If you're looking to satisfy your appetite with a delicious and healthy vegetable, eggplant is a great option. A serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat has 368 calories, making it a filling choice for your meals. Not only is it low in calories, but it's also packed with nutrition to keep you feeling energized and healthy.

In addition to being low in calories, a serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat also has 13 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, and manganese. These vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining a healthy body and preventing chronic diseases.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of eggplant, ways to cook it, and tips for buying and storing it. We'll also provide you with some ideas on how to incorporate eggplant into your diet in a delicious and healthy way.

Calories in a Serving of Medium Cooked Eggplant

As we mentioned earlier, a serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat has 368 calories. However, keep in mind that this number may vary depending on how it's prepared and the amount of fat added to it. If you're looking for a lower calorie option, you can roast or grill eggplant instead of frying it. This will significantly reduce the amount of added fat and calories in the dish.

Fat Content in Medium Cooked Eggplant

A serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat has 13 grams of fat. Keep in mind that not all fats are created equal. The type of fat you consume can have a significant impact on your health. Eggplants are particularly high in a type of fatty acid called linoleic acid, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.

Carbohydrates in Medium Cooked Eggplant

A serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat has 26 grams of carbohydrates. It's important to note that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Eggplants are a good source of fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest. Fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help prevent overeating and promote weight loss. It's also important for digestive health and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Protein in Medium Cooked Eggplant

A serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat has 5 grams of protein. While this may not seem like a lot, it's important to remember that eggplant is not typically consumed as a protein source. Instead, it's a great source of vitamins and minerals that can help support overall health.

Vitamins and Minerals in Medium Cooked Eggplant

Eggplants are a great source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. A serving of medium cooked eggplant with added fat contains 10% of your daily recommended intake of folate, 8% of your daily recommended intake of potassium, and 6% of your daily recommended intake of manganese. Folate is important for cell growth and development, while potassium helps regulate fluid balance in the body and can help reduce blood pressure. Manganese is important for bone health and helps support the body's metabolism.

Health Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplants are packed with nutrition and offer numerous health benefits. Some of the key benefits include: - Reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer - Improved digestive health - Reduced inflammation in the body - Improved heart health - Weight loss support In addition to these benefits, eggplants are also a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.

Ways to Cook Medium Cooked Eggplant

There are many ways to cook eggplant, depending on your taste preferences and cooking skills. Here are some popular cooking methods: - Roasting - Grilling - Baking - Frying - Sautéing When cooking eggplant, it's important to remember that it can absorb a lot of oil during cooking. To minimize added fat and calories, consider using non-stick cookware and limiting the amount of oil you use.

Types of Dishes that Use Medium Cooked Eggplant

Eggplant can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, making it a versatile vegetable to have on hand. Here are some popular dishes that use eggplant: - Eggplant Parmesan - Baba ganoush - Eggplant curry - Ratatouille - Grilled eggplant - Stir-fry With so many options, you're sure to find a recipe that suits your taste buds!

Tips for Buying and Storing Eggplant

When buying eggplant, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and glossy. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or bruises, as these can indicate spoilage. It's also a good idea to choose eggplants that are evenly shaped, as this can make them easier to cook. To store eggplant, keep it in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Avoid refrigerating eggplant, as this can cause it to spoil more quickly. If you must refrigerate it, wrap it in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag to prevent moisture from building up.

How to Incorporate Eggplant into a Healthy Diet

If you're looking to add more eggplant to your diet, here are some tips to get you started: - Add grilled or roasted eggplant to salads - Use eggplant as a substitute for meat in dishes like lasagna or tacos - Make baba ganoush or eggplant dip for a healthy snack - Add eggplant to stir-fries - Make eggplant curry With these ideas, you'll be able to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of eggplant while also enjoying delicious and satisfying meals!