Garden eggs, or African eggplants, have been a big deal in traditional diets. They’re small, a bit bitter, and loaded with benefits like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. But after eating them for years, I decided to stop.
Why? Well, I noticed how I felt after eating them, thought about my health goals, and realized it was time to stop.
The Key Takeaway.
Letting go of garden eggs and any other healthy foods taught me the value of listening to my body and adapting my diet to suit my needs. As nutritious as they may be for some, our bodies are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. I encourage everyone to regularly assess their food choices and recognize when it might be time to move on from certain foods, even if they are traditionally seen as “healthy.”
The Bloating.
Garden eggs are known for helping with digestion, but for me, they made me bloat and remain uncomfortable for hours! The fiber was too much for my digestive system. The rest is history.
The Iron Issues.
You know that moment when you stand up and everything goes dark for a few seconds? That’s a big red flag for low iron! If it happens to you, get it checked out. It might be more than just needing iron.
So! Garden eggs have these compounds called oxalates that can mess with your iron absorption. For someone like me, who really struggles with low iron levels, eating garden eggs regularly was a lose-lose.
The Bitter Taste.
Some people really like the slight bitterness of garden eggs, but for me, it slowly became a total turn-off. It’s a vegetable, but we totally grew apart. The more I ate it, the more disgusting it got. That bitter taste made it impossible for me to enjoy it.
They Messed Up My pH Levels.
Garden eggs are naturally alkaline, which is really good for balancing pH in the body. But for me, they threw my pH levels off. When I switched to other veggies with more neutral pH levels, my digestion got back on track, and I felt much better.
There Are Better Vegetables.
I ditched garden eggs because other veggies give me the same, if not better, nutrients without the issues I had. Bell peppers, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, corn, and avocados all have the vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber I need. Plus, they taste great. Why stick with something I don’t like when I can get the same benefits from tastier options?
They Weren’t Always Fresh.
Garden eggs aren’t always in season, and when they’re out of season, they are pricier, nowhere near jucy and less tasty. By the time they hit local markets, they weren’t as fresh or nutritious looking as I wanted. This also made me look for veggies that are fresh and are in season all year round.
The Laziness.
Every bite I take affects my energy, mood, and total health and feelings. After keeping tabs on my meals, I noticed that garden eggs made me feel sluggish and drained. Maybe because of the bloating? I don’t know. Ditching them has made me find foods that are easier on my stomach and make me feel good and energetic.
Ditching garden eggs wasn’t just about taste. It was about choosing what really helps my body. Maybe this is your sign to do the same?
