Did you know that a 1 oz serving of cooked eggplant contains just 18 calories? But that's not all, this vegetable also packs in some pretty impressive health benefits. Let's take a closer look.

Cooked eggplant is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and potassium. It also contains a range of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which give the vegetable its signature purple hue.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of cooked eggplant, healthy ways to cook it, and some delicious recipes to help you incorporate this versatile vegetable into your diet.

What Are the Health Benefits of Cooked Eggplant?

Cooked eggplant is a nutritional powerhouse with an impressive range of health benefits. Here are just a few: 1. Supports heart health: Eggplant is a good source of potassium, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart health. 2. Promotes digestive health: Thanks to its high fiber content, cooked eggplant can help support healthy digestion and may even reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders, such as constipation and diverticulitis.

How Cooking Affects the Nutritional Value of Eggplant

While eggplant is highly nutritious, the way that it is cooked can affect its nutritional value. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Boiling or frying eggplant can cause it to lose some of its nutrients, especially its water-soluble vitamins. 2. Grilling, roasting, or baking eggplant can help to retain more of its nutritional value, while also infusing it with a delicious smoky flavor.

What Is the Nutritional Value of an Oz of Cooked Eggplant?

A 1 oz serving of cooked eggplant contains the following nutrients: Calories: 18 Fiber: 1 g, Vitamin C: 2% of the daily value, Vitamin K: 3% of the daily value, Potassium: 2% of the daily value

Healthy Ways to Cook Eggplant

If you want to reap the health benefits of cooked eggplant, here are a few tips for healthy preparation: 1. Opt for grilling, roasting, or baking eggplant to retain more of its nutritional value. 2. Avoid frying or boiling eggplant, as this can cause it to lose some of its nutrients and become more calorie-dense.

Easy Eggplant Recipes Under 100 Calories

Looking for some easy, Low-Calorie Eggplant Recipes? Here are a few to try: 1. Eggplant Parmesan: A classic Italian dish that can be made with baked or grilled eggplant and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. 2. Eggplant stir-fry: Sauteed eggplant with bell peppers, onions, and a splash of soy sauce, served over brown rice.

Cooked Eggplant for Weight Loss

If you're looking to lose weight, cooked eggplant can be a great addition to your diet. Here's why: 1. Low in calories: A 1 oz serving of cooked eggplant contains just 18 calories, making it a low-calorie addition to any meal. 2. High in fiber: Cooked eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.

Cooked Eggplant as a Low-Carb Option

If you are following a low-carb diet, cooked eggplant can be a great option. Here's why: 1. Low in carbs: A 1 oz serving of cooked eggplant contains just 4 grams of carbohydrates, making it a low-carb addition to any meal. 2. High in nutrients: Despite its low carbohydrate content, cooked eggplant is still a good source of a range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Smoky Flavor Options with Cooked Eggplant

One of the best things about cooking with eggplant is its ability to take on smoky flavors. Here are a few recipe ideas to try: 1. Smoky eggplant dip: Roast eggplant and blend with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika for a delicious dip that's great with veggies or pita chips. 2. Grilled eggplant skewers: Thread chunks of grilled eggplant onto skewers with bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a flavorful vegetarian kebab.

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe with Cooked Eggplant

Here is a simple and healthy recipe for eggplant Parmesan that features cooked eggplant: Ingredients: - 1 large eggplant

Grilled Eggplant Recipes for Summer BBQs

Grilled eggplant can be a delicious addition to any summer BBQ. Here are a few recipe ideas to try: 1. Grilled eggplant salad: Toss grilled eggplant with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a refreshing summer salad. 2. Grilled eggplant sandwiches: Layer grilled eggplant slices with sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a tasty veggie sandwich.