里:20
  • Carbs:5克
  • 纤维:3克
  • 蛋白质:1克
  • 锰:RDI的10%
  • 叶酸:5% of the RDI
  • Potassium:5% of the RDI
  • 维生素K:4% of the RDI
  • 维生素C:3% of the RDI

Eggplants also contain small amounts of other nutrients, including niacin, magnesium and copper.

Summary:

茄子几乎没有卡路里提供大量的纤维,维生素和矿物质。

2. High in Antioxidants

除了含有多种维生素和矿物质外,茄子还拥有大量的抗氧化剂。

抗氧化剂是有助于保护人体免受有害物质损害的物质(称为自由基的有害物质)( 3 ).

研究表明,抗氧化剂可以帮助预防多种类型的慢性疾病,例如心脏病和癌症( 4 , 5 ).

茄子特别富含花青素,一种具有抗氧化特性的色素,其颜色是鲜艳的( 6 ).

In particular, an anthocyanin in eggplants called nasunin is especially beneficial.

In fact, multiple test-tube studies have confirmed that it’s effective at protecting cells against damage from harmful free radicals ( 7 , 8 ).

Summary:

茄子中的花色蛋白蛋白很高,一种具有可预防细胞损伤的抗氧化特性的色素。

3.可能降低心脏病的风险

Thanks to their antioxidant content, some studies suggest that eggplants may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

在一项研究中,胆固醇高的兔子每天给予0.3盎司(10 mL)的茄子汁,持续两周。

在研究结束时,它们的LDL胆固醇和甘油三酸酯的水平较低,两种血液标记物在升高时会导致心脏病风险增加( 9 ).

Other studies have demonstrated that eggplants may have a protective effect on the heart.

在一项研究中,喂动物的生物或烤茄子30天。两种类型都改善了心脏功能和心脏病发作的严重程度降低( 10 ).

While these results are promising, it’s important to note that current research is limited to animal and test-tube studies. Further research is needed to evaluate how eggplants may affect heart health in humans.

Summary:

一些动物研究发现,尽管需要人类的研究,但茄子可以改善心脏功能并降低LDL胆固醇和甘油三酸酯水平。

4. May Promote Blood Sugar Control

Adding eggplants to your diet may help keep your blood sugar in check.

这主要是因为茄子的纤维含量很高,该纤维通过消化系统完好无损( 11 ).

纤维罐lower blood sugar通过减慢体内糖的消化率和吸收速率。较慢的吸收使血糖水平保持稳定,并且防止尖峰和崩溃( 12 ).

Other research suggests that polyphenols, or natural plant compounds, found in foods like eggplant may reduce sugar absorption and increase insulin secretion, both of which can help lower blood sugar ( 13 ).

One test-tube study looked at polyphenol-enriched extracts of eggplant. It showed that they could reduce levels of specific enzymes that influence sugar absorption, helping reduce blood sugar ( 14 ).

Eggplants fit well into current dietary recommendations for controlling diabetes, which include a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains and vegetables ( 15 ).

Summary:

茄子含量高纤维和多酚,这两者都可能有助于降低血糖水平。

5.可以帮助减肥

Eggplants are high in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss regimen.

纤维缓慢地穿过消化道,可以促进饱腹感和饱腹感,减少卡路里的摄入量( 16 ).

每杯(82克)生茄子含有3克纤维和20卡路里(2).

Additionally, eggplants are often used as a high-fiber, low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie ingredients in recipes.

Summary:

Eggplant is high in fiber but low in calories, both of which can help promote weight loss. It can also be used in place of higher-calorie ingredients.

6. May Have Cancer-Fighting Benefits

茄子含有几种在抗癌细胞中的潜力。

For instance, solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) are a type of compound found in some nightshade plants, including eggplant.

一些动物研究表明,SRGS可能导致癌细胞死亡,也可能有助于减少某些类型的癌症的复发( 17 ).

尽管该主题的研究受到限制,但直接应用于皮肤时,SRG被证明对皮肤癌特别有效( 18 , 19 ,20).

此外,几项研究发现,吃更多的水果和蔬菜,例如茄子,可以预防某些类型的癌症。

One review looking at approximately 200 studies found that eating fruits and vegetables was associated with protection against pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, bladder, cervical and breast cancer ( 21 ).

However, more research is needed to determine how the compounds found in eggplants may specifically affect cancer in humans.

Summary:

Eggplants contain solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides, which test-tube studies indicate may aid in cancer treatment. Eating more fruits and vegetables may also protect against some types of cancer.

7.非常容易添加到饮食中

茄子的通用性非常多,可以轻松地纳入您的饮食中。

It can be baked, roasted, grilled or sautéed and enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and a quick dash of seasoning.

它也可以用作许多高热量成分的低热量替代品。

This can reduce your carb and calorie intake, all while increasing the fiber and nutrient content of your meal.

Summary:

茄子是一个多才多艺的成分,可以前pared and enjoyed in a variety of different ways.

底线

Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits.

From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to任何健康的饮食.

它们的通用性也令人难以置信,非常适合许多菜肴。