Whether you love them or not, let’s be honest—eggs are probably something you’ve got in your fridge at some point.
For me, eating eggs every morning is a great way to kick off the day. Not just because they taste so good, but because I’ve learned that they offer so many health benefits. I didn’t fully realize just how helpful eggs could be until I learned more about them. Now, I make sure to have at least two eggs every day.
So, what’s so great about eggs? What’s in them, and are they really as good for you as people say? How dangerous is it to eat them regularly? Let’s dive into it and find out!
What’s inside an egg?
Eggs pack a lot more than you might think! They are loaded with vitamins like A, D, E, and B12, as well as riboflavin and folate. On top of that, eggs also have important minerals like iodine, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. That’s a lot of nutrients packed into one little shell!
Eggs and cholesterol
Now, you’ve probably heard that eggs are bad for you because they have cholesterol, right? Well, that’s actually a myth. Yes, eggs do contain cholesterol, but it’s not the kind that harms your health. According to Jennie Nyenvik, a dietary expert from Sweden’s Aftonbladet site, the cholesterol in eggs is not the “bad” type that raises your blood cholesterol levels.
In fact, eating a protein-rich breakfast, like eggs, can help you lose weight. Research has shown that people who eat eggs in the morning on a low-calorie diet tend to lose weight twice as fast. Plus, eggs help you feel full for longer, which means you’ll likely eat less during the day overall.
Eggs and your immune system
You know how everyone starts getting sick around the winter months, with colds and viruses floating around? Well, eggs are great at helping your immune system stay strong. Studies show that eating just two eggs a day can help protect you from infections and illnesses.
An egg contains 22% of your daily recommended intake of selenium, which is a mineral known for boosting your immune system.
Eggs and your body
Ever heard of choline? It’s an amino acid that helps with nerve signals, including things like remembering where you put your keys or wallet. Research has shown that taking extra choline can improve your memory and responsiveness. So, eggs can help you with remembering the little things!
Eggs are also rich in lutein, a nutrient that’s great for your eyes. Lutein helps protect the retina and keeps your vision clear and sharp. The best part? Lutein is naturally found in eggs, and it’s something your eyes produce to protect themselves from damage.
Eggs and depression
Vitamin D can be hard to get during the colder months when the sun isn’t around as much, but eggs can help. Vitamin D is crucial for your bone health and also plays a role in regulating your mood. Research shows that it can help fight depression, which is especially helpful during the darker months when many people experience seasonal affective disorder.
But that’s not all. Eggs also contain folate, which is a B-vitamin that helps in the formation of red blood cells. If you don’t get enough folate, you might be at risk for anemia. It’s also vital for pregnant women, as it helps with the development of a healthy fetus.
Eggs and anti-aging
Want to fight signs of aging? Eggs can help with that too! Eggs are packed with amino acids that help build and repair cells, which is important as we age. As we get older, we actually need more vitamin D—especially people over 60, who need about 10 micrograms a day. One egg provides about 0.7 micrograms of vitamin D, so eating eggs regularly can help support your aging body.
Reduced heart disease risk
You might be surprised to learn that eggs can help reduce your risk of heart disease. A study from researchers in Canada found that eating foods rich in eggs can actually lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. The secret is in the antioxidants tryptophan and tyrosine that eggs contain. These antioxidants help protect your body from harmful effects, including heart disease.
What’s more, if you have bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, eggs can actually help improve your numbers and reduce the risk of heart problems. So, eggs might be a good choice if you’re worried about your heart health.
Now that you know all of the incredible benefits of eggs, maybe you’ll look at them differently next time you crack one open. They’re not just delicious; they’re packed with nutrients that your body needs!
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