An Egg A Day Is Okay

Eggs have gotten a bad rap because of their yolks that are known to be rich in fat and cholesterol. We've been told to avoid them because foods that contain cholesterol increase our risk of heart disease. That's why many health conscious people have switched to egg-substitute products. With the promise of "zero cholesteterol" on the labels of these products, no wonder people buy it.

The truth is, foods that trigger inflammation in the body are sugars, refined grains, trans fats and other processed foods. Dietary cholesterol is not the major source of many health issues. And definitely, eggs are not the real problem. In fact, eggs are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals that will support your body's health and is guaranteed safe to eat.

Yolk-free egg mixes, meanwhile, reduce dietary cholesterol and in some cases, calories, that may only lead to important nutritional compromises. Manufacturers often add polyunsaturated vegetable oil, a group of industrial fat known to stir up inflammation, to make up for the removed egg yolk. Beware, because polyunsaturated oils create free radicals when heated up and can cause damage to arteries. Other additives needed to recreate the same flavor and texture give nothing or little nutrition, not to mention, increase the amount of chemical compounds that your body must deal with.

So, today, nutrition experts know better to recommend whole eggs to people who really like them. A large egg can have as much as 6 grams of protein on it and half of them is from the yolk. The yolk also contains vitamins A, D and E, as well as, micronutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin for good eyesight. And if you can get some from free-range or flaxseed-fed chickens, those eggs have especially high omega-3 content.

Here's how to enjoy whole eggs and get the most out of them:

• Choose eggs from pastured chickens, those that roam freely outdoors.


• Protect the yolk as much as you can. Scrambling will expose them to heat, oxygen and light, which oxidizes cholesterol and other fats.


• Better enjoy them soft boiled or poached.

Source: Mind and Body Health May 2010 Newsletter
Image by wintersoul1 on Flickr