Eating eggplant has unexpected benefits for cholesterol.

Eggplant is packed with nutrients that are beneficial to health. One lesser-known benefit of eggplant is that it helps lower blood cholesterol.

Eggplant is a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, manganese, folate, potassium, and many other minerals. Among these are nutrients that help improve blood cholesterol levels, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Eggplant contains nutrients that help control cholesterol in the blood.

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Some research suggests that the high levels of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C in eggplant may help control blood cholesterol. Potassium, in particular, is a mineral with complex effects on the body.

Too much potassium can cause heart-related problems such as arrhythmias or heart failure. Meanwhile, too little potassium can also cause several health problems, such as muscle weakness and cramps. Adequate potassium intake, on the other hand, not only helps the body function normally but also helps prevent arterial calcification due to mineral deposits and cholesterol plaque.

Additionally, the vitamin C in eggplant helps lower total cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed that adequate vitamin C intake helps reduce levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Another nutrient in eggplant that helps lower cholesterol is soluble fiber. Eggplant is rich in soluble fiber. When it enters the intestines, this type of fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol, thereby controlling the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood.

In addition, eggplant has an indirect impact on heart health by controlling blood sugar and supporting weight loss. Obesity and diabetes are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

However, the cardiovascular health benefits of eggplant don't stop there. An antioxidant called chlorogenic acid helps prevent heart disease by lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Eggplant has a pleasant flavor and can be prepared in many different ways. Depending on personal preference, it can be boiled, grilled, or pan-fried.

If eggplant is included in a main meal, to ensure adequate nutrition, it should be eaten with foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. To take advantage of eggplant's cholesterol-controlling benefits, it's necessary to limit its consumption with fatty meats, processed meats, or any foods high in unhealthy fats, according to Healthline.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-ca-tim-co-tac-dung-khong-ngo-toi-cholesterol-185240423231355805.htm