The eggplant has been an ingredient in traditional medicine for thousands of years. In the ancient Indian system of ayurvedic medicine, practitioners used white eggplant to treat diabetes and the roots to relieve asthma.

While eggplant isn't the most nutritious vegetable, it does give you a decent supply of potassium and fiber. And at just 25 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per serving, it's a pretty guilt-free food -- as long as you don't soak it in oil.

Eggplants are a nutrient-dense food, meaning they contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber in few calories. In addition to containing a variety of vitamins and minerals, eggplants boast a high number of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances known as free radicals. Studies have shown that antioxidants could help prevent many types of chronic disease, such as heart disease and cancer. Eggplants are especially rich in anthocyanins, a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that’s responsible for their vibrant color.

Thanks to their antioxidant content, some studies suggest that eggplants may help reduce the risk of heart disease. In one study, rabbits with high cholesterol were given 0.3 ounces (10 ml) of eggplant juice daily for two weeks. At the end of the study, they had lower levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, two blood markers that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease when elevated.

Eggplant has a unique taste and texture making it an ideal ingredient in a variety of dishes. Whether you plan to bake, broil or grill this fruit, you’ll receive a ton of nutrients and health benefits. Eggplant is low in calories and sodium, and is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. The next time you’re admiring a bright eggplant, just think of all the antioxidants and minerals it provides. Here are some eggplant dishes you should try.

1. Eggplant and Tomato Salad

Double up on potassium with the combination of tomatoes and grilled eggplant. The eggplant makes a nice addition to a classic caprese salad, pairing beautifully with the tomatoes. Tomatoes also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which can help lower the risk of breast cancer.

2. Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna

Combining eggplant with zucchini, another superfood, packs even more vitamins into a single meal. Zucchini contains Vitamins C and A, potassium, folate, and fiber—vitamins that can help lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure.

3. Vegetarian Moussaka

In this meatless version of the classic Greek dish, bulgur wheat stands in for ground meat in a spiced-tomato filling surrounded by eggplant layers and topped with a béchamel sauce. The eggplant and bulgur pack this dish with fiber. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

4. Eggplant Crostini

Serve your guests a colorful appetizer that will not only appeal to their senses—it may also reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. Grilling the eggplant makes it tender and easier to turn into a spread for the crostini. This dish will be a hit with its combination of textures and tangy flavor.

5. Grilled Eggplant Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt-Garlic Spread

Grill eggplant and red onion for a veggie-stuffed pita with Mediterranean flair. Eggplant has dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. This sandwich also contains Greek-style yogurt, another great superfood that helps protect the immune system and fight disease.