Eggplant

Eggplant, raw

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Eggplant FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is eggplant keto-friendly?
• Is eggplant low FODMAP?
• Is eggplant high in potassium?
• Are eggplants high in carbs?
• Are eggplants high in fiber?
• Are eggplants high in protein?
• Is eggplant high in cholesterol?
• Is eggplant high in sodium?
• Is eggplant high in sugar?
• Does eggplant contain iron?
• Is eggplant high in oxalates?
• Are eggplants high in uric acid?
• Is eggplant high in histamine?
• Are eggplants high in purines?
• Is eggplant high in phosphorus?
• Is eggplant good for fertility?
• Is eggplant high in vitamin K?
• Is eggplant paleo?
• Does eggplant increase testosterone?
• Are eggplants vegan?
• Is eggplant gluten-free?
• Is eggplant vegetarian?

Is eggplant keto-friendly?

Yes, eggplant is keto-friendly. A typical serving of eggplant, about 1 cup or 82 grams, contains roughly 2 grams of net carbohydrates. Net carb count is important to those following the ketogenic diet, which typically limits daily carb intake to 20-50 grams. Thus, eggplant can easily fit into a keto eating plan.

Is eggplant low FODMAP?

Yes, eggplant is considered low FODMAP. According to the Monash University, who are the pioneers of the Low FODMAP diet, a serving size of 1 cup or about 75 grams of eggplant is low in FODMAPs and should be safe for most individuals with IBS or other digestive disorders to consume. High FODMAP foods can trigger digestive discomfort in some people, so eating low FODMAP foods like eggplant can be beneficial.

Is eggplant high in potassium?

Eggplant is a fair source of potassium. A one cup serving of cooked, cubed eggplant contains approximately 122 milligrams of potassium. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4,700mg, so eggplant can contribute to that goal, although it’s not considered a high-potassium food like bananas or potatoes.

Are eggplants high in carbs?

No, eggplants are not high in carbs. A one-cup serving of cooked, cubed eggplant contains around 8.64 grams of carbohydrates, out of which 2.5 grams are dietary fiber, so the net carbs becomes around 6.14 grams. Considering the recommended daily allowance ranging from 225 to 325 grams for adults, eggplant can be considered a low-carb food.

Are eggplants high in fiber?

Yes, eggplants can indeed be considered high in fiber. A single one-cup serving (about 99g) of raw eggplant contains approximately 2.5g of fiber. For a healthy adult, the recommended daily intake from the American Dietetic Association is around 25-38g of fiber. Consuming eggplant can contribute significantly towards meeting this requirement.

Are eggplants high in protein?

Eggplants are not considered a high protein source. The same one-cup serving size contains just about 1 gram of protein. The daily recommended protein intake varies based on factors such as age, sex, and level of physical activity, but generally, adults should aim for 46-56 grams.

Is eggplant high in cholesterol?

No, eggplants do not contain any cholesterol. This makes them an excellent choice for those who are trying to manage their cholesterol levels or prevent heart disease.

Is eggplant high in sodium?

No, eggplant is not high in sodium. A one-cup serving of raw eggplant only contains around 2 mg of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for most adults, so eggplant can be safely included in a low-sodium diet.

Is eggplant high in sugar?

No, eggplant is not high in sugar. One cup of raw eggplant contains about 2.4 grams of sugar, which is relatively low. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to less than 37.5 grams/day for men and 25 grams/day for women.

Does eggplant contain iron?

Yes, eggplant does contain some iron, but not a significant amount. One cup of cooked eggplant contains around 0.4 milligrams of iron. To provide context, the recommended daily intake of iron for adult men and women above 50 years old is 8 milligrams, while adult women from 19 to 50 years old need 18 milligrams a day.

Is eggplant high in oxalates?

Yes, eggplant is indeed high in oxalates. One half-cup of eggplant could contain approximately 6.4 milligrams of oxalates. A low-oxalate diet typically limits daily oxalate intake to less than 50 milligrams. However, it’s worth noting that many factors determine how your body absorbs and reacts to oxalates, so people react differently to high-oxalate foods like eggplant.

Are eggplants high in uric acid?

No, eggplants do not contain uric acid themselves. Uric acid is produced by the human body when it breaks down purines, which are substances found in many foods but not eggplant. An excess intake of high-purine foods can contribute to high levels of uric acid in the body, which in turn can lead to conditions like gout and kidney stones. Since eggplant is low in purines, it is not associated with high levels of uric acid.

Is eggplant high in histamine?

No, eggplants are not high in histamine. While they contain some histamine, the amount is generally low. However, individuals who are sensitive to histamines may still experience symptoms if they consume eggplants, although this varies from person to person.

Are eggplants high in purines?

No, eggplants are not high in purines. They contain about 21 mg of purines per 100 grams, which is considered low. High purine foods typically contain over 100 mg per 100 grams. Low purine diets are often recommended for people who have conditions like gout and kidney stones.

Is eggplant high in phosphorus?

No, eggplants are not high in phosphorus. A one-cup serving of cooked eggplant provides about 15 mg of phosphorus which is only about 2% of the recommended daily value (700 mg for adults). Phosphorus is needed for bone health and energy production, but most people get more than enough in their diets.

Is eggplant good for fertility?

Including eggplant in your diet can potentially aid in fertility due to its high content of antioxidants. Antioxidants may play a role in improving fertility in both men and women by protecting the reproductive system from damage caused by free radicals. However, more definitive scientific research is needed to establish a direct link between eggplant consumption and improved fertility. It’s primarily important to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal fertility.

Is eggplant high in vitamin K?

In terms of nutritional value, eggplant is not particularly high in Vitamin K. A one-cup serving of cooked, cubed eggplant contains about 2.9 micrograms of Vitamin K. Considering that the daily recommended intake is 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women, eggplant contributes a relatively small portion towards daily Vitamin K requirements.

Is eggplant paleo?

Yes, eggplant is considered paleo-friendly. The paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods, which includes almost all fruits and vegetables. As eggplant is a natural plant food, it fits perfectly within the paleo dietary guidelines.

Does eggplant increase testosterone?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that eggplant directly contributes to an increase in testosterone levels. While some foods can influence hormone levels, eggplant does not contain any known substances that would specifically target or increase testosterone production.

Are eggplants vegan?

Yes, eggplants are vegan. They are a vegetable, and therefore plant-based, making them suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. They can be used in a variety of vegan dishes as a meat substitute because of their hearty texture.

Is eggplant gluten-free?

Yes, eggplant in its raw form is gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein that can be found in wheat, barley, and rye. Eggplants don’t naturally contain these grains, so they’re free from gluten. However, be aware that certain methods of preparation could introduce gluten.

Is eggplant vegetarian?

Yes, eggplants are indeed vegetarian. They are a plant-based food and do not contain any animal by-products. However, similar to the gluten question, the way it’s prepared could potentially include non-vegetarian ingredients like meat or animal-based sauces.