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Brinjal
Brinjal
Brinjal or commonly known as Baigan is known as Vrintak in Ayurveda. Brinjal has good antioxidant, digestive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps lower the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. Brinjal has high fibre content and helps in weight management[2-4][21][22].
What are the synonyms of Brinjal?
Solanum melongena, Vrintakam, Bhantaki, Bhanta, Baigan, Bangan, Badne, Gullbadane, Ringana, Vengan, Kattrikkayi, Bankaya, Verri vanga, Bhanta, Begun, Vange, Vangi, Valutina, Eggplant, Baadenjaan, Badinjan
What is the source of Brinjal?
Plant Based
Benefits of Brinjal
1. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Taking white Brinjal helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property. It also reduces Ama and helps maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 white Brinjal.
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
2. Weight Loss
Brinjal is useful for weight management because it gives you feeling of satiety. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It also take time to digest and gives a feeling of fullness.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 Brinjal (purple variety)
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in case of insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Taking white Brinjal helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) property. It also reduces Ama and helps maintain normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 white Brinjal.
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
2. Weight Loss
Brinjal is useful for weight management because it gives you feeling of satiety. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It also take time to digest and gives a feeling of fullness.
Tips:
a. Cut thin slices of 1 or 2 Brinjal (purple variety)
b. Marinate the slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Shallow fry the slices.
d. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste.
3. Insomnia
Anidra (Insomnia) is associated with an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in case of insomnia due to its Vata balancing and Guru (heavy) nature.
Precautions when using Brinjal
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, some traditional theories suggest to avoid Brinjal during breastfeeding[8].
Patients with kidney disease
Important
Modern Science View
Brinjal is rich in oxalates. Oxalates contribute to the formation of kidney stones. So it is advisable that patients who have a history of kidney stones should avoid consuming Brinjal too frequently[6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, some traditional theories suggest to avoid Brinjal during pregnancy. It contains certain compounds that may be harmful for the baby[8].
FAQs about Brinjal precautions
How to use Brinjal
1. Brinjal Salad
a. Cut thin slices of 1 Brinjal.
b. Marinate the Brinjal slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Pan fry the slices.
d. You can add 1 sliced cucumber, ½ sliced tomato and ½ onion cut in rings.
e. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste.
2. Brinjal Chips
a. Thinly slice 1 Brinjal.
b. Sprinkle salt on each slice of Brinjal and leave overnight.
c. Drain any accumulated water in the morning.
d. In a separate bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt and black pepper.
e. Brush this mixture on each slice of Brinjal.
f. Place the Brinjal slices on a baking tray.
g. Put in oven and bake at 180℃ for 30-40 minutes.
h. Cook till lightly brown and crisp.
a. Cut thin slices of 1 Brinjal.
b. Marinate the Brinjal slices with salt and turmeric powder.
c. Pan fry the slices.
d. You can add 1 sliced cucumber, ½ sliced tomato and ½ onion cut in rings.
e. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste.
2. Brinjal Chips
a. Thinly slice 1 Brinjal.
b. Sprinkle salt on each slice of Brinjal and leave overnight.
c. Drain any accumulated water in the morning.
d. In a separate bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of turmeric powder, salt and black pepper.
e. Brush this mixture on each slice of Brinjal.
f. Place the Brinjal slices on a baking tray.
g. Put in oven and bake at 180℃ for 30-40 minutes.
h. Cook till lightly brown and crisp.
Benefits of Brinjal
FAQs about Brinjal benefits
1. Hair loss
Brinjal helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Brinjal controls hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. Applying Brinjal helps to remove excess oil and keeps the scalp clean due to Vata balancing and Kshaya (astringent) effects.
Tips:
a. Cut a fresh Brinjal into chunks.
b. Gently rub the Brinjal chunk on the scalp.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice for a few minutes.
d. Wash your hair with shampoo.
2. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it appears due to an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in controlling wrinkles due to its Vata balancing property. It also restores the moisture in the skin when used with olive oil.
Tips:
a. Take a fresh Brinjal and make small slices.
b. Make a paste with olive oil and apply it on the face.
c. Leave it at least for 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash with cold water and repeat it twice a week for a glowing skin.
Brinjal helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Brinjal controls hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. Applying Brinjal helps to remove excess oil and keeps the scalp clean due to Vata balancing and Kshaya (astringent) effects.
Tips:
a. Cut a fresh Brinjal into chunks.
b. Gently rub the Brinjal chunk on the scalp.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice for a few minutes.
d. Wash your hair with shampoo.
2. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it appears due to an aggravated Vata. Brinjal helps in controlling wrinkles due to its Vata balancing property. It also restores the moisture in the skin when used with olive oil.
Tips:
a. Take a fresh Brinjal and make small slices.
b. Make a paste with olive oil and apply it on the face.
c. Leave it at least for 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash with cold water and repeat it twice a week for a glowing skin.
Recommended Dosage of Brinjal
- Brinjal Oil - 2-5 drops a day or as per requirement.
How to use Brinjal
1. Brinjal for skin
a. Take a fresh Brinjal and make small slices.
b. Massage onto the skin in circular motion for 3-5 minutes.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice on skin for about 15 minutes.
d. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Brinjal for hair
a. Cut a fresh Brinjal into chunks.
b. Gently rub the Brinjal chunk on the scalp.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice for a few minutes.
d. Wash your hair with shampoo.
3. Brinjal oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Brinjal oil.
b. Add olive oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area once or twice day.
a. Take a fresh Brinjal and make small slices.
b. Massage onto the skin in circular motion for 3-5 minutes.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice on skin for about 15 minutes.
d. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Brinjal for hair
a. Cut a fresh Brinjal into chunks.
b. Gently rub the Brinjal chunk on the scalp.
c. Leave the Brinjal juice for a few minutes.
d. Wash your hair with shampoo.
3. Brinjal oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Brinjal oil.
b. Add olive oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area once or twice day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
No, it is not advisable to eat raw Brinjal. Brinjal contains a compound called solanine and large quantities of solanine may cause neurological and gastrointestinal poisoning. The symptoms varies from nausea and vomiting to headaches and dizziness.
Modern Science View
Brinjal is an ingredient that can be consumed in many forms due to its unique texture and taste. It can be boiled, baked, braised, grilled or cooked with other vegetables. Brinjal is a storehouse of essential nutrients, fibre, vitamin B-complex, antioxidants as well as trace minerals while being low in calories and sodium. Thus, it is rightly termed as a superfood.
Modern Science View
Brinjal skin is edible. It can be eaten in smaller quantities but large amount might be difficult to digest if you have a weak digestive system.
Modern Science View
If the inside of the Brinjal is brown, then it should be immediately discarded.
Modern Science View
Soaking Brinjal in salt water before cooking reduces its bitterness and keeps it firm while being cooked.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Brinjal maybe useful in the management of piles[10][11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Brinjal may be useful in managing diabetes due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. It may help in lowering blood glucose levels by controlled glucose absorption. Moreover, Brinjal is rich in fibre and has low soluble carbohydrate content[12][13].
Modern Science View
Yes, Brinjal may be good for people with high blood pressure. It has low sodium and high potassium content, which may be beneficial in regulating blood pressure[10][14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Brinjal may be useful in managing liver disease.This is due to the presence of phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants that have hepatoprotective effect[15][16].
Modern Science View
Yes, Brinjal has carminative property. It may be useful in managing gastric disorders such as flatulence[10][18].
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific evidence is available, Brinjal may be useful in managing the accumulation of uric acid. It is alkaline in nature due to which it may be effective in eliminating uric acid from the body[10][17].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Brinjal maybe useful in weight loss. It contains high amount of fibre and takes time to get digested. Due to this, consuming Brinjal may keep a person feel full for a long time[10].
Ayurvedic View
Brinjal helps to maintain healthy Agni (digestive fire) and corrects the impaired digestive system. But eating an excess amount of Brinjal can cause heaviness in the abdomen or diarrhea due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
Modern Science View
lthough enough scientific evidence is not available, Brinjal may be useful in managing Acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)[9][23].
Ayurvedic View
Brinjal helps to maintain healthy Agni (digestive fire) and correct the impaired digestive system. But eating an excess amount of Brinjal can cause bloating or acidic reflux due to its Ushna (hot) and Guru (heavy) property.
Modern Science View
Brinjal contains a compound called solanine. Excess consumption of Brinjal might lead to accumulation of solanine leading to symptoms of arthritis like inflammation, pain and joint stiffness. So it is generally advised that people with arthritis should avoid consuming Brinjal[5].
Ayurvedic View
Excess consumption of Brinjal should be avoided if someone has arthritis because it takes time to digest. This results in accumulation of Ama and aggravates the symptoms of arthritis.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Brinjal may be useful in managing acne[19].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Brinjal may be useful in managing psoriasis[20].
References
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- Tiwari A, Jadon RS, Tiwari P.Phytochemical Investigations of Crown of Solanum melongena fruit.International Journal of Phytomedicine.2009;1(1):9-11.
- Das M, Barua N.Pharmacological activities of Solanum melongena Linn.(Brinjal plant).Int J Green Pharm.2013;7:274-277.
- Childers N, Margoles M.An apparent relation of nightshades (Solanaceae) to arthritis.J Neurol Orthop Med Surg.1993;12:227-231.
- Kumar S.Understanding kidney stone and its management.Journal of Research in Medical Education & Ethics.2011;1(1):63-66.
- Pramod SN, Venkatesh YP.Allergy to eggplant (Solanum melongena).Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.2004;113(1):171-173.
- Mahmood S, Atif MF, Mujecb SSA et al.Assessment of nutritional beliefs and practices in pregnant and lactating mothers in an urban and rural area of Pakistan.J Pak Med Assoc.1997;47(2):60-2.
- Bello SO, Muhammad BY, Gammaniel KS.Preliminary evaluation of the toxicity and some pharmacological properties of the aqueous crude extract of Solanum melongena.Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.2005;1(1):1-9.
- Fraikue FB.Unveiling the potential utility of eggplant:a review. International conference on education, development and innovation.2016.
- Saleh GS.Chemical detection of some active compounds in eggplant (Solanum melongena) callus as compared with fruit and root contents.Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci.2015;4(5):160-165.
- Kwon YI, Apostolidis E, Shetty K.In vitro studies of eggplant (Solanum melongena) phenolics as inhibitors of key enzymes relevant for type 2 diabetes and hypertension.Bioresour Technol.2008;99(8):2981-2988.
- RóżańskaD, Regulska-Ilow B.The significance of anthocyanins in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.Adv Clin Exp Med.2018;27(1):135–142.
- Agoreyo BO, Obansa ES, Obanor EO.Comparative nutritional and phytochemical analyses of two varieties of Solanum melongena.Science World Journal.2012;7(1):5-8.
- Akanitapichat P, Phraibung K, Nuchklang K et al.Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of five eggplant varieties.Food Chem Toxicol.2010;48(10):3017-3021.
- Valenti L, Riso P, Mazzocchi A et al.Dietary anthocyanins as nutritional therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.2013;1-8.
- Grygiel-Górniak B, Puszczewicz MJ.Diet in hyperuricemia and gout - myths and facts. Reumatologia.2014;52(4):269-275.
- Ossamulu IF, Akanya HO, Jigam AA et al. Evaluation of nutrient and phytochemical constituents of four eggplant cultivars.2014;73:26424-26428.
- Im K, Lee JY, Byeon H et al.In vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of eggplant (Solanum melongena) stalks in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.Food Agric Immunol.2016;27(6):758-771.
- Bennet JD.Eggplant extract for medical treatments.United States;US 7,341,751 B2,2008.
- Hanhineva K, Törrönen R, Bondia-Pons I, et al. Impact of dietary polyphenols on carbohydrate metabolism.Int J Mol Sci. 2010; 11(4): 1365–1402.
- Das S, Raychaudhuri U, Falchi M, et al.Cardioprotective properties of raw and cooked eggplant (Solanum melongena L).Food Funct. 2011 Jul;2(7):395-9.
- Sanga L, Pandey AK, Warade SD.Assessment of wild brinjal (Solanum gilo) genotypes of north-eastern region.Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2017;6(10):1451-1458.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.