The eggplant is a versatile vegetable, but you already knew that. But did you also know it is stuffed to the brim with antioxidants?
Antioxidants protect the tissue and DNA in the body against free radicals. Radicals are aggressive substances that in some cases can cause damage to cells and tissues. Antioxidants are important substances, because they can be effective against cancer, help against stress, and prevent infections. By eating healthy and varied, with lots of vegetables and fruit, you make sure your body can take up sufficient antioxidants.
The research
The eggplant for research was bought in a regular supermarket, which can be found all over West-Europe. During the research all parts of the eggplant underwent the same treatment. They were processed in a household mixer, was kept for three days in a freeze-dry environment, and 30 gram of each part was used for analysis. Scientific research shows that the number of antioxidants is not only high in the fruit's kernel, but is also very much present in the calyx, the rind, the stem, the pulp, and the leaf. All parts of the eggplant that is.
Food for thought...
Many consumers are focused on healthy food, but are not really aware of the fact that the eggplant is very healthy, and fits their bill perfectly. Purple Pride: "and what can we do to the calyx and the stem of the eggplant, now we know they are filled with important substances? Can we process it into ingredients for dishes? A powder made of the calyx, or crunchy dried eggplant leaves...To us an interesting thought, also from a 'no-waste' perspective."
For more information:
Purple Pride
www.purplepride.nl