Health/Fitness Lifestyle

10 Nutritional Value of Garden Egg

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Garden egg is a type of eggplant and widely eaten food crop in Africa. The small bulb-shaped vegetable has a slightly bitter taste and is either white or green in colour. Often called an eggplant, though they belong to the same family, they are not the same. The garden egg is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa, whereas the eggplant is indigenous to North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and is dark purple in colour. Specifically, the garden egg is a scarlet eggplant belonging to the Solanum aethiopicum genus.garden eggs

Garden eggs are largely grown in tropical regions like West Africa. This plant fruit requires warm temperatures for optimum growth and development. Garden eggs have also been recorded to grow in drained soil, high in organic matter with the farm close to an adequate water supply. Garden eggs begin to bear fruits around 2 months after transplanting and can continue to bear fruits for up to 3 more months. The bitter bulb our parents eat, and we shy away from are packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, minerals and more and it’s affordable.

Garden eggs are largely sold in local markets, farmer’s markets and supermarkets as well. Depending on where you make your purchase, garden eggs may be sold per kilo, or per bulb. The garden egg can be stored for up to three months by drying which is good because it best fits the fact that not many marketers have access to refrigerators or other storage tools. Countries, where garden eggs are majorly consumed, include Ghana, Nigeria, Benin Republic and more. Keep reading as I explore the numerous nutritional benefits of the garden egg.

  1. Weight Loss

Garden eggs are highly recommended for weight loss diets because of its high fiber content. Fiber fills you up faster, causing you to eat less than you normally would. Green garden eggs work better for weight loss as opposed to the white ones. This fruit classified as a vegetable is also low in cholesterol and protein, further hindering significant or rapid weight gain.

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garden eggs

  1. Prevents Heart Diseases

Garden egg is rich in vitamins which help the heart function. It contains soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. It is rich in Vitamin B1 which is essential for proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Vitamin B6 is also present to aid cellular respiration. Overall, garden egg reduces the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

  1. Helps During Pregnancy

What a mother ingests affects the baby she carries. Pregnancy can result to unhealthy cravings, habits and hormonal imbalances which can either affect the baby positively or negatively. Garden egg is good during pregnancy because its components help keep a healthy heart, reduces cholesterol, avoid malnutrition, prevent anemia, relieve stress, prevent edema, control blood pressure and more.

  1. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

The high fiber content of the garden egg reduces cholesterol levels in the body. This protects the heart from potential heart diseases and the arteries from clogging and blocking proper blood flow.

  1. Good for Digestion

Garden egg is high in fiber content and water which ease digestion. It digests food particles faster. This will increase the body’s metabolism rate, speed up digestion and reduce weight gain. If you’re on the fit fam trend and worried about your food not digesting quickly, add some garden eggs, however you wish to and it will work magic.

garden eggs

  1. Lowers Blood Sugar Level

The garden egg contains element the reduce glucose absorption to the body. This reduces blood sugar levels and is great for diabetic patients who constantly must monitor these levels.

  1. Good for Cold and Cough

Garden eggs contain vitamin C which is the active element needed to fight colds, coughs and prevent scurvy. Vitamin C on its own is essential in the human body.

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  1. Improves Immune System

Garden egg can improve the immune system. This is because it contains antibacterial properties which can help fight diseases, therefore, strengthening the body’s immune system. By blending it into a juice it allows for better absorption of all these needed elements.

garden eggs

 

  1. Strengthen Bones

Both the old and young need strong bones and a strong body. Garden eggs provide a substantial amount of calcium and phosphorus which are essential for strengthening bones and teeth.

  1. Aids Muscles

 

Garden egg is high in potassium content which is essential for proper functioning of body muscles. Potassium helps the muscles contract properly and actively regulates body fluids. It also helps in transmitting nerve impulses and is generally key for cardiovascular (heart) health.

Africa is wealthy because it is home to numerous healthy foods and more. Garden eggs are small but mighty health wise. They are super affordable and can be found in almost every African market in regions where it is grown. Rather than wondering why the foreign diet plans didn’t work, why not look at key nutrients you need and adapt them to your region based on food indigenous to where you live. Garden egg is on fruit with many surprising seeds.