Unfortunately, one of the biggest misconceptions is that eggs are bad for our health. Many still believe that eating more than one egg per day or even more than three per week will skyrocket our cholesterol levels and fatty arteries. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Consumers need to understand that eggs are NOT bad and are a necessary part of a healthy diet.
1. High Quality Protein
Eggs are an inexpensive protein source that anyone can enjoy in various forms. From scrambled to deviled to sunny side up, they’re a quick and easy way to get more protein in our diets. This applies to lunch and dinner as well as breakfast! The biological value of a food source is a way to gauge its protein quality. This is measured in terms of its availability to promote cell growth. Based on the amino acid profile, eggs are number one in terms of human nutrition. Other top foods include milk, fish, beef, soybeans, and dry beans.
2. Powerhouse of Nutrition
• One of the few sources that contain Vitamin K and D, both essential for cancer protection and longevity.
• Contain the highest source of choline, a nutrient critical for proper nervous system development and structural integrity of cell membranes. Brain development in infants responsible for memory and attention is partly due to choline.
• They serve as the perfect low-carbohydrate food, with roughly 7 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat consisting primarily of an even balance of saturated and monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats help reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the blood, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High levels of DHA, the essential omega-3 fatty acid necessary for the average human development and functioning, including prevention of depression and memory loss.
• Contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two critical antioxidants responsible for eye health and the prevention of age-related blindness.
Overall, the dietary cholesterol in eggs DOES NOT cause heart disease. This is more the result of poor lifestyle and nutrition choices. Keep sugar, processed foods, and artificial chemicals and preservatives to a minimum. Consuming eggs will keep you satisfied, healthy, and energized for hours after a meal. Just remember, avoiding eggs is not the answer. Instead, including eggs in a wholesome, balanced diet will help you more in the long run.
Comments