A Nutrition expert, Mrs Anika Mani, on Tuesday advised people to eat the fruit of the egg plant, popularly known as Garden Egg because it had numerous health benefits which are essential to the human body.
Mani,a nutrition consultant, who works at a Food Care outfit in Lagos, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos.
She said that the Garden egg with the botanical name, `solanum melongena’, was currently a fruit in season and can be eaten raw or made into a stew to complement steaming yam and unripe plantain.
“The garden egg controls glucose absorption, reduces the risk of hypertension and controls cholesterol.
“Research carried out on it showed that its consumption may be of great benefit to glaucoma patients, as it reduces eye pressure in persons with glaucoma,’’ she said.
Mani also said that the fruit was a perfect recipe for achieving weight loss, within a short period of time.
“The garden egg is very low in calorie, which explains why it is the perfect recipe for achieving weight loss, within a short period of time.
“The fruit, which is particularly very common among the Igbo tribe, is known to also have anti-cancer agents, which help to fight against cancer and other horrible diseases.
“The fruit is a very good source of dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, copper and Vitamin B1. It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium and niacin.
“Garden egg provides the body with both soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins; they are rich in thiamin (vitamin B1) required for normal growth and proper functioning of the heart and the nervous system.
“It also has niacin (vitamin B6), needed for cellular respiration.
“It is also good for diabetics because of its calorie content,’’ she said.
Mani, however, advised people to take advantage of the season by eating the fruit.
“It’s not until you are diagnosed with a particular disease before you begin to take preventive measures, start prevention earlier,” she advised. (NAN)