Eggs are good, no eggs are no-good, eggs are a good source of protein, but eggs increase cholesterol, egg yolks are bad, egg whites are good- who is right, and should I eat them?
The confusion around eggs still exists, many clients ask me if its ‘okay’ to consume eggs and my response is “YES absolutely, they are wonderful for your health”!
Eggs are delicious and an excellent source of protein and good fats, very versatile, can be used in meals, snacks, desserts, spreads etc. They are also an excellent source of Choline, a micronutrient that is needed for cell structure, cell messaging, nervous system function, DNA and more.
Egg yolks are rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin, a group of carotenoids that support eye health and reduce the chances of macular degeneration.
The belief that eggs are bad for you and negatively impact heart health and increase cholesterol has been mitigated by many recent research studies. In fact some studies have even proven that eggs can help prevent heart disease! Further, eggs contain 2 critical amino acids; Tryptophan and Tyrosine.
Tryptophan is what the body needs to make our happy hormone-Serotonin. Tyrosine synthesizes the neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine which promote alertness and sharpen mental activity.
In my opinion Eggs are far more beneficial then they are harmful, and they are a regular feature in my household.
How to buy Eggs?
It is important to consider buying organic free-range eggs as their nutrient profile is far superior to those of the conventional (read ‘caged’) eggs. Several health experts have confirmed that Organic free-range eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, ¼ less saturated fat, twice the amount of vitamins A, three times the amount of omega 3 fatty acids, three times more vitamin E and seven times more beta carotene!
Caged eggs are from unhealthy hens that have been given antibiotics and hormones, fed waste from other animals and have much higher chances of being exposed to Salmonella then free-range hens.
Organic eggs can be easily found in most grocery stores; however, the best kinds are the free-range, natural fed variety that your local farmers sell. Check out Farmers Markets and close by Farms for your supply.
Cooking eggs
Eggs are cooked in numerous ways and are a part of many world cuisines, but the true benefit of eggs lies in having them raw. The proteins in eggs change shape once they are cooked and if cooked for long periods of time their nutrient value can be halved.
Now I am not recommending consuming raw eggs, however I would suggest cooking them lightly to retain their maximum health benefits, poached and soft boiled would be a preferred way to consume eggs.
“After decades of avoiding eggs because we were told that cholesterol caused heart attacks, the 2015 US Dietary Guidelines officially exonerated them, finding no link between dietary cholesterol and heart disease,” Dr. Mark Hyman, a Physician and The New York Times best-selling author.
Eggs are good for health!
