Eggplant flour: 7 reasons to include it in your diet

Eggplant flour has been widely used in soups, juices, smoothies, yogurts and to make breads, hamburgers and cookies. After all, eggplant is grown all over the world and can provide significant nutritional benefits. Next, we’ll learn more about its benefits and how the flour is extracted. Follow the article!

How is eggplant flour made?

First, it is necessary to wash the eggplants well, and then they are cut into thin slices and placed in a form. The next step is to take them to the oven for about 1 hour and a half, until they are dry. Soon after this process, the eggplants are crushed to a powder and stored in sterilized and dry containers.

7 benefits of eggplant flour

We talked to nutritionist and phytotherapist Adriana Stavro (CRN 43576), who explains about the properties and benefits that flour provides to health. Check it out:

1. Prevents disease: according to the nutritionist, “eggplant has the potential to provide health benefits, associated with the prevention or reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.” In addition, it has lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, substances that reduce age-related muscle degeneration, cataracts and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Decreases the absorption of sugar in the body: the fiber present in food slows the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body, keeping glucose levels more stable. “When insulin levels are stable, without drastic drops and spikes in blood sugar, the potentially dangerous side effects of diabetes can be avoided.”
3. It is rich in carotenoids: including the vegetable in the diet of children can help reduce vitamin A deficiency, due to the high content of carotenoids.
4. Reduces cholesterol: according to the nutritionist, “anthocyanins present in eggplant skin reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL lipoprotein (good cholesterol).”
5. It is rich in antioxidants: it has a high content of antioxidants, capable of neutralizing free radicals and cellular oxidation.
6. It has therapeutic effect: Several studies show that eggplant has excellent therapeutic effects on warts, burns and many inflammatory diseases such as stomatitis, arthritis and gastritis.
7. It has low caloric value: eggplant has only 25 kcal per unit (100 grams), being a great ally for those who are on a diet.

According to the USDA (US Department of Agriculture), eggplant has a high water content, has almost no fat and is a source of vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium and manganese. In other words, there are only benefits!

Nutritionist clarifies doubts about eggplant flour

Doubts about consumption and the effects of food on the body are common. Therefore, we consulted nutritionist Vanderli Marchiori (CRN 33343) to answer recurring questions. Follow:

Eggplant flour for weight loss?

For the nutritionist, no flour used alone will make you lose weight, but “the change in lifestyle, including more vegetables in the diet and reducing the consumption of fried foods and sugars, in addition to exercising regularly.”

Are there any contraindications to eggplant flour?

So far, no damage to health caused by the consumption of this flour has been attested.

What is the best way to consume eggplant flour?

“It can be mixed in conventional preparations, such as farofas, bread doughs and cakes, always mixed with other flours in a proportion of up to 20% so that there are no changes in the flavor and/or texture of the preparations”, guides Vanderli.

Is eggplant flour in capsules effective?

The capsule can help control cholesterol when made with standardized eggplant extract, but from the flour, there is no scientific proof.

Is it recommended to take eggplant flour with water?

According to the nutritionist, “there is no reason to consume it this way. But it can be associated with other dishes, as mentioned earlier.”

Although the vegetable has no contraindications, it is not recommended to consume large amounts daily. Consumption of more than 3 eggplants a day can cause side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and migraine.

Eggplant flour recipes

Eggplant is a delicious and versatile vegetable, rich in nutrients and low in calories. Its flour can be consumed in several ways, including replacing white flour. Next, you will learn how to make delicious and healthy recipes with this ingredient.

Eggplant Flour Bread: If you love bread but are looking for a healthier option, this recipe is perfect. In addition to eggplant flour, it contains whole sesame and does not require the use of white flour.

Pizza with eggplant flour: can you imagine making a light and very tasty pizza? With eggplant flour, it is possible to make a light, delicious dough with light mozzarella filling. Worth doing at home!

Banana cake with eggplant flour: this fit recipe is very simple and practical to make, as well as being very suitable to consume when you are feeling hungry. The combination of banana and eggplant flour makes the recipe even more nutritious and tasty.

Rain cupcake with eggplant flour: who has never had that delicious rain cupcake made by grandma? You can make the recipe with healthy and whole ingredients, and best of all, the dumpling is not fried and is very easy to make. Enjoy and delight yourself with that coffee made on time!

Indeed, eggplant flour makes a great contribution to healthy eating, as well as being an ingredient that can be used for many delicious and easy-to-make dishes. Enjoy and also see the benefits that millet provides for your health.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.