THE GREEN BALL OF HEALTH

MY MIDNIGHT SNACK (The Green Ball of Health)

I got hungry last nyt and I made for my fridge.. All that interested me there was a ball of garden egg. Well, I indulged myself in its delight. Jes then it struck me that there was definitely sth about this vegetable that I probably didn't know, so I went probing. You all know i'm one to share, so here goes

We all know the obvious health benefits of the fruit but for the sake of those who don't, i'd give a brief run down:

1.). Egg plant skin is filled with fiber, potassium, magnesium and anti oxidants.

2.) It is good for eye sight and helps to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma.

3.) Maintains a healthy heart because of its rich potassium, fiber and vitamin B1 content.

4.) Garden egg helps prevent anemia in menstruating women because of its rich iron content.

5.) Garden eggs are even more effective than apples and oats in reducing cholesterol owing to its effectiveness at boosting high plasma HDL.

6.) It suppresses and in some cases cures stomach ulcers!

7.) Garden egg PREVENTS cancers, it doesn't cure it. Its high fibre, low fat and low dry matter may be instrumental in preventing atherosclerosis, constipation, colo-rectal cancers as well.

8.) Improves memory: Recent findings suggest that anthocyanins in garden egg skin protects the brain from free radical damage. Research also shows that anthocyanins inhibit neuroinflammation and facilitate blood flow to the brain. This helps prevent age-related mental disorders and improves memory.

9.) Garden egg also is a great asset in any weight loss regimen as well as for diabetics who are advised to take it liberally.

NEW FINDINGS:

Nasunin, an anthocyanin found in the vegetable chelates iron, lessening free radical formation with numerous benefits which include protecting the blood cholesterol from peroxidation, preventing cellular damage (cancer), and preventing rheumatoid arthritis.

The predominant phenolic compound found in garden egg (chlorogenic acid) is one of the most potent free radical scavengers found in plant tissues. This has

*Anti-mutagenic ( anti-cancer) properties;

*Anti- LDL properties;

*Anti-viral properties;

*Anti-microbial properties.

THE UGLY SIDE:

Egg plant has a measurable amount of oxalates which when consumed in excess become concentrated in human system and cause problems e.g kidney stones. For this reason, people with already existing gall bladder diseases or kidney problems may want to avoid eating egg plant.

NOTE: Recent researches have shown that although oxalates may interfer with calcium absorption, The ability of oxalates to lower calcium absorption is relatively small and definitely out weighs the ability of oxalate containing food to contribute calcium to the meal plan.

So, Enjoy that green ball no matter how unpleasant it may taste knowing that it's bitter taste is nothing compared to its marvelous health benefits. STAY ALIVE!