Despite its bitter taste, the jiló has lovers in all corners of the country. Fruit of the Jiloeiro, it is cultivated mainly in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
With a rounded shape, the eggplant has a greenish color, ranging from the lightest to the darkest tones, containing important nutrients for good health, such as calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Despite being confused with a vegetable, the jiló is a fruit, and can be consumed in different ways, marking its presence with its unmistakable flavor.
8 amazing benefits of eggplant
Fruit rich in water (about 90% of its composition), this is a low-calorie food, making it a great alternative for those who follow a restrictive diet. Check out some of the most popular benefits of eggplant consumption according to nutritionist Ana Paula Moura:
- It helps in controlling diabetes: “due to its large amount of fiber and its low carbohydrate content, this fruit helps maintain blood glucose control”, reveals the professional.
- Coadjuvant in the treatment of anemia: as it is a food rich in iron, it can be a great adjuvant in the treatment of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia.
- It guarantees a healthier heart: according to the nutritionist, the eggplant is rich in vitamin B1, which acts directly in the regulation of some cardiac functions.
- Helps in the treatment of dyslipidemia: this fruit has high doses of flavonoids, compounds that help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and also prevent the formation of atheromatous plaques in the circulatory system.
- Improved oral hygiene: “thanks to its bitter taste, jiló increases salivation, a fact that helps in oral hygiene, reducing bad breath”, explains Ana Paula.
- Provides better digestion: this is one of its best known benefits. Due to its bitterness, the eggplant stimulates the secretion of more gastric juice, resulting in better digestion of food.
- It guarantees a feeling of satiety: as it has a large amount of fiber and water, this fruit guarantees a greater feeling of satiety, and can be consumed in greater quantities.
- Antioxidant function: “as the egg yolk is rich in vitamin A and manganese, it helps in the prevention of serious diseases such as cancer and degenerative diseases, by fighting free radicals”, adds the professional.
All these benefits can guarantee better health, in addition to increasing the feeling of well-being. Check its effects by adding egg yolk consumption to your food routine.
Does Jilo lose weight?
Often associated with weight loss, we asked the nutritionist about the slimming action of eggplant. Check your explanation:
“Indirectly, he does lose weight. It is a fruit rich in nutrients, but with a very low caloric value – every 100 grams of the fruit, on average, we get 40 kcal”, guides the nutritionist.
Also according to the professional, the feeling of satiety is guaranteed by the amounts of fiber and water contained in the fruit, making it “an excellent option to be used in weight loss diets, as we can use a generous and low-calorie portion”, she concludes.
How to remove the bitterness from the jiló
According to Ana Paula, a good tip to remove the bitter taste of the fruit is to cut it into four parts and place it in a container with water and a pinch of salt for about 15 minutes.
In addition, the professional reveals that the best time to consume the eggplant is when it has a bright green color and is firm to the touch. “It can be consumed with or without peel, but if it turns yellow, it should be discarded, because the more mature it becomes, the more bitter it gets”, she explains.
Recipes with eggplant that will make you see this ingredient with different eyes
Check out the following recipes that use eggplant in its preparation and prove all the benefits guaranteed by its consumption through practical and delicious options:
1. Chicken with eggplant: a tasty option, this is a typical dish from the region of Minas Gerais. With few ingredients it is possible to make a meal rich in flavors. The tip is to taste the jiló together with the chicken, the angu and the okra, so its bitter taste will be complemented by the flavor of the other ingredients.
2. Eggplant babaganoush: great alternative to accompany toast or crackers, here the babaganoushi, a typical Arab dish prepared with eggplant, gets a reinvented version. The alert is for the amount of salt used: it is necessary to remove excess salt from the eggplant after leaving it in brine.
3. Canned eggplant: a simple and easy way to taste the fruit is to serve it in canned form. For this recipe, ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, olive oil, chopped onion, salt and lemon help to bring out the best of its flavor. It is worth remembering that the longer it is preserved, the tastier the eggplant will be!
4. Jiló stuffed with vinaigrette: here the jiló is baked in the oven with a special filling containing tomato, parsley, chives, onion, salt, lemon oil, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for jiló with size a little larger than the common one.
5. Stir-fried Jiló: simple way to prepare Jiló. After soaking it in salted water, just place it in a pan with onion and garlic sautéed in olive oil and let it cook for a few minutes using the lid. To ensure even more flavor to the fruit, it is worth adding soy sauce.
6. Breaded jiló: this recipe is a great alternative for those who want to turn jiló into an appetizer. The secret to leaving the eggplant dry is to dip it in beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper and coat it in a mixture of breadcrumbs, cornstarch and oregano. Worth a try!
If well prepared, eggplant can become the highlight of the dish, either as a main ingredient or as a side dish. bet!
Contraindications and warnings about its consumption
The professional reveals that there is no contraindication in the use of jiló, “unless the person has a specific allergy to the fruit”. In this case, it is recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible. A warning of its consumption is for people who have some dysfunction in the elimination of iron, since this food has high doses of this substance.
Despite its characteristic flavor, jiló is a beautiful example of a food that has numerous health benefits if consumed regularly. Whether tasted alone or used as a special ingredient in recipes, it can promote health and well-being to the body. Try it!
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.