Art of Diet

Is Aubergine Toxic?

Ms H

Solanum melongena, eggplant or aubergine belongs to the nightshade family.  Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison found in potato, tomato, pepper  and aubergine, which can be toxic  in very large doses.

Aubergine is a rich source of dietary fibre, vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin K vitamin B₆, niacin (B₃ ),  thiamine (B₁ ) and folic acid, minerals: potassium, copper, magnesium and manganese. Eggplant holds great amount of antioxidants.

According to its nutritional value it has wide health benefits: anti –cancer, anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. Nasunin, an anthocyanin is linked to inhibiting harmful behaviour of free radicals in the brain. Aubergine is very good for those who are at the risk of osteoporosis. Eggplant benefits your heart health. Generally it is good for your health.

The level of glycoalkaloids in ripe aubergines is normally low however, the unripe fruits, leaves and flowers of the plant can be toxic. Certain people can be allergic to nightshade vegetables so they cannot consume them. If you are not allergic to aubergine always peel it because the solanine is located in the skin. Never eat unripe and uncooked eggplant because they have higher solanine level.