What would we do without the egg? It’s a staple for breakfast, a stand in for a quick supper or snack, a holiday tradition and an ingredient in many sweet and savory dishes. With so many uses, one would assume the egg has always been held in high regard, but for many years the egg had an unfortunate, unwholesome reputation.
Due to its high cholesterol content, the egg was deemed dangerous. For years many consumers excluded eggs, ate only the whites or experimented with egg substitutes.
When scientist found that high blood cholesterol is associated with heart disease, people became apprehensive toward foods that were high in cholesterol, such as the egg.
One large egg contains about 215 milligrams of cholesterol, accounting for two-thirds of the recommended daily limit, so it makes sense that people were hesitant to incorporate eggs into their diet. With recent studies and research, scientists and dietitians have discovered that cholesterol in food is not the perpetrator—saturated fat has a much larger effect on blood cholesterol and heart disease.
Thanks to these new findings, scientists and dietitians not only approve the consumption of eggs, they recommend it.
Eggs are extremely high in protein and low in calories. One egg has about 7 grams of protein and only 75 calories. Due to their high protein content, eggs make for a satisfying dish that will keep you feeling full. For those who are trying to lose weight, it is important to eat foods that are naturally nutrient-rich and stall hunger pangs between meals. The egg is the perfect choice.
The egg is also full of disease-fighting vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that cause the red, orange and yellow color in organic food and produce. They are very important to our diet because of their high vitamin A content and their powerful antioxidants. They support and boost our immune system and promote communication between our cells, which in turn helps slow down the aging process and stops the overproduction of cells that could potentially lead to cancer.
Eggs are also a great source of iron, so it is a great choice for those who suffer from low red blood cell levels. The omega-3 fatty acid content is also high, which plays a crucial role in brain function.
As with your other groceries, buying organic eggs is preferred. It is also becoming more and more common for people to raise their own chickens. So if you are feeling adventurous and resourceful, head over to your local nursery and purchase a handful of baby chicks. When you know exactly what your chickens are eating, you can be confident that the eggs you’re eating are of the highest quality and nutrition.
