Eggs

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Eggs

Special Precautions of Eggs

  • Cholesterol : For years eggs have been considered more of a health risk than a healthy food. Since they are high in cholesterol, it was recommended that people with high cholesterol levels avoid eggs. But it turns out the cholesterol content for which they have been vilified is much lower than it was 10 years ago. This reduction has been attributed to the changes in hen feed since the BSE crisis in the 1990s. British research shows that a medium egg contains about 100mg of cholesterol, a third of the 300mg recommended daily limit. Also it is saturated fat in the diet, not dietary cholesterol that influences blood cholesterol levels the most.
  • Pregnancy : If you are eating eggs during pregnancy, ensure you cook until the whites and yolks are solid.
  • Bacteria - people are advised to avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs. Bacteria can enter the egg through pores in the shells. In the U.S., all eggs graded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are washed with a sanitizing rinse during the screening stage at a processing plant. In the U.S., egg products - eggs removed from their shells for factory processing - distributed for consumption are required by law to undergo a process called pasteurization. During this process, eggs are rapidly heated and kept at a high temperature for a period of time to kill off any Salmonella bacteria. Eggs should be avoided if their shells are cracked or if they are past expiration date.

Health Benefits and Uses of Eggs

Eggs are a very good source of inexpensive, high quality protein. More than half the protein of an egg is found in the egg white along with vitamin B2 and lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than the yolk. The whites are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Egg yolks contain more calories and fat. They are the source of cholesterol, fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lecithin - the compound that enables emulsification in recipes such as hollandaise or mayonnaise. Some brands of egg now contain omega-3 fatty acids, depending on what the chickens have been fed (always check the box). Eggs are regarded a 'complete' source of protein as they contain all eight essential amino acids; the ones we cannot synthesise in our bodies and must obtain from our diet.

  • Strong muscles - the protein within eggs helps keep muscles working well while slowing the rate at which they are lost.
  • Brain health - eggs contain vitamins and minerals that are needed for the regular functioning of cells, including the brain, nervous system, memory, and metabolism.
  • Good energy production - eggs contain all the daily vitamins and minerals that are needed to produce energy in all the cells of the body.
  • A healthy immune system - vitamin A, vitamin B-12, and selenium are key to keeping the immune system healthy.
  • Cholesterol : Eggs Raise HDL (the "Good") Cholesterol. For years eggs have been considered more of a health risk than a healthy food. Since they are high in cholesterol, it was recommended that people with high cholesterol levels avoid eggs. a single egg contains 212 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg. However it's important to keep in mind that cholesterol in the diet doesn't necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood. The liver actually produces large amounts of cholesterol every single day. When we eat more eggs, the liver just produces less cholesterol instead, so it evens out. The response to egg consumption varies between individual : In 70% of people, eggs don't raise cholesterol at all. In the other 30% (termed "hyper responders"), eggs can mildly raise Total and LDL cholesterol Also it is saturated fat in the diet, not dietary cholesterol that influences blood cholesterol levels the most.
  • Lower risk of heart disease - choline plays an important part in breaking down the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with the development of heart disease.
  • Healthful pregnancy - nutrients within eggs help to prevent congenital disabilities, such as spina bifida. During pregnancy and breast feeding, an adequate supply of choline is particularly important, since choline is essential for normal brain development.
  • Eyesight - lutein and zeaxanthin help to prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related blindness. Other vitamins also promote good vision.
  • Weight loss and maintenance - the high quality of protein within eggs might help keep people energized and feeling fuller for longer. Feeling full prevents snacking, which reduces overall calorie intake.
  • Skin benefits - some vitamins and minerals within eggs help promote healthy skin and prevent the breakdown of body tissues. A strong immune system also contributes to a healthy look overall.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, eggs are recommended to strengthen the blood and increase energy by enhancing digestive and kidney function.