Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.

When should you not eat eggplant?

If an eggplant's skin is getting withered and wrinkly, or if the fruit (yeah, eggplant is technically a fruit) is notably soft or squishy, or it just has soft spots anywhere, it's rotting. If the stem is browning or developing mold – or if there's mold anywhere else on it – it's also time to discard the eggplant.

Is eggplant bad for your brain?

Eggplants are a good source of phytonutrients, that boost cognitive function and mental health. Eggplants increase the blood flow to the brain, boosting memory power and analytical thoughts. It is called brain food, as the potassium in eggplants acts as a vasodilator and a brain booster.