By CHISOM IBEMERE
The nutritional benefits of garden egg to human diet cannot be overemphasized. Garden egg is also known as egg plant and majorly used in ceremonies especially in the Eastern part of Nigeria.
They are found in great quantities in the Western Africa, especially in Nigeria. The leaf is called Akwukwo Anyara in Igbo while the seed is known as Mkpuru Anyara, Edo Igbo in Yoruba and Gauta in Hausa.
They are rich in Vitamins and minerals. They are rich in dietary fibre which aids food digestion, controls bowel movement and prevents constipation.
They have phytonutrients and antioxidants such as the anthocyanins, flavonoids and nasunin. They help to protect the organs from toxins. It helps in reduction of glucose absorption in the body and thereby very good for diabetic patients.
The flesh of the garden egg is rich with an alkaloids that helps to improve vision. The leaf is loaded with essential Vitamins and Minerals that helps to improve health. They help in blood circulation.
Garden egg contains essential nutrients which are good for pregnant women. They contains folic acid which protects the baby from neural tube defects. They also help to improve fertility.
Garden eggs are good sources of minerals like Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnessium and may help to strengthen bone and prevent disease like Osteoporosis.
Garden eggs are used for the treatment of several ailments like headaches, Colic, bronchitis etc. They contains iron and copper that helps to improve red blood cells in the body which are good for people with anemia.