Eggplant Water for Weight Loss

Eggplant water is made by gently boiling slices of fresh, raw eggplant in water for several minutes. Drinking the eggplant water has not been scientifically shown to provide any significant health or weight-loss benefits, although there is some research that suggests drinking plain water may aid weight loss 2. Thus, it's likely that the addition of eggplant juices makes little difference in potential results.

Benefits

Eggplant is a healthful whole food, high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and low in carbohydrates. According to the May 2008 edition of "Bioresource Technology," an eggplant-based diet is a wise choice for managing type 2 diabetes, a condition often associated with being overweight 1. Although drinking eggplant water will not provide all of the same benefits that eating the vegetable might, some of the nutrients and antioxidants are released into the water during the boiling process.

Function

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No evidence points to eggplant water being effective at promoting or accelerating weight loss. People who attribute their weight loss to eggplant water may be following other healthy habits or might feel that water, with or without the addition of eggplant, is filling enough on its own to act as an appetite suppressant and encourage consuming fewer calories throughout the day.

Expert Insight

According to CNN, a 2010 study that was presented at the 2010 meeting of the American Chemical Society reflected that obese men and women who drank two glasses of water prior to eating each meal lost about 30 percent more weight than those who did not 2. Both groups followed a controlled, low-calorie diet. The study results suggest that drinking any type of water and not just eggplant water might reflect positive results for weight loss.

Method

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To make eggplant water, slice up one or two whole eggplants into bite-sized pieces. Japanese eggplants may release more water than conventional American eggplants, according to the University of California at Davis. Heat a large pot of water until the water boils, and drop in the eggplant slices. Boil for five to 10 minutes, and reserve the water. Drain the eggplant pieces and reserve for later use. After you cool the water, you can drink it throughout the day. Some people drink about 8 ounces daily, but others prefer to have up to 60 ounces or more.

Considerations

Before using eggplant water as a weight loss aid, speak with your physician to discuss the details and potential effectiveness of the strategy. According to the National Institutes of Health, the only reliable, safe and effective way to lose weight and keep it off in the long term is to combine regular exercise with a balanced, low-calorie eating plan.