Egg protein (the white) is of a better quality with a better balance of essential amino acids than other protein foods. This means that the amino acids in eggs are more useable by the body.
Egg yolk contains Omega 3 and it is considered instrumental in helping with joint and skeletal health, mood, eye health and mucosal membrane development.
One large hard-boiled egg contains, as a percentage of the RDA, an average of:
22% Selenium
15% Vitamin B2
9 % Vitamin B12
9% Vitamin Phosphorus
7% Vitamin B5
7% Vitamin D
6% Vitamin A
5% Folate
20% Plus Vitamin B6,E,K, Calcium and Zinc.
Approx. 77 calories, of which protein = 6g, and fats = 5g.
The nutritional benefits of an egg are many including contributing to:
Skeletal health
Night vision
Mucus membrane health
Lowering the likelihood of coronary artery disease and stroke
Skin health
Anti-oxidant effects
Eggs and Heart Health
Research has shown that although eggs contain LDL, the type of cholesterol that is associated with contributing to heart disease, they also contain HDL which contributes to protecting against heart disease. Also the type of LDL (Type A) is less likely to be plaque forming in the arteries. So, put into simple terms nature has balanced the books. Also, our livers are producing cholesterol, so when we eat eggs, the cholesterol produced by our livers reduces to compensate.
Individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia should limit their use of eggs however.
Free Range Eggs vs. ‘Other’ Eggs
The purpose of this article is not to discuss the ethical reasons for eating Free Range eggs or caged hen eggs. There have been various studies into the nutritional contents of Free Range Eggs and Caged Eggs. There are factors that need to considered when looking at this comparison even however:
- Breed of Chicken.
- Type of environment chickens are kept in, e.g., pasture, size of cage.
- Type of food available.
All these factors affect the quality of the egg. Therefore if a free range egg had a poor pasture, the egg quality would be different to that of a hen living in better pasture, or well fed in a cage.
Studies have shown that free range eggs do contain a better content of Omega 3, Vitamins A,D and E.
Eggs and Weight Loss
It has been found through a small study group of 160 individuals that by eating eggs instead of a breakfast bagal or other bread, satiety was achieved and lasted for longer (until lunchtime). Further studies are needed but it does indicate that eggs could help with weight loss if used appropriately. The study also demonstrated that eggs themselves will not induce weight loss.
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