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Eggplant vs. Cucumber — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on May 04, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Eggplant
vs
Cucumber

Summary

Eggplant contains more Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and copper than cucumber. Eggplant is also lower in saturated fat.

Cucumber contains higher amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. It is also lower in sugar and glycemic index.

Introduction

In this article, you can find a detailed description of the differences between eggplant and cucumber.

What's The Actual Difference?

Eggplant belongs to the Solanum genus, and cucumber belongs to the Cucumis genus. Eggplant is a dark purple or brownish-purple color, whereas regular cucumbers have green stripes on darker green skin.

Cucumbers are commonly green but can also be white, yellow, or orange. Cucumbers' flavor is all about their texture and water content; they are sweet and plumpy. Eggplant has a tender, mild, and sweet flavor.

Nutrition

Below you can find the nutrition infographics that visually show the differences between cucumber and eggplant. The food varieties discussed in this article are raw cucumber and raw eggplant.

Calories

Both cucumber and eggplant are low in calories. Cucumber contains 15 calories per 100g, whereas eggplant contains 25 calories per 100g. They both can be an excellent addition to low-calorie diets.

Fats

Both plants have fats of less than 1g. Cucumber contains 0.11g of fat, and the eggplant has 0.18g of fat. Due to their low-fat content, cucumber and eggplant can be added to the list of recommended foods for low-fat diets, such as The Paleo Diet and The Vegan Diet.

Carbs

Eggplant has two times more carbs than cucumber; however, the carbs content of both plants is shallow. Eggplant contains 5.88g of carbs per 100g, whereas cucumber contains 3.63g of carbs per 100g. Eggplant has 3g fiber and 2.88g net carbs. In addition, eggplant falls in the range of the top 27% of foods as a source of fiber.

Cucumber provides 0.5g of fiber and 3.13g of net carbs.

Both are considered low carbs foods.

Cholesterol

Both plants have no cholesterol.

Protein

Cucumber and eggplant have tiny and equal amounts of protein.

Vitamins

Eggplant contains nine times more Vitamin E and five times more Vitamin B3 than cucumber. Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and folate are also higher in eggplant.

On the other hand, cucumber contains more Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.

Both eggplant and cucumber have an equal amount of Vitamin B5.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin E +900%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +44.4%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +12.1%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +562.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +110%
Contains more Folate +214.3%
Contains more Vitamin A +356.5%
Contains more Vitamin C +27.3%
Contains more Vitamin K +368.6%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.259
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 6% 0% 8% 10% 9% 13% 17% 20% 17% 0% 9%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 7% 1% 0% 10% 7% 8% 2% 16% 10% 6% 0% 41%
Contains more Vitamin E +900%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +44.4%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +12.1%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +562.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +110%
Contains more Folate +214.3%
Contains more Vitamin A +356.5%
Contains more Vitamin C +27.3%
Contains more Vitamin K +368.6%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.259

Minerals

Cucumber is relatively higher in calcium, zinc, and iron, whereas eggplant provides more potassium and copper.

Both plants have equal amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium.

Small mention: both plants are deficient in sodium: 2mg per 100g.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Potassium +55.8%
Contains more Copper +97.6%
Contains more Manganese +193.7%
Contains more Calcium +77.8%
Contains more Iron +21.7%
Contains more Zinc +25%
Equal in Magnesium - 13
Equal in Phosphorus - 24
Equal in Sodium - 2
Equal in Selenium - 0.3
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 3% 9% 10% 11% 21% 1% 5% 27% 31% 2%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 5% 11% 10% 11% 13% 1% 6% 14% 11% 2%
Contains more Potassium +55.8%
Contains more Copper +97.6%
Contains more Manganese +193.7%
Contains more Calcium +77.8%
Contains more Iron +21.7%
Contains more Zinc +25%
Equal in Magnesium - 13
Equal in Phosphorus - 24
Equal in Sodium - 2
Equal in Selenium - 0.3

Glycemic Index

Overall, vegetables are considered low glycemic index foods. However, the glycemic index of cucumber is a bit lower than that of eggplant.

Cucumber has a glycemic index of 21 and a glycemic load of 1.5.

Eggplant has a GI of 30 and a glycemic load of 1. This means that consumption of both plants will not raise your blood sugar levels.

Health Impact

Cardiovascular Health

Cucurbitacins are compounds found in cucumbers, which have both toxic and beneficial health effects. One of the advantages is that they can prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis by modifying lipoproteins. According to one study [1], cucumber lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in older people. The potential mechanism is due to its diuretic effect, which reduces circulating fluid in the bloodstream, reducing the workload on the heart.

For 30 days, animals were fed either raw or grilled eggplant in one study [2]. Both types improved heart function and reduced the severity of heart attacks. However, more research is needed to determine how eggplants affect human heart health.

Cancer

Research shows that cucurbitacins inhibit tumor cell growth and signaling pathways and cause cancer cells to die. Cucurbitacins have antitumor activity against lung, pancreatic, colon, breast, and cervical cancers [3]. Triterpenes and lignans isolated from cucumber have shown anticancer activity against liver cancer by inducing cancer cell death [4].

Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) are compounds found in nightshade plants such as eggplant. SRGs have been shown in animal studies [5] to cause cancer cell death and may also help reduce the recurrence of certain types of cancer.

Diabetes

Eggplants are high in phenolic compounds, which according to research, may regulate carbohydrate metabolism in the body. This mechanism gives insulin more time to digest the carbohydrates, mostly from refined foods with little fiber or vitamin content [6].

Another study found that polyphenols can help lower blood sugar by reducing sugar absorption and increasing insulin secretion. Eating eggplant inhibits the enzyme that converts starch into blood sugar, making it one of the most effective foods for diabetes prevention [7].

Skin Health

Keeping your skin hydrated helps to improve elasticity and firmness. Lack of hydration can cause your skin to appear dry and flaky and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Cucumbers are high in polysaccharides, which can help to keep the skin elastic and healthy. Cucumbers are mostly water; in fact, they are 96 percent water. Cucumbers' high water content is a crucial benefit because it allows them to provide superior hydration to the skin [8].

Other Health Benefits

Cucumbers are high in water (96%), which may help to keep you hydrated. Dehydration is a risk factor for constipation because it may make your stool passage difficult. Staying hydrated can help with softer stools, relieve constipation, and improve regularity if the constipation is due to dehydration [9]. 
Eggplant is rich in dietary fiber. It may beneficially affect chronic functional constipation and IBS and lower the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulosis [10].

Animal studies [11] suggest that nasunin, an anthocyanin found in eggplant skin, may help protect brain cell membranes from free radical damage.

Anthocyanins also help to reduce neuroinflammation and increase blood flow to the brain. This may aid in preventing memory loss and other aspects of aging-related mental decline [12].

Side Effects

Allergy

Cucurbits have been linked to oral allergy syndrome (itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the lips), nausea, diarrhea, asthma, rhinitis, watery eyes, and contact urticaria. Eggplant belongs to a family of plants known as nightshades. People may more likely develop an eggplant allergy if allergic to other nightshades, including tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers.

Cucumbers and eggplants contain salicylate, so people who are allergic to Aspirin should avoid cucumbers, apples, almonds, oranges, berries, tomatoes, and other foods [13].

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: May 04, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan

Infographic

Eggplant vs Cucumber infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +50.8%
Contains more Fats +63.6%
Contains more Carbs +62%
Contains more Other +73.7%
Equal in Water - 95.23
6% 92%
Protein: 0.98 g
Fats: 0.18 g
Carbs: 5.88 g
Water: 92.3 g
Other: 0.66 g
4% 95%
Protein: 0.65 g
Fats: 0.11 g
Carbs: 3.63 g
Water: 95.23 g
Other: 0.38 g
Contains more Protein +50.8%
Contains more Fats +63.6%
Contains more Carbs +62%
Contains more Other +73.7%
Equal in Water - 95.23

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +220%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +137.5%
Equal in Saturated Fat - 0.037
27% 13% 60%
Saturated Fat: 0.034 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.016 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.076 g
50% 7% 43%
Saturated Fat: 0.037 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.005 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.032 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +220%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +137.5%
Equal in Saturated Fat - 0.037

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Sucrose +766.7%
Contains more Glucose +107.9%
Contains more Fructose +77%
Contains more Starch +∞%
Contains more Maltose +∞%
8% 47% 46%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.26 g
Glucose: 1.58 g
Fructose: 1.54 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
33% 30% 35%
Starch: 0.83 g
Sucrose: 0.03 g
Glucose: 0.76 g
Fructose: 0.87 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0.01 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more Sucrose +766.7%
Contains more Glucose +107.9%
Contains more Fructose +77%
Contains more Starch +∞%
Contains more Maltose +∞%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Eggplant Cucumber
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in Sodium Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Eggplant Cucumber Opinion
Net carbs 2.88g 3.13g Cucumber
Protein 0.98g 0.65g Eggplant
Fats 0.18g 0.11g Eggplant
Carbs 5.88g 3.63g Eggplant
Calories 25kcal 15kcal Eggplant
Starch 0.83g Cucumber
Fructose 1.54g 0.87g Eggplant
Sugar 3.53g 1.67g Cucumber
Fiber 3g 0.5g Eggplant
Calcium 9mg 16mg Cucumber
Iron 0.23mg 0.28mg Cucumber
Magnesium 14mg 13mg Eggplant
Phosphorus 24mg 24mg
Potassium 229mg 147mg Eggplant
Sodium 2mg 2mg
Zinc 0.16mg 0.2mg Cucumber
Copper 0.081mg 0.041mg Eggplant
Manganese 0.232mg 0.079mg Eggplant
Selenium 0.3µg 0.3µg
Vitamin A 23IU 105IU Cucumber
Vitamin A RAE 1µg 5µg Cucumber
Vitamin E 0.3mg 0.03mg Eggplant
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2.8mg Cucumber
Vitamin B1 0.039mg 0.027mg Eggplant
Vitamin B2 0.037mg 0.033mg Eggplant
Vitamin B3 0.649mg 0.098mg Eggplant
Vitamin B5 0.281mg 0.259mg Eggplant
Vitamin B6 0.084mg 0.04mg Eggplant
Folate 22µg 7µg Eggplant
Vitamin K 3.5µg 16.4µg Cucumber
Tryptophan 0.009mg 0.005mg Eggplant
Threonine 0.037mg 0.019mg Eggplant
Isoleucine 0.045mg 0.021mg Eggplant
Leucine 0.064mg 0.029mg Eggplant
Lysine 0.047mg 0.029mg Eggplant
Methionine 0.011mg 0.006mg Eggplant
Phenylalanine 0.043mg 0.019mg Eggplant
Valine 0.053mg 0.022mg Eggplant
Histidine 0.023mg 0.01mg Eggplant
Saturated Fat 0.034g 0.037g Eggplant
Monounsaturated Fat 0.016g 0.005g Eggplant
Polyunsaturated fat 0.076g 0.032g Eggplant

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Eggplant Cucumber
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
9%
Eggplant
9%
Cucumber
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
12%
Eggplant
8%
Cucumber

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Eggplant
Eggplant is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.003g)
Which food is cheaper?
Eggplant
Eggplant is cheaper (difference - $0.2)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Eggplant
Eggplant is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Cucumber
Cucumber is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.86g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Cucumber
Cucumber is lower in glycemic index (difference - 9)
Which food contains less Sodium?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sodium (2 mg)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Eggplant - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169228/nutrients
  2. Cucumber - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168409/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.