Eggplant is a vegetable rich in nutritional benefits for infants, as i contains a group of vitamins, minerals and fibers. It has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, enhancing immunity, and strengthening bones. In this article, we will review everything you need to know about the benefits of eggplant for infants, in addition to tips for preparing it in a healthy and safe way, through the Dalili Medical website.

**When can eggplant be introduced into the diet of infants?**

It is not recommended to introduce eggplant to children in the first year of their lives. Most pediatricians and gastroenterologists recommend postponing the introduction of such vegetables until the child reaches the age of three. However, some parents introduce them to infants for the first time at the age of two.

**Types of eggplant:**

- **White eggplant:** Small eggplant with a white color, usually used in pickled eggplant and stuffed in Egypt.
- **Japanese eggplant:** Dark purple eggplant with long, thin fruits.
- **Chinese eggplant:** Similar to Japanese eggplant but lighter in color.
- **Thai eggplant:** It is characterized by its green color and more bitter taste compared to other types.
- **Indian eggplant:** It has a sweet taste and small fruits, and its color tends to be reddish.
- **American eggplant:** It is characterized by large fruits and a dark color, and is similar to Italian eggplant.

**Benefits of eggplant for infants**

 

**Rich in vitamins and minerals:** Eggplant is an excellent source of vitamins such as C, K, B6 and folic acid, in addition to important minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. These nutrients are essential for the healthy growth and development of the child.

**Helps digestion:** Eggplant contains dietary fiber that enhances the digestive process and helps prevent constipation.

**Boosts immunity:** Eggplant contains antioxidants that strengthen the child's immune system and protect it from diseases.

**Strengthens bones:** Eggplant is a good source of calcium, which helps strengthen the child's bones.

**Helps in weight gain:** Eggplant contains calories and carbohydrates that support the child's weight gain.

**Rich in antioxidants:** Eggplant contains anthocyanin, a pigment with multiple health benefits, which makes it protect against serious diseases and reduce damage caused by free radicals in the body.

**Important for blood clotting:** Due to its vitamin K content, it is recommended for people taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.

**Rich in manganese:** Manganese plays an essential role in the breakdown of protein and glucose, and is also an antioxidant, making it beneficial for the normal growth of children's brains.

**Reduces high blood sugar:** Thanks to its phenolic compounds, eggplant helps inhibit some enzymes that affect blood sugar levels, which contributes to the prevention of diabetes.

**Eggplant peels contain anisin:** This substance is important for reducing lipid peroxidation processes, making it essential for brain health and rejuvenating mental activity.

**Contains Acetylcholine:** Eggplant helps lower blood pressure, making it useful for people with stress, as it stimulates the central nervous system and reduces hyperactivity and inattention in children.

**Improves bowel movement:** Thanks to its high content of dietary fiber, eggplant helps relieve constipation and improve digestion.

**Boosts immunity:** Eggplant is a good source of vitamin C, which boosts children's immune systems and increases their ability to fight bacteria and viruses.

**Reduces the risk of anemia:** Because it contains iron, eggplant contributes to the production of red blood cells, which reduces the risk of anemia and enhances the delivery of oxygen to the body.

**Strengthens bones:** Eggplant contains a good percentage of calcium, which helps strengthen children's bones and protect them from problems such as softness, curvature and fractures.

**Promotes heart health:** Eggplant provides a good amount of potassium, which stimulates blood circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.

**Is eggplant good for infants?**

 

Eggplant is a vegetable rich in nutritional value, and it can be given to infants when they start eating solid foods, around the age of 6 months. Some experts recommend giving it to children between the ages of 8 and 10 months to benefit from its health benefits. The most prominent of these benefits, which still need more studies to confirm, are the following:
Wash the eggplant well.

Then, cut the eggplant into thin slices.

Boil the slices in water for ten minutes.

After that, mash the eggplant well.

You can add a little milk or yogurt to the mashed eggplant to make it softer.

- Eggplant contains dietary fiber that may help facilitate bowel movements, which may contribute to relieving constipation.
- It includes a group of important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, in addition to folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which support the growth and health of the infant.
- It contains antioxidants and phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which may help reduce the risk of oxidation in the brain and reduce the damage of free radicals that affect cells and cause many diseases. It also contains chlorogenic acid, which is characterized by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which enhances brain function.
- It can help promote a feeling of fullness and fullness thanks to its dietary fiber content, making it useful for infants and children who feel hungry frequently.

**What are the ways to serve eggplant to infants?**

 

Preparing eggplant puree is one of the best ways to serve it to infants, as the child can eat it without the risk of choking. Here are the steps to prepare eggplant puree:

1. Wash and peel the eggplant, then cut it into

To cubes.
2. Place the eggplant pieces in a bowl inside a pot to steam until soft and tender. You can also boil or bake them in the oven for about 30 minutes until cooked.
3. Place the cooked eggplant in an electric blender and blend well until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Add water to the puree as needed to thin it out.

**Does eggplant cause allergies in infants?**

 

Eggplant allergies are rare, but it is recommended to monitor the child when introducing it for the first time to ensure that no allergic reactions appear, which may occur immediately after eating eggplant or within a few hours afterward. If any signs of allergy appear, it should be stopped and a specialist doctor should be consulted. It is important to note that infants who suffer from latex, tomato, white potato or pepper allergies are more likely to develop an eggplant allergy.

**How ​​can you serve eggplant to children in an acceptable way?**

 

**Steam cooking**

The method of preparing and cooking eggplant greatly affects its nutritional value. It is preferable to use the steam cooking method, as this method helps preserve the nutritional value of eggplant without increasing fat or calories. Steam cooking also enhances the association of eggplant with bile acids in the body, which contributes to:

- Reducing blood cholesterol and fat levels.
- Reducing the risk of heart disease.

**Grilled eggplant**

It is preferable to prepare eggplant in healthy ways such as grilling or baking in the oven, as these methods help preserve its nutritional value while reducing calories and fat, making it suitable for various health conditions.

**Fried eggplant**

It is recommended to avoid frying eggplant in oil, as it tends to absorb large amounts of oil. The amount of oil absorbed by the eggplant can be reduced by salting it before frying, leaving it for 30 minutes, and then washing it. However, it will still absorb some oil, making frying an unhealthy option, and it is better to replace it with grilling or baking in the oven.

### Sautéed eggplant and cheese
**Ingredients:**
- 1 eggplant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons natural, unprocessed, pasteurized cheese

**Method:**
1. Cut the eggplant and onion and sauté them with olive oil in a pan.
2. Add the spices and let the vegetables wilt.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables and place in the oven for 3 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

### Grilled Eggplant Escalope
**Ingredients:**
- 1 eggplant
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
- 1 egg white

**Method:**
1. Cut the eggplant into slices.
2. Dip the slices in the egg white, then in the cheese, breadcrumbs and spice mixture.
3. Spread oil on a baking tray and put the slices in the oven.
4. They can be served with a dip such as honey and mustard, after the age of one year.

### Eggplant Fattoush
Eggplant Fattoush is a delicious and healthy meal for children and adults, and consists of eggplant, green pepper, olives, tomatoes, lemon and parsley. It can be prepared in several ways, such as frying the eggplant and then adding spices, chopped tomatoes, pepper, olives and some other vegetables.

### Marsousa
Maroussa is pickled eggplant with garlic and hot pepper. It is prepared by soaking the eggplant in a mixture of garlic, hot pepper and vinegar, and leaving it for two hours to acquire a wonderful flavor. It is used as an appetizer before meals in the Levant.

### Eggplant with Curry Meat Recipe
This meal consists of pieces of lamb, rice and eggplant with a delicious sauce. The meat is cooked and seasoned with the sauce, then added to the eggplant. Garlic, hot pepper, ginger and coriander can be added. The dishes are served with rice in the middle, the seasoned meat on the right, and the seasoned eggplant on the left.

### Moroccan recipe called "Tabkh Rouh"

A recipe for eggplant food consisting of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, colored peppers and some spices such as curry and black pepper. It is prepared by cutting the zucchini and eggplant into small pieces, then placing them in a pan with spices, a piece of butter and a little onion, and serving them after they are well cooked.

### Eggplant Tart Recipe for Kids

Mothers can encourage their children to eat eggplant by creating recipes that make the food look delicious and distinctive. Among these recipes is the eggplant cupcake recipe made from flour, eggs, baking powder, a spoonful of sugar, and a piece of butter.

**Preparing the cupcake**
The ingredients are mixed to make the cupcake, but with a reduced amount of sugar compared to the traditional recipe.

**Eggplant Bolognese Recipe**
This recipe consists of eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The preparation steps include purchasing and storing spices such as nutmeg, cooking the minced meat with eggplant pieces, spices, and tomatoes, and serving it with bread or rice for children.

**Mashed eggplant**
It can be easily prepared by washing the eggplant, peeling it, removing the seeds, then steaming it or cutting it into slices and placing it in the oven.

**Peeled eggplant with cheese**
The ingredients include eggplant, grated cheese, olive oil, and basil. The meal is prepared by heating the oven, then cutting the eggplant into slices, brushing them with olive oil and sprinkling basil if available. Bake the slices in the oven on medium heat for an hour, then add the grated cheese and return to the oven for an additional two minutes.

**Orzo and Eggplant**
This recipe consists of grilled eggplant slices and boiled pasta, in addition to other ingredients such as lemon, feta cheese, pine nuts, and zucchini slices. The dish can be garnished with fresh mint leaves.

**Stuffed Roman Eggplant**
This recipe is not the traditional recipe for eggplant stuffed with rice or minced meat, but rather an innovative way to fill the eggplant. You need bulgur, fresh basil, and some of your favorite vegetables. You can add whatever fillings you likeT, like pizza dough, then grill it in the oven after adding the ingredients. Finally, you can put some mozzarella cheese on top.

**Grilled Eggplant Pasta**

This recipe is based on grilling eggplant pieces with any type of vegetables you prefer, such as sliced ​​potatoes and colored peppers. Gather the chopped ingredients and set them aside, then boil the pasta. Add your favorite spices, drops of apple cider vinegar, and pickled onion pieces, with slices of fresh basil. You can enjoy this wonderful dish for lunch or dinner.

### Eggplant with Parmesan Cheese in the Oven

 

Cut the eggplant into circular slices or cubes, then add minced meat or sliced ​​chicken breasts, in addition to sliced ​​onions, tomatoes and green peppers with your favorite spices. Place all these ingredients in a non-stick tray after greasing it with a light layer of olive oil, then put the tray in the oven until cooked. After that, take it out of the oven and add Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, then return it to the oven with the grill on only until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. You can garnish the dish with fresh basil or mint leaves. The end result is similar to pizza, but certainly much tastier.

### Baba Ghanoush (Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Marinade)

 

This dish is popular in restaurants that serve grilled food and fish, and it can be easily prepared at home. You need fresh eggplant, which should be washed well and then placed in the oven until fully cooked. After it cools, peel it and add salt, ground black pepper, a sprinkle of cinnamon and ground ginger. You can prepare baba ganoush salad by adding drops of olive oil and fresh lemon juice to fresh parsley and tahini. Place all the ingredients in an electric blender or food processor, and you will have baba ganoush salad ready. It can be eaten with grilled kofta or with bread and crunchy vegetables, and fresh chopped parsley can be used for garnish.

### Moussaka with Minced Meat

 

Moussaka is characterized by minced meat, and it is basically made from eggplant that has been fried or grilled beforehand, then baked in the oven. The recipe includes slices of eggplant, potatoes, peppers and onions, which are grilled over a fire and then placed in a tray. Then, the minced meat mixed with onions is added to the green ingredients, with fresh tomato juice and spices, and the mixture is put in the oven until fully cooked.

**Potential harms of eating eggplant**

 

1. **Bitter taste**
The bitterness of eggplant is due to the polyphenols in it, as the higher the levels of this antioxidant, the more bitter the taste. Scientists hope to genetically modify eggplant in the future to retain its nutritional value while improving its taste.

2. **Effect on iron absorption**
Eggplant contains a chemical compound known as "Nasunin", which binds to iron and works to remove it from cells. This may be beneficial for those who suffer from increased levels of iron in the body, but it is not recommended for those who suffer from low levels of it, such as in cases of anemia.

3. **Increased chances of kidney stones**
Eggplant contains oxalate, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Eating large amounts of oxalate can lead to kidney problems, which is life-threatening. Therefore, people who are prone to kidney stones are advised to avoid foods rich in it, including eggplant.

**1. Risk of solanine poisoning**
Eggplant contains solanine, a toxic substance that plays a role in protecting the plant from external factors during its growth. However, eating certain parts of eggplant, such as tubers or leaves, may lead to poisoning with this substance, causing symptoms including:

- Burning in the throat.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Irregular heartbeat.

In some cases, solanine poisoning can lead to death. It is important to note that eggplant contains small amounts of solanine, so eating small or medium amounts of it is not considered dangerous.

**2. Allergy in some individuals**
Eggplant can cause allergies in some people, as the lipid transfer protein in it is considered the main responsible for this allergy. Symptoms of eggplant allergy include:

- Chills.
- Swelling.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rash.
- Cough.

Individuals who develop symptoms of eggplant allergy should go to the emergency department, as these symptoms can be serious and may lead to death in some cases.

**3. Worsening of arthritis symptoms**
Eggplant contains solanine, which may increase inflammatory factors in the body, leading to worsening of arthritis symptoms in people with it. There are not enough studies to confirm that consuming small amounts of solanine worsens symptoms, but it is recommended to avoid eating eggplant if you feel symptoms worsen after eating it.

**Tips and recommendations when eating eggplant**

- Start by giving your child a small amount of eggplant at first, then gradually increase the amount.
- Monitor your child after eating eggplant to ensure that no allergic symptoms appear.
- Avoid giving fried eggplant to infants.