The eggplant is part of the poisonous nightshade family of plants, and if you eat it when it is immature, it can cause illness, according to the Vegetarians in Paradise website. Experts believe the eggplant originated in China. The Chinese eggplant is long and slender and has a deep purple color. It also has a sweet flavor and is best used in stir fries. The Chinese eggplant is low in calories and a good source of fiber, and it can make a healthy addition to your meal plan.
Calories
Eggplant is a low-calorie vegetable choice. Calories in food indicate the amount of energy it supplies. Eating too many calories can lead to weight gain. One-fifth of a Chinese eggplant contains 25 calories.
Carbohydrates
One-fifth of a Chinese eggplant contains 5 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fiber. Carbohydrates in food are your body's primary source of energy. A healthy diet should contain 45 to 65 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, with most of those calories coming from complex carbohydrates like vegetables. Fiber is a type of indigestible carbohydrate. Including more fiber in your diet can help manage hunger and improve bowel function. Most of the fiber found in the Chinese eggplant is soluble fiber, according to Vegetarians in Paradise. Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Women should try to consume 21 g to 25 g of fiber a day, and men should get 30 g to 38 g of fiber a day.
Protein and Fat
The Chinese eggplant is not a significant source of either protein or fat. One serving contains 1 g of protein and no fat. A balanced diet should contain 10 to 35 percent of its calories from protein, and 20 to 35 percent of its calories from fat. Your body uses the protein in your diet to help rebuild tissue, make enzymes and preserve your muscle mass. Fat in food helps you absorb fat soluble vitamins and acts as a concentrated source of calories.
Vitamins and MInerals
The Chinese eggplant meets 2 percent of your daily value of both iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that protects your cells from free radical damage. It also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein found in your skin, ligaments and tendons. Iron is a component of the protein that transports oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, your cells will not get enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and poor work performance.
References
- Melissa's: Chinese Eggplant
- Vegetarians in Paradise: Eggplant -- A Mad Apple with a Dark Liaison
- McKinley Health Center: Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet
- American Heart Association: Potassium and High Blood Pressure
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
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