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Aubergines a recipe for changing lifestyles

As we come out of COVID-19 lockdown, many of us are looking to change our eating habits. Aubergines can be a great substitute for meat if you are adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Aubergine curry can also be great to have with a picnic, served hot or cold.

Perhaps the tastiest takeaway meal I have had from a supermarket was an aubergine curry from Waitrose. My daughter also makes the most exquisitely tasty aubergine curry. Aubergines are a great source of nutrition and the essential fibre we need in our diet, and they taste great in a curry.

One serving of aubergine can provide at least 5% of our daily requirement of fibre, but also vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants to eliminate those harmful free radicals that can damage cells. Food with antioxidants, such as tomatoes and aubergines, can help prevent a range of diseases. Staying healthy to be healthy is the best way of being healthy. Our diet and lifestyle combine to help our immune system fight off infections and sustain our wellbeing. 

 

Antioxidants are molecules that help the body eliminate free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells if they accumulate in large amounts. Foods that contain antioxidants may help prevent a range of diseases, particularly by lowering blood pressure. It reduces the stiffening of arteries that is a major cause of disease as we get older.

Aubergines are also a great source of anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammatory markers that increase the risk of heart disease. One key study showed that women with a high intake of anthocyanins had a 32% lower risk of heart disease compared with those who had a low intake. Now, that is a big difference.

Polyphenols in our diet can also help protect the body from cancers, preventing tumour growth and spread.

Anthocyanins in our diet may also help in preventing the onset of dementia. Preventing inflammation assists blood flow to the brain and could help prevent memory loss.

Looking for some recipes for aubergines? I found some great ones at Vegan-Pratique. Oui, c'est en francais. Mais vous pouvez utiliser google translate! What is a language between a couple of aubergines? The link gives one for a Moroccan aubergine dish (zaalouk).   I would present one of my daughter's recipes, but I think she makes it up as she goes along using what she finds in the cupboard!  Anyhow, they are delicious.  Experiment to your taste. 

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