Why Eat Eggs?
An egg is one of nature's most nutritious creations. Eggs are protein-rich, low in sodium and
contain varying amounts of 13 important vitamins and minerals. In addition, eggs are
inexpensive, delicious and easy to prepare. Soft, delicious eggs are easy to chew and digest,
making them suitable for people of all ages. Containing the highest quality protein available in a
food, eggs also provide a wide variety of other nutrients at 70 calories per Large egg. Eggs are
versatile and convenient for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and can be prepared and used in
so many ways.
Nutrient Value:
Eggs are nutrient-rich because they have a high nutrient content compared to their calorie count.
This makes them especially helpful as a nutritious part of young children, and senior diets as well
as diets for the weight conscious. Research has found that eggs offer benefits beyond basic
nutrition and may help prevent disease and promote health. Containing antioxidant vitamins,
eggs can be considered one of nature's original functional foods.
Protein:
Eggs supply high quality protein, and contain the highest quality protein available in a food. Egg
protein contains all the essential amino acids in a pattern that matches the human body's needs.
Egg protein is used as the standard by which other proteins are measured because of its high
quality. Protein is the only essential nutrient that provides nitrogen, extremely important for
building and repairing muscle and organ tissues as well as maintenance of blood, nerves, bones
and heart.
Carotenoids:
Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are both abundant in egg yolks, and help prevent the
increasingly common eye disorder of age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of
blindness in Americans age 65 and older. Eggs contain the perfect mixture of antioxidant
vitamins A and E combined with a fat source to assist in their absorption into the body. Studies
have shown that generous intakes of these carotenoids have significantly reduced cataract risk up
to 20%, and macular degeneration up to 40%.
Choline:
The vitamin choline in eggs has been shown to be an essential nutrient. Necessary for proper
brain development in the fetus and newborn, choline may also play a role in memory function
throughout life and into advanced age. Among other benefits, choline has been found to play a
role in the prevention of heart disease, fatty liver, and neural tube defects.
Cholesterol Issue:
After 30 plus years of being maligned for its cholesterol content, now, thanks to an ever-growing
body of research studies, eggs are making a comeback. Even the American Heart Association
revised their guidelines permitting people to enjoy an egg everyday as part of an average daily
cholesterol intake of 300 mg. Study after study shows that dietary cholesterol has no effect on
heart disease risk. The evidence indicates that saturated fat in the diet, rather than cholesterol, is
the dietary factor most responsible for increasing blood cholesterol levels.
For additional egg nutrition information:
The incredible edible eggTM