Regardless of your opinion on eggs, let’s face it, you probably have a pack in your fridge from time to time.
For me, eating eggs each morning is a good way to start the day. Not only because they taste rather good, but also because I’ve learned that they come with a number of benefits besides. Yet even I didn’t fully appreciate how useful they can be.
After reading the information in this article, though, I’ve upped my egg intake to at least two every day.
So, let’s get to it. What do eggs contain? How dangerous are they to consume regularly? How important are they as part of a healthy, balanced diet? Fortunately for you, we have all the answers you seek…
We’ll start with what eggs actually consist of? Well, plenty, as it happens. Eggs contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as B12, riboflavin and folate. On top of that, you’ll find minerals such as iodine, iron, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Eggs and cholesterol
Now, if you’ve lived long enough, you’ll surely have heard that eggs are bad for you because they contain cholesterol?
Wrong. There’s certainly cholesterol in eggs, but it’s not the horribly bad for you, get into the blood type cholesterol. You shouldn’t be worrying about cholesterol in eggs, or so says dietary expert Jennie Nyenvik of Swedish site Aftonbladet.
Not only that, but studies have shown that show that a protein rich breakfast can actually help you with weight loss. According to research, a low-calorie diet, combined with a regular dose of eggs for breakfast, can help you lose weight twice as fast.
Also, keep in mind that eggs can help make you feel full for longer, meaning that they’re useful towards lowering your calorie intake overall.
Eggs strengthen your immune system
Given that most people are just emerging from the winter months – you may have been sneezing and coughing for the past few weeks – right about now is the perfect time to say that eggs can bolster your immune system.
Studies have shown that just two eggs a day can help protect from infections, viruses and general illness.
An egg contains 22% of the recommended daily intake of selenium; an element well known for bolstering you immune system.
Eggs and the body
Have you ever heard of the amino acid choline? It affects the nerve signals that help us to remember the little things day to day – take, for example, where you left your keys or wallet.
According to research, additional supplements of choline can improve memory and responsiveness.
Lutein helps your eyes to maintain clear and sharp vision. New research has shown that chicken eggs are rich in lutein, and so beneficial for your peepers. Luten is produced naturally by your eyes, and protects the retina from being damaged.
Counteracting depression
Vitamin D can be difficult to obtain in winter, what with the sun doing its best to hide. However, eggs can actually help you get it. Vitamin D is, of course, enormously helpful towards the PH balance of our teeth and the strength of our bones in general.
Vitamin D can also be of assistance in counteracting depression, and they contain plenty of folate, which is a type of vitamin B necessary for the formation of new red blood cells.
People lacking in folate can be at risk of anaemia. Folate is also important when it comes to foetuses developing properly in the womb. Good to know for those soon-to-be mothers out there.
Anti-aging
As previously stated, eggs contain amino acids that help to build and regenerate cells. This can aid anti-ageing when it comes to your appearance.
As we get older, our need for vitamin D is doubled. The recommendation for people over the age of 60 is 10 micrograms. One egg can yield approximately 0.7 micrograms.
Reduced heart risk
Researchers from Canada have discovered a clear connection between egg-dense foods and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, writes Feel Good.
The secret to this? Eggs have two important antioxidants in them: tryptophan and tyrosine.
People with bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels are at greater risk of heart problems. Apparently, eggs can actually boost LDL numbers and therefore lower the risk of heart-related issues.
I’m sure you already knew eggs were good for you, but perhaps now you’ll look at eggs in a new light.