Eggplants are in season from July to September. They like a warm and humid climate. In ancient China, eggplant was only served to emperors in the Sui and Tang dynasties, thus it was called the longevity vegetable.
1. Prevent cancer, slow down aging
Eating eggplant increases antioxidants in your body, reduces free radicals, and slows down the aging process. Compounds found in eggplants can protect you against cardiovascular disease, scurvy, and tumors, can lower cholesterol, and help with digestion.
Eggplants are rich in protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, calcium, phosphate, and iron. They contain a high amount of vitamin P, which softens blood vessels and improves cardiovascular problems.
2. Loved by all
Greeks use a lot of Solanaceae vegetables, such as eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, in their cooking. Heart problems and cancer among Greeks are significantly lower than other European countries and America.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers eggplants a cold-natured food that cools down the body when consumed in the summer. If you get heat rash and boils in the summer, eating eggplant can greatly improve your symptoms.
3. How to store
Before you refrigerate eggplant, seal it in a zip bag. The fridge temp should be around 40°F.
Research by Monica and Hsin-Yi.