Monday, July 8, 2013

The World’s Most Perfect Food – The Egg

Once condemned as a heart attack in the making due to it’s cholesterol content, the humble egg has undergone a renaissance as recent studies have shown eating cholesterol doesn’t raise blood cholesterol.

  • Myths concerning Eggs 
    •  Eating eggs will raise blood cholesterol: This is the oldest myth and is very misleading. Eating cholesterol from eggs will not raise your bad cholesterol (LDL) but will increase your good cholesterol (HDL) 
    • Eating eggs raw may preserve the most nutrients but runs the risk of Salmonella poisoning. On the other hand, there is evidence that cooked eggs especially soft boiled and poached preserve the nutrients and prevent Salmonella poisoning. Scrambling eggs has the least benefit as the proteins are denatured by the direct heat. 
  • Health Benefits of Eggs 
    • The Antioxidant Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts both of which are the leading causes of adult blindness 
    • Choline helps regulate the brain and nervous system improving memory and mood 
    • Sulfur helps promote healthier hair and nails 
    • One of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D which helps build stronger bones 
    • Eggs have been shown to help prevent Breast Cancer 
    •  Tryptophan helps prevent Cardiovascular disease and Cancer as well as helps to induce sleep and regulate mood 
  •  Nutritional Summary 
    • 6 grams of Protein plus all 9 essential amino acids 
    •  5 grams of Fat most of which is good unsaturated Fat 
    • 185 mg of Cholesterol (which does not raise your blood cholesterol) 
    •  Only 70 Calories in a large Egg 
    •  Two raw eggs have twice the Antioxidant content as found in an Apple 
There are an unlimited number of ways to prepare and enjoy this marvelous food. Eggs can be served as an appetizer, entrée, dessert, or beverage. No wonder eggs are the perfect food!

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