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Zucchini vs. Eggplant — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan by Arpi Gasparyan | Last updated on April 30, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan
Zucchini
vs
Eggplant

Summary

Eggplant is three times richer in dietary fiber and two times richer in vitamin E.

Zucchini contains eight times more vitamins A and C. It is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B6, vitamin K, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

Along with beneficial effects on health, zucchini and eggplant are used in treatments of benign prostatic adenoma and skin cancer, respectively.

Introduction

Zucchini and eggplant are fruity vegetables known and widely used worldwide. They are known for their beneficial impacts on health. This article will compare these two foods to see what they provide us with and their impacts on health.

Classification

Zucchini, otherwise named courgette, or baby marrow, meaning small marrow, belongs to the Cucurbita genus and Cucurbitaceae family. The family includes cucumbers, luffas, squashes, melons, and watermelons.

Eggplant also has many names, including aubergine, brinjal, scientifically Solanum Melongena, and junior synonyms S.ovigerum and S.trongum. It belongs to the Solanum genus and the nightshade family Solanaceae. Eggplant is related to the tomato, potato, and chili pepper.

Aubergine vs. Eggplant

Eggplant and aubergine are the same vegetables, called differently depending on the country.

The word “aubergine” originates from France and is primarily used in Europe, whereas “eggplant” is mainly used in the United States. The name “eggplant” was inspired by the egg-shaped, white varieties of the vegetable that were first brought to the US.

Appearance

Differentiating these two foods is easy. The ordinary zucchini fruits are striped or uniform-colored and can be any shade of green, and the golden zucchini has a deep yellow or orange color.

Eggplant is usually purple and spongy, with smooth flesh. There are also white varieties of this food called Easter white eggplant.

Taste and Use

Zucchini is served in a variety of ways. It is eaten raw, sliced, shredded, or lightly cooked in salads. In different countries, it can be used in the kitchen in various methods, for example, cooked, boiled, grilled, baked, fried, barbequed, or incorporated in other recipes. Zucchini noodles are made from zucchini used as a substitute for spaghetti. Zucchini can also be cooked in different types of bread.

Eggplant is used as a vegetable in cooking; it’s a good absorbent of oils and flavors. It can be steamed, fried, roasted, barbequed, pickled, stewed, or curried. It can be used as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian cuisines.

Zucchini has a mild flavor; it is slightly bitter and slightly sweet, which becomes more noticeable when cooked. Eggplant also has a mild flavor and can have some bitterness that becomes tender when cooked, more tasting like the food it’s cooked with.

Varieties

Zucchini comes in many types, each of which has a different color, taste, and appearance. Some of the common types are Black Beauty, Dunja, Gourmet Gold, Cocozelle, Gadzukes, Caserta, Ronde de Nice, Golden Egg, Crookneck, Pattypan, Rampicante, Magda, Zephyr, Raven, Fordhook, Summer Green Tiger, Bush Baby, etc.

Black Beauty is one of the most popular varieties of this food. It’s an easy-growing vegetable, dark green to almost black from the outside, with creamy white flesh inside.

Dunja is straight, with dark green and glossy skin. Dunja is preferred for many people as it is quick and easy to harvest.

Cocozelle produces darker green streaks and is less watery than the other varieties.

Gadzukes is a dark green Italian-type zucchini with light green ridges and star-shaped slices. It has a bland taste, with a sweet and crisp flavor.

Caserta has from light green to grey color, with alternate dark green stripes.

There are also many types of eggplants. Some of its most common types are Globe or American, Italian, Indian, Graffiti, Rosa Bianca, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, White, Fairy tale, Little green, Santana, African Garden Egg, Ping Tung, and others.

Globe eggplants have a deep purple color and are wider, with a meaty and tough texture.

Italian eggplants are smaller, sweeter versions of globe eggplants that often have a teardrop shape.

Indian or baby eggplants are small and round, with a tender texture.

Graffiti (striped or Sicilian) eggplants are known for their purple and white exterior, with tiny seeds and thin skin, making them great for eating whole.

Rosa Bianca has a bulbous shape and an ombre-like appearance. They’re less bitter than most nightshades with a more delicate flavor.

Nutrition

The nutritional values are presented for raw zucchini and raw eggplant.

Macronutrients and Calories

These foods have very similar nutritional contents. Both zucchini and eggplant consist of 93% water, eggplant being only a little denser.

One serving size of zucchini is 1 cup, chopped (124g), whereas one serving size of eggplant is 1 cup in cubes that weighs 82g.

Calories

Both zucchini and eggplant are very low in calories. However, eggplant provides relatively more calories.

A 100g serving of zucchini provides 17 calories, while a 100g serving of eggplant provides 25 calories.

Protein and Fats

These foods are not rich in macronutrients; however, zucchini contains a little more protein than eggplant.

Both foods contain a little from all essential amino acids, making their protein quality high.

Zucchini and eggplant have a very low-fat content. However, zucchini is slightly higher in fats. The predominant fats found in these foods are polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Both of these foods are absent in cholesterol.

Carbohydrates

Eggplant contains two times more carbs than zucchini, making zucchini a better choice for low-carb diets.

Eggplant is three times richer in dietary fiber as well.

Vitamins

Zucchini contains almost two times more vitamins compared to eggplant. Zucchini contains eight times more vitamin C and vitamin A; it is richer in vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and vitamin K too.

Eggplant contains two times more vitamin E, and it is also richer in vitamins B3 and B5.

These foods contain the same amount of folate or vitamin B9 and are absent in vitamins D and B12.

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 A +769.6%
Contains more Vitamin C +713.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +15.4%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +154.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +94%
Contains more Vitamin K +22.9%
Contains more Vitamin E +150%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +43.9%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +37.7%
Equal in Folate - 22
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 12% 3% 0% 60% 12% 22% 9% 13% 38% 18% 0% 11%
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%
Contains more Vitamin A +769.6%
Contains more Vitamin C +713.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +15.4%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +154.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +94%
Contains more Vitamin K +22.9%
Contains more Vitamin E +150%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +43.9%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +37.7%
Equal in Folate - 22

Minerals

Zucchini is slightly higher in minerals and is the winner in this category. It has higher iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus levels.

Eggplant is richer in copper and is lower in sodium when compared to zucchini.

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 Calcium +77.8%
Contains more Iron +60.9%
Contains more Magnesium +28.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +58.3%
Contains more Potassium +14%
Contains more Zinc +100%
Contains less Sodium -75%
Contains more Copper +52.8%
Contains more Manganese +31.1%
Contains more Selenium +50%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 5% 14% 13% 17% 24% 2% 9% 18% 24% 2%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 3% 9% 10% 11% 21% 1% 5% 27% 31% 2%
Contains more Calcium +77.8%
Contains more Iron +60.9%
Contains more Magnesium +28.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +58.3%
Contains more Potassium +14%
Contains more Zinc +100%
Contains less Sodium -75%
Contains more Copper +52.8%
Contains more Manganese +31.1%
Contains more Selenium +50%

Glycemic Index

Due to their low sugar content, zucchini and eggplant have low glycemic index values, making them a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes (1).

The glycemic index of eggplant is 30; however, the glycemic index value of zucchini is yet to be calculated. 

Acidity

The pH value of eggplant ranges from 5.5 to 6.5.

The pH value of zucchini is calculated for the cooked vegetable, falling from 5.69 to 6.10 (2).

The PRAL value or potential renal acid load value shows how much acid is produced in the organism from the given food.

The PRAL value of zucchini and eggplant are -4.2 and -3.9, respectively. The more negative PRAL value of zucchini shows it is slightly more base-producing.

Weight Loss & Diets

Zucchini and eggplant are great for weight loss diets.

A hundred gram serving of zucchini provides fewer calories than eggplant, making zucchini a better choice for low-calorie diets. Zucchini is a better choice for low-carb diets as well. On the other hand, eggplant is preferred in low-fat diets.

As these foods are low in carbs, fats, and calories, they are a good choice for keto, Atkins, and Mediterranean diets.

Baked zucchini can be used as zucchini chips or courgette crisps during the Dukan diet. Eggplant also can be eaten in phases II-IV in the Dukan diet.

Health Impact

Zucchini and eggplant are low in saturated fats and sugar and high in antioxidants and dietary fiber; therefore, they show beneficial effects on health.

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

These foods are rich in dietary fiber, which is reported to lower the incidence of coronary heart disease. The soluble fiber decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol concentrations, lowering atherosclerosis risk (3).

Most data about their impact on heart health come from animal research. A study on rats on a high-fat diet has shown that increased consumption of zucchini leads to decreased cardiovascular disease risk. The study has also shown decreased levels of “bad” types of cholesterol (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins) and increased levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) (4).

Another study on animals has shown that eggplants have heart-protecting effects due to their ability to increase left ventricular function, reduce myocardial infarct size, and heart muscle cell death (5).

Being rich in potassium, zucchini regulates blood flow by dilating blood vessels and blood pressure. Reducing blood pressure decreases cerebrovascular and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (6,7).

Diabetes

Both zucchini and eggplant are low glycemic index foods containing low sugar. As said before, being used in weight loss diets and having low glycemic index values, these foods reduce the risks of developing type 2 diabetes or the need for medication.

Several studies have shown that foods rich in fiber, such as zucchini and eggplant, may improve blood glucose levels and lower insulin resistance (8,9).

Dietary fiber improves fasting blood glucose, fasting C-peptide (a connective peptide that participates in the synthesis of insulin), triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels as well (10).

For additional information about how eggplant affects diabetes,, you can visit our “Eggplants and Diabetes” page.

Cancer

Zucchini has a potential anticancer activity due to its direct cell-killing effect, which is later enhanced by its antioxidant properties (11). The seed extract inhibits the cell growth of fast-growing cells, such as tumor cells, mainly showing their effect on breast, colon, and prostate cancers (12).

Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides (SRGs) are chemotherapeutic agents derived from eggplant to treat non-melanoma skin cancers by causing the cells’ death. SRGs in a cream formulation Curaderm BEC5 can be used to treat skin cancers from small to large sizes; even difficult-to-treat areas can be effectively treated (13,14).

The antioxidant nasunin, found in the skin of eggplants, glycoalkaloids, and metabolites, inhibits the growth of human colon and liver cancers (15,16).

Dietary fiber plays a role in reducing the risk of some cancers as well. Several studies suggest dietary fiber reduces the risk of ovarian, breast, esophageal, and stomach cancers (17,18,19,20). On the other hand, study results are contradictory for colorectal cancer.

Digestive Health

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan

Dietary fiber found in zucchini and eggplant shows protective effects against certain gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, duodenal ulcer, diverticulosis, obesity, and diabetes (21).

Dietary fiber leads to increased mechanical stimulation or irritation of the colonic mucosa with increased secretion and peristalsis, leading to increased fecal mass (22).

Short-chain fatty acids are produced by gut microbiota by fermentation of dietary fiber. They lead to mechanisms playing a key role in maintaining homeostasis in the gut and other organs (23).

Urogenital health

Phytotheurapetic compounds in zucchini seed oil play a role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia by causing a reduction in prostate growth, lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and leading to relaxation of the bladder sphincter for easier urination (24,25).

Downsides and Risks

Allergy

There were reported cases of zucchini causing allergy, resulting from primary sensitization to the fruit or cross-reactions to the allergen protein called profilin and cross-reacting carbohydrate determinants (26).

Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: April 30, 2023
Medically reviewed by Astghik Grigoryan

Infographic

Zucchini vs Eggplant infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +23.5%
Contains more Fats +77.8%
Contains more Carbs +89.1%
Contains more Other +15.8%
Equal in Water - 92.3
3% 95%
Protein: 1.21 g
Fats: 0.32 g
Carbs: 3.11 g
Water: 94.79 g
Other: 0.57 g
6% 92%
Protein: 0.98 g
Fats: 0.18 g
Carbs: 5.88 g
Water: 92.3 g
Other: 0.66 g
Contains more Protein +23.5%
Contains more Fats +77.8%
Contains more Carbs +89.1%
Contains more Other +15.8%
Equal in Water - 92.3

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +19.7%
Contains less Saturated Fat -59.5%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +45.5%
45% 6% 49%
Saturated Fat: 0.084 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.011 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.091 g
27% 13% 60%
Saturated Fat: 0.034 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.016 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.076 g
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +19.7%
Contains less Saturated Fat -59.5%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +45.5%

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Sucrose +420%
Contains more Glucose +47.7%
Contains more Fructose +11.6%
2% 43% 55%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.05 g
Glucose: 1.07 g
Fructose: 1.38 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
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
Contains more Sucrose +420%
Contains more Glucose +47.7%
Contains more Fructose +11.6%

Comparison summary table

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

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Zucchini Eggplant Opinion
Net carbs 2.11g 2.88g Eggplant
Protein 1.21g 0.98g Zucchini
Fats 0.32g 0.18g Zucchini
Carbs 3.11g 5.88g Eggplant
Calories 17kcal 25kcal Eggplant
Fructose 1.38g 1.54g Eggplant
Sugar 2.5g 3.53g Zucchini
Fiber 1g 3g Eggplant
Calcium 16mg 9mg Zucchini
Iron 0.37mg 0.23mg Zucchini
Magnesium 18mg 14mg Zucchini
Phosphorus 38mg 24mg Zucchini
Potassium 261mg 229mg Zucchini
Sodium 8mg 2mg Eggplant
Zinc 0.32mg 0.16mg Zucchini
Copper 0.053mg 0.081mg Eggplant
Manganese 0.177mg 0.232mg Eggplant
Selenium 0.2µg 0.3µg Eggplant
Vitamin A 200IU 23IU Zucchini
Vitamin A RAE 10µg 1µg Zucchini
Vitamin E 0.12mg 0.3mg Eggplant
Vitamin C 17.9mg 2.2mg Zucchini
Vitamin B1 0.045mg 0.039mg Zucchini
Vitamin B2 0.094mg 0.037mg Zucchini
Vitamin B3 0.451mg 0.649mg Eggplant
Vitamin B5 0.204mg 0.281mg Eggplant
Vitamin B6 0.163mg 0.084mg Zucchini
Folate 24µg 22µg Zucchini
Vitamin K 4.3µg 3.5µg Zucchini
Tryptophan 0.01mg 0.009mg Zucchini
Threonine 0.029mg 0.037mg Eggplant
Isoleucine 0.044mg 0.045mg Eggplant
Leucine 0.071mg 0.064mg Zucchini
Lysine 0.067mg 0.047mg Zucchini
Methionine 0.018mg 0.011mg Zucchini
Phenylalanine 0.043mg 0.043mg
Valine 0.054mg 0.053mg Zucchini
Histidine 0.026mg 0.023mg Zucchini
Saturated Fat 0.084g 0.034g Eggplant
Monounsaturated Fat 0.011g 0.016g Eggplant
Polyunsaturated fat 0.091g 0.076g Zucchini
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 0.03g Zucchini
Omega-3 - ALA 0.061g Zucchini

Which food is preferable for your diet?

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

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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
16%
Zucchini
9%
Eggplant
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
12%
Zucchini
12%
Eggplant

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Zucchini
Zucchini is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.03g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Zucchini
Zucchini is lower in glycemic index (difference - 15)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Zucchini
Zucchini is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Zucchini
Zucchini is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Sodium?
Eggplant
Eggplant contains less Sodium (difference - 6mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Eggplant
Eggplant is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.05g)
Which food is cheaper?
Eggplant
Eggplant is cheaper (difference - $0.2)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

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. Zucchini - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169291/nutrients
  2. Eggplant - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169228/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.