Eating Eggplant the Wrong Way Can Easily Lead to Poisoning

Eggplant is packed with nutrients and is a favorite ingredient in many delicious dishes. However, medical studies have shown that it can also cause poisoning, especially when consumed raw.

Nutritious but Potentially Toxic

Recently, Ms. H.T. from Hanoi became self-conscious about her large waistline, feeling that her dresses didn’t look flattering. Upon hearing that consuming fresh eggplant could help burn belly fat, she decided to try it. During the holiday break, she bought 10 kg of eggplant, intending to eat it raw over four days in an effort to slim down.

The first time she ate raw eggplant, she found it bitter and unpleasant. To make it easier, she juiced the eggplant and drank it straight. After consuming a few glasses, she began feeling numbness in her lips and tongue, developed itchy rashes, and had to be hospitalized. Tests confirmed that she had suffered eggplant poisoning due to excessive consumption in a short period.

According to scientists, eggplant is rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber, sugar, fat, and especially vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, PP) and trace minerals (Fe, Zn, Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn).

Traditional Eastern medicine describes eggplant as sweet and cool in nature, beneficial for liver detoxification, bile secretion, and digestion. It is recommended for those suffering from heat-related ailments, dry mouth, and constipation. While raw eggplant is slightly bitter, when cooked, it develops a pleasant taste and is good for health.

However, the eggplant plant contains a toxic compound called solanine, which is mainly found in its flowers and leaves. An adult would need to consume about 400 mg of solanine (equivalent to 36 raw eggplants) to experience severe toxicity since each eggplant contains up to 11 mg of solanine. Solanine is poorly soluble in water and remains stable even when cooked at high temperatures. Therefore, eating excessive amounts or improperly preparing eggplant can lead to poisoning or allergic reactions.

Moreover, cooking at extremely high temperatures can cause the loss of up to 50% of its nutrients. Additionally, proteins and certain compounds in eggplant can transform into histamine-like substances, potentially triggering allergic reactions such as skin and mouth irritation. This is especially problematic for people with asthma, who are more prone to mouth itchiness and skin rashes from undercooked eggplant.

Who Should Eat Eggplant?

Certain individuals are encouraged to include eggplant in their diet:

Cooling properties: People who suffer from heat rashes, boils, or ulcers may benefit from consuming eggplant.
Weight control: Eggplant is low in calories and energy while helping prevent cholesterol buildup, making it suitable for the elderly and overweight individuals.
Heart and bone health: Magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A and C in eggplant help improve bone structure and support the immune system. Magnesium also helps reduce anxiety and insomnia.
9 Groups of People Who Should Limit or Avoid Eggplant

Despite its benefits, traditional medicine advises the following groups to limit or avoid eggplant consumption:

People with stomach problems – Eggplant can cause discomfort and severe diarrhea.
Those recovering from illness, suffering from arthritis, or experiencing body aches in cold weather – Excessive consumption, especially of fried eggplant, can worsen inflammation.
Asthma and kidney disease patients – Overeating eggplant may increase the risk of kidney stones.
Individuals with weak digestion, spleen disorders, or respiratory issues – They should avoid frequent eggplant consumption.
During seasonal transitions (autumn-winter) – Eggplant becomes more astringent and cold in nature, which can cause digestive issues for those prone to diarrhea or stomachaches.
Avoid combining eggplant with crab meat – Both are cold-natured and can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea, especially in those with weak constitutions.
Pregnant women – They should consume eggplant in moderation, choosing only fresh ones and avoiding old or wilted ones, which may contain harmful levels of solanine.
Diabetics – Should limit their intake.
Pre-surgery patients – Should refrain from eating eggplant before surgery.

Eggplant can be a healthy addition to the diet when consumed correctly, but eating it the wrong way—especially raw or in excess—can lead to serious health issues.