The Incredible Edible Egg and Your Health
The Incredible Edible Egg and Your Health
We’ve seen body-builders time and time again chugging as many as two dozen eggs or more a day, but yet we hear time and time again that eggs aren’t good for us. So, I did some research on eggs and how they contribute to our health. If you’re an egg-lover, you’re going to be egg-static about what I found!
The benefits of the egg truly are numerous! Firstly, we know that eggs are a good source of protein, but how good are they for our health? Let’s take a look.
Protein: Well, eggs are considered to be a ‘complete’ source of protein, in that they contain all nine essential amino acids. These essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body, so we must get them from outside sources. Eggs are incredible for maintaining a healthy weight. This power pack of high quality protein keeps you feeling full longer, thus curbing cravings and the need for in between meals snacking. Your energy levels will be sustained throughout the day. As we already know, protein is needed by every cell of the body; from chemicals like hormones and enzymes to building muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, and even blood!
Nutrients: Every egg contains about 70 calories, about 6 grams of proteins, antioxidants and they contain as many nutrients that is compared to taking a multivitamin pill! Following are some of the nutrients. Egg whites contain selenium, vitamin D, B6, B2, B12, and minerals such as zinc and copper. Egg yolks contain healthy sources of cholesterol, along with fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, and K, as well as lecithin. (This is the substance that allows emulsification in recipes like mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce.)
Eye Health: Did you know that eggs protect your eyes from sun damage and blindness? Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant found in the egg yolk is said to help protect the eyes from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. The yolks contain high levels of a type of carotenoid called lutein. Lutein helps to protect the eye from macular degeneration, which is said to be the leading cause of legal blindness. Though you can find lutein in green leafy vegetables like kale and broccoli, scientists now say that our bodies are better able to absorb the lutein from egg yolks instead of the leafy vegetables. And these two nutrients together may also reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
Brain and Nerve Function: Another substance found in the egg yolk is choline. This nutrient is important for brain development and proper mental function, liver function, and normal nerve function. Choline helps to support energy levels and a healthy metabolism.
Eggs are Good for Your Cholesterol: What is cholesterol anyway? It’s best described as a waxy substance that ends up lining the walls of your arteries, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Cholesterol is complicated subject as it pertains to the body and everyone processes cholesterol differently.
In an article titled, Eggs Are Good for Your Cholesterol by Dr. Joseph Mercola, he writes, “Cholesterol in your blood known as LDL is narrowed down to two subtypes: dense, small particles and large, fluffy particles. The dense small-particle LDL type is what can be identified as a risk factor for increasing your heart disease risk, while people with large LDL particles have a lower risk, but here's the kicker: Eggs convert small LDL particles to large particles.”
Did you know the body actually creates large amounts of cholesterol on its own, even more than you can eat? Point being…trying to avoid foods that can raise cholesterol level won’t help very much. So, what will? Good old-fashioned exercise and healthy eating, of course. It’s by living a healthy lifestyle.
Why do bodybuilders eat so many eggs? They say because the egg is the most complete and versatile food available. The protein in one egg, for example, is so high and complete that it is used as the standard by which all other foods are measured against. Eggs happen to be a main source of choline and other nutrients, which aside from everything mentioned above, also help to fight chronic inflammation and even helps to prevent birth defects like spina bifida and brain development in new born babies! I’d say that’s pretty incredible!
Dr. Mercola also writes, "The truth is that cholesterol is a very important part of the body — and an essential element to good health. It is a structural molecule that is an essential part of every single cell membrane. It is used to make steroid hormones such as testosterone, (estrogen) and cortisol; helps your metabolism work efficiently; and produces bile acids, which helps the body digest fat and absorb important nutrients. The truth is, without cholesterol we wouldn't even exist.”
There you have it! The incredible edible egg is truly incredible! How many eggs are eating today?
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