Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is typically consumed in many forms. While some people avoid eating brinjal considering it to be useless (which does not have any quality), others do not like its vegetable or the dishes made from it but in reality, those people are unaware of the properties of brinjal and its benefits. In fact, brinjal contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and many other essential nutrients. It also contains antioxidants and phenolics (carbolic acid) in abundance. This is the reason why brinjal is very beneficial for bringing a glow on the face, curing heart-related diseases, enhancing memory and hair.

Types of Brinjal

Japanese brinjal-

This brinjal is thin in appearance, long in shape, and almost black in color. Its upper layer is slightly shiny. When it is cooked and eaten, it dissolves completely in the mouth and it feels a little creamy in taste. This variety of brinjal is mostly cultivated in Japan.

Chinese brinjal-

In appearance, this brinjal is also similar to the Japanese brinjal but it is a little bigger and a little sweeter than that. It has more juicy pulp and fewer seeds. This brinjal is mostly eaten roasted.

Graffiti brinjal-

This brinjal has striped and scattered marks on the outer surface. The seeds found in it are small and the skin is thin. This brinjal got its name on the basis of its appearance as it is commonly found in every shape. The special thing about this brinjal is that it can be cooked and eaten in any way. For this reason, this type of brinjal is also popular all over the world. This type of brinjal is also known by many other names such as Fairytale, Purple Rain, Shooting Stars, Pandora Striped Rose, and Listada De Gandia.

Bianca brinjal-

This type of brinjal belongs to the Italian variety. It is large, round in shape, and white in color. Its pulp is sweet and creamy in taste.

Tango brinjal-

The outer skin of this brinjal is slightly thick and the pulp is more sweet and creamy. In appearance, it is white in color and shaped like an egg. The special thing about this brinjal is that after cutting its color from white to yellow and with the passage of time its pulp starts hardening.

Santana brinjal-

This brinjal is a special type of Italian variety which is big in size and looks like a drop of water. Its color is dark purple and is mostly used for roasting, cooking.

Thai brinjal-

This brinjal has white and yellow stripes on the outer skin. It is slightly bitter in taste, similar in shape to a golf ball, and light green in color. To cook this brinjal, it is necessary to remove its seeds.

Benefits of Brinjal

For diabetes-

Phenolics (carbolic acid) present in brinjal work to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. Apart from this, the phenolic antioxidant properties present in it also help in reducing the effects of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) by reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, using brinjal in diabetes is considered beneficial.

For digestion-

In research done on food items, it has been found that brinjal made by steam cooking has the ability to induce digestive juices because digestive juices play an important role in digesting food in the body. Therefore, the consumption of brinjal helps in improving the digestive system.

For energy-

The benefits of brinjal also include giving instant energy to the body. In fact, brinjal is an excellent source of low-fat energy. Therefore, energy can be obtained from its consumption without fat. Therefore, brinjal is considered a good means of obtaining energy.

For resistance-

Elements like folic acid, zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-2, B-6, B-12) play an important role in increasing the body's immunity. According to experts, all these elements are found in brinjal. Therefore, the consumption of brinjal helps to provide the body with the ability to fight diseases, that is, to increase immunity.

For insomnia-

Dietary neurotransmitters (chemicals that aid the communication of messages in the brain) are present in brinjals, called dopamine and acetylcholine which are beneficial for brain development by removing the problem of insomnia. On this basis, the medicinal properties of brinjal work to give relief in the problem of insomnia.

For anemia-

During anemia, there is a deficiency of iron and folate in the body due to which red blood cells cannot be made in the body. During such times, the patient is advised to consume foods rich in iron and folate. Since both folate and iron are found in brinjal. Therefore, the consumption of brinjal works by making red blood cells in the body and delivering oxygen to different parts of the body.

For heart health-

Brinjal contains vitamin A, vitamin C along with B-carotene, and polyphenolic compounds due to which a powerful cardio-protective effect is found in brinjal. Therefore, the consumption of brinjal is a great way to maintain good heart health.

For memory-

Brinjal contains essential nutrients like zinc, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and iron which prove to be helpful in maintaining mental health and increasing memory. Therefore, brinjal is considered good for brain function and memory capacity.

For hair-

Brinjals are rich in vitamins A, E, folate, iron, zinc, and niacin which helps in hair growth by reducing the problem of hair fall. Apart from this, all these elements also work to keep the scalp healthy. Therefore, brinjal is also considered good for hair.

For skin-

Vitamin-A, vitamin-C, vitamin-E, fatty acids, etc. are found in brinjal which works to free the skin from problems like acne, blemishes, and freckles and protect it from ultraviolet rays. Apart from this, anti-aging effects are also found in brinjal which works by removing the signs of aging from the skin, making it soft. Therefore, the use of brinjal is also good for the skin.

Side-effects of Brinjal

• Brinjal works to improve digestion but consuming it in excess can cause stomach irritation.
• Brinjal helps in reducing blood sugar. Therefore, patients suffering from low blood sugar should consume it in limited quantities.
• Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of brinjal because an excess of brinjal in the body can cause the problem of frequent urination which can also prove to be harmful to the fetus.
• People who are on antidepressant drugs should avoid the consumption of brinjal because it can cause side effects in the body when combined with those medicines.