7 Health Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are low cost and packed with numerous nutrients.

Eggs were given a bad rap during the 1980s.  The popular line was that they were a high source of dietary cholesterol which eventually leads to heart disease.  Many people started to shun eggs back then, or at least, the yolks.  Medical science now has come to the conclusion that trans fats and saturated fats play a bigger role in raising LDL "bad" cholesterol than dietary cholesterol is.  In fact, according to the Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating. "No research has ever shown that people who eat more eggs have more heart attacks thank people eat few eggs."

Eggs are back on the good list and should be part of a healthy diet.  The top 7 reasons include:

Eggs assist weight loss.  Eggs are high in protein and keep you full (satiated) for longer reducing the need for in-between meal snacking.  Recent studies have found that people who ate eggs for breakfast snacked less than people who ate toast.  A study from St. Louis University found that egg eaters consumed 264 fewer calories a day than their non-egg eating counterparts.  

Eggs are high in protein.  One hard boiled egg has 6 grams of protein.  About 25% of your daily recommended intake.  They are also a complete protein, meaning they contain all the amino acids that we require.

Breast cancer.  A study found that women who ate eggs in their youth had a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Eggs help with brain development and memory.  Eggs contain the nutrient Choline which stimulates brain development and function.  Choline also has been associated with helping increase memory retention and increasing alertness.

Eggs help your eyesight.  Eggs contain two antioxidants, leutin and zeaxanthin, these two nutrients have been shown to protect eyes from damage related to UV exposure, and the development of cataracts in senior years.

Eggs are a nutrition powerhouse.  Besides those listed above, vitamins A. B2, , D, E, and niacin, and the minerals copper, iron, sulfur, and phosphorous are found in eggs.

Eggs are inexpensive and relatively easy to prepare.  They also have a long shelf life and are low in calories about 70 in one large egg.

Choose eggs from hens that have been fed barley, wheat and milo instead of tcorn and soy.  A 2011 study found that hens not given the typical diet (corn and soy) produced better eggs that are better for our health. Free-range, organic eggs are optimal, whenever possible.  As for which is better for you a brown or white egg?  The answer is they are equal.   

Read Also: 5 Foods You Should Eat More Of