Mash it, fry it, curry it or go the French Ratatouille way, the Brinjal, also known as Aubergine or Eggplant, is a nutrient dense, perennial staple for Indian households. With only 25 calories per 100 grams, the brinjal is every dieter s dream vegetable. Apart from being low in calories and high in fiber, brinjal is packed with Vitamin A, C and K which protect your cells against damage. Being high in fiber and polyphenols, brinjal can help you reduce blood sugar levels too. However, being a nightshade vegetable it should be avoided by people having existing arthritis issues. Brinjal also contains a lot of antioxidants and important minerals like Potassium, Folate, Manganese.