Brinjal
Brinjal
Brinjal, commonly called as Baingan and Vrintak in Ayurveda, is a nutritious food rich in minerals, vitamins and fibers and low in calories.
Brinjal might help in weight management as it is low in calories and rich in dietary fibers that help improve digestion and metabolism. It also keeps you feeling full for a longer time and help prevent overeating. Brinjal also helps manage the levels of cholesterol which helps in keeping the heart healthy. It might also help relieve pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Excessive intake of Brinjal should be avoided as it may cause stomach pain or abdominal discomfort[2-4][21][22].
Brinjal might help in weight management as it is low in calories and rich in dietary fibers that help improve digestion and metabolism. It also keeps you feeling full for a longer time and help prevent overeating. Brinjal also helps manage the levels of cholesterol which helps in keeping the heart healthy. It might also help relieve pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Excessive intake of Brinjal should be avoided as it may cause stomach pain or abdominal discomfort[2-4][21][22].
What are the synonyms of Brinjal?
Solanum melongena, Vrintakam, Bhantaki, Bhanta, Baigan, Bangan, Badne, Gullbadane, Ringana, Vengan, Kattrikkayi, Bankaya, Verri vanga, Bhanta, Begun, Vange, Vangi, Valutina, Eggplant, Baadenjaan, Badinjan
What is the source of Brinjal?
Plant Based
Benefits of Brinjal
1. Weight Loss
Brinjal is useful for weight management because it gives you feeling of satiety. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It also take time to digest and gives a feeling of fullness.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 Brinjal (purple variety)
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Taking white Brinjal helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property. It also reduces Ama and helps maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 white Brinjal.
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in case of insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Brinjal is useful for weight management because it gives you feeling of satiety. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It also take time to digest and gives a feeling of fullness.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 Brinjal (purple variety)
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Taking white Brinjal helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property. It also reduces Ama and helps maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 white Brinjal.
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in case of insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Precautions when using Brinjal
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, some traditional theories suggest to avoid Brinjal during breastfeeding[8].
Patients with kidney disease
Important
Modern Science View
Brinjal is rich in oxalates. Oxalates contribute to the formation of kidney stones. So it is advisable that patients who have a history of kidney stones should avoid consuming Brinjal too frequently[6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, some traditional theories suggest to avoid Brinjal during pregnancy. It contains certain compounds that may be harmful for the baby[8].
How to use Brinjal
1. Brinjal Salad
a. Cut thin slices of 1 Brinjal.
b. Marinate the Brinjal slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Pan fry the slices.
d. You can add 1 sliced cucumber, ½ sliced tomato and ½ onion cut in rings.
e. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste.
2. Brinjal Chips
a. Thinly slice 1 Brinjal.
b. Sprinkle salt on each slice of Brinjal and leave overnight.
c. Drain any accumulated water in the morning.
d. In a separate bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt and black pepper.
e. Brush this mixture on each slice of Brinjal.
f. Place the Brinjal slices on a baking tray.
g. Put in oven and bake at 180℃ for 30-40 minutes.
h. Cook till lightly brown and crisp.
a. Cut thin slices of 1 Brinjal.
b. Marinate the Brinjal slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Pan fry the slices.
d. You can add 1 sliced cucumber, ½ sliced tomato and ½ onion cut in rings.
e. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste.
2. Brinjal Chips
a. Thinly slice 1 Brinjal.
b. Sprinkle salt on each slice of Brinjal and leave overnight.
c. Drain any accumulated water in the morning.
d. In a separate bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt and black pepper.
e. Brush this mixture on each slice of Brinjal.
f. Place the Brinjal slices on a baking tray.
g. Put in oven and bake at 180℃ for 30-40 minutes.
h. Cook till lightly brown and crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
No, it is not advisable to eat raw Brinjal. Brinjal contains a compound called solanine and large quantities of solanine may cause neurological and gastrointestinal poisoning. The symptoms varies from nausea and vomiting to headaches and dizziness.
Modern Science View
Brinjal is an ingredient that can be consumed in many forms due to its unique texture and taste. It can be boiled, baked, braised, grilled or cooked with other vegetables. Brinjal is a storehouse of essential nutrients, fibre, vitamin B-complex, antioxidants as well as trace minerals while being low in calories and sodium. Thus, it is rightly termed as a superfood.
Modern Science View
Brinjal skin is edible. It can be eaten in smaller quantities but large amount might be difficult to digest if you have a weak digestive system.
Modern Science View
If the inside of the Brinjal is brown, then it should be immediately discarded.
Modern Science View
Soaking Brinjal in salt water before cooking reduces its bitterness and keeps it firm while being cooked.
References
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- Im K, Lee JY, Byeon H et al.In vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of eggplant (Solanum melongena) stalks in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.Food Agric Immunol.2016;27(6):758-771.
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- Hanhineva K, Törrönen R, Bondia-Pons I, et al. Impact of dietary polyphenols on carbohydrate metabolism.Int J Mol Sci. 2010; 11(4): 1365–1402.
- Das S, Raychaudhuri U, Falchi M, et al.Cardioprotective properties of raw and cooked eggplant (Solanum melongena L).Food Funct. 2011 Jul;2(7):395-9.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.