For whatever reason the egg[i] has been given a bad rap by doctors and nutritionists in the previous years but fear not, the egg has returned to its former glory of a delectable food option! You might be wondering why it was ever knocked off the charts as a good source of protein and worthy breakfast item in the first place. Well, it seems there was a misguided notion that the cholesterol in egg yolk raises the cholesterol levels of your body therefore putting your heart at risk. Luckily, for the egg and breakfast lovers everywhere, this silly idea has been debunked and the ever eatable egg is back on the “good things to eat” list.
According to many studies, including a recent one conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between eggs and heart attack or stroke is unfounded in healthy people (i.e. adios bad egg myth!). In fact eggs, in moderation, are an excellent addition to your diet. Whole eggs are one of the best sources of a nutrient called choline which may help to lower your chance of having cancer. A study published in the FASEB Journal titled Choline metabolism and risk of breast cancer in a population-based study (click here for a less science laced explanation of the study) found that women with a higher levels of choline in their diet reduced their chances of having breast cancer by 24%. The valuable nutrient is found in the yolks of eggs, so what does this mean for all of you who order ‘egg-white only’? You can FINALLY have a reason to enjoy an egg as it’s meant to be enjoyed, yolk and all. Here is another reason that you should embrace the egg as a whole…Yolks, not only pack a cancer fighting nutrient, but also two useful antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin help ward off macular degeneration, a disease that affects your eyesight, so you’ll be able to see clearly well into your eighties when others around you enroll in Bifocal 101.
So, we’ve got cancer fighter – check, eyesight saver – check, what else can the egg possibly do for you? Well I’ll tell you! The egg also helps reduce your waist size in that they’re more filling than your daily bagel. You’ll be fuller longer if you have a 2-egg omelet in the morning versus that bran muffin you usually eat, which means the urge to eat two hours later dissipates and you’re more satisfied until lunch. The egg also contains a sequence of amino acids which helps your body absorb the protein found in eggs easier therefore helping to repair your muscles after a strenuous workout. So for all you out there who exercise like mad, an egg is your best friend.
There you have it, evidence that the egg is no longer the ‘bad seed’ but rather a little, round treasure trove of goodness. I say…three cheers for the egg!
[i] Blog inspired by “Crack Wise” by the Editors of Women’s Health was provided by MSN Health & Fitness
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