Are you confused about eggs? Should you eat only the whites? Are the yellows filled with cholesterol that is bad for your health? Find out what you need to know here...
Eggs have gone through the nutrition wringer. But now they are back on top as a healthy source of nutrition. And, they are great any time of the day; for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or even a quick snack, eggs provide a ton of nutrition for a low cost and they don’t take long to prepare.
Eggs are a great source of protein. In fact eggs provide a complete range of amino acids, including branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine), sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine), lysine, tryptophan, and all other essential amino acids. Their protein is sometimes referred to as a "complete protein" for this reason.
Eggs are good for your hair! And not just as a conditioner. Beauty comes from within and making sure to have healthy proteins, like those found in eggs, is crucial for healthy hair. A low protein diet can lead to weak brittle hair. Eggs also contain biotin and vitamin B 12, which are both beauty nutrients, nourishing hair, skin and nails.
Virtually all egg yolks contain omega-3 fats. Keep in mind that the amount of omega-3s varies with the hen’s diet. Hens raised on pasture, or fed alfalfa and clover are naturally the most omega-3 rich. Omega-3s are crucial for the immune system and for keeping inflammation at bay. An added bonus, pasture feeding of hens has been shown to significantly increase the vitamin E content of their eggs as well.
B vitamin knock out! All B vitamins are found in eggs, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, choline, biotin, and folate (folic acid). Choline is a standout among these B vitamins. One egg provides over 100 milligrams of choline (almost a quarter of the recommended amount for women and one fifth for men). Choline is crucial for detoxification, the nervous system, DNA replication, mood, memory and more.
Eat the yolk! If you've been avoiding egg yolks, you've been missing out on a world of good nutrition. The yolk is a great source of the vitamins mentioned above as well as vitamin A, which is good for skin and immunity. The saturated fat in yolks is also necessary for hormone production and the body's absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Eggs are a great way to improve the nutrition content of just about any meal. When paired with a whole foods diet full of fresh produce, and healthy oils like olive, coconut and even butter, eggs can have a positive effect on your health. As always please speak with your health care provider before making any changes to your diet.