Since an obese figure can be detrimental to one's personal image, many beauty-conscious individuals who have gained weight for various reasons seek ways to lose weight. Although exercise is a healthy and effective method for weight loss, it is slow to show results and difficult to stick with. Therefore, many people want to find a dietary weight loss method. Some have heard that eating raw eggplant can help with weight loss and wonder if this claim is scientific. Can eating raw eggplant really help you lose weight?
The answer is no. Eating raw eggplant not only fails to aid in weight loss but can also lead to poisoning. Experts inform the public that raw eggplant contains solanine, a toxin that is particularly high in older eggplants. Consuming raw eggplant can cause poisoning. Milder symptoms may include itching in the mouth and throat, and pain in the upper abdomen. More severe cases can lead to an elevated body temperature, repeated vomiting, and even difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and many other adverse symptoms. Therefore, eating raw eggplant not only doesn't help with weight loss but can, on the contrary, be life-threatening.
How to Eat Eggplant Healthily
The solanine present in raw eggplant generally breaks down partially when heated. Therefore, to eat eggplant healthily, you must first ensure it is cooked thoroughly to eliminate its toxicity.
Steamed Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients: 2 eggplants, garlic, ginger, oil, light soy sauce, sugar, salt, chopped green onions, and chicken powder.
Instructions:
1. Peel the eggplant and cut it into strips about 10cm long. Mince the garlic and ginger and set aside.
2. Place the eggplant in a heatproof dish and steam it over boiling water for 15 minutes.
3. Add a little oil to a pan. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until they change color. Then, add light soy sauce, sugar, salt, chopped green onions, and chicken powder to season.
4. Remove the steamed eggplant from the steamer, drain the liquid that has accumulated, and pour the seasoned sauce over it. Mix well and serve.